The Owo Youth General Assembly has dissociated itself from a purported endorsement of a senatorial aspirant, Chief Alex Ajipe, following the circulation of a viral video linking one of its members to the development.
In a statement issued on Monday, the youth body said it was not involved in any endorsement of aspirants for the Ondo North Senatorial District, describing reports suggesting otherwise as misleading.
The Assembly said its attention was drawn to videos circulating on social media in which a man identified as Mr Obadaye Temidayo, described as president of OYGA, was seen chanting solidarity songs alongside Chief Ajipe.
Clarifying its position, the group stated that the actions captured in the video did not reflect the collective decision or position of the Owo Youth General Assembly, stressing that it had not endorsed any candidate ahead of the senatorial race.
According to the statement, the Assembly maintains its commitment to remaining apolitical and fostering peace among youths in Owo Kingdom, particularly at a time when political activities are still evolving and alignments remain unsettled.
The youth body noted that aligning with any aspirant at an early stage of the political process could deepen divisions among youths, especially as individuals and groups hold differing political preferences.
It added that, as a registered youth organisation guided by principles of equity, fairness and transparency, it would resist any attempt by individuals to use its name to promote personal political interests.
The Assembly urged members of the public to disregard any claims suggesting its involvement in partisan political endorsements, warning that such actions could threaten unity among youth groups in the community.
The statement was signed by the President of the Assembly, Bash Adeola, and the Secretary General, Comrade Olalekan Ebenezer.