VeryDarkMan meets Oluwo of Iwo, hints at entering grassroots politics as he urges stricter public scrutiny of local councils

Popular social media influencer and President of the Ratel Movement, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has visited the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, at his palace in Iwo, Osun State, in a move that underscores his growing political interest.

VDM, who was accompanied by supporters of the Ratel Movement drawn from different parts of the country, received a warm reception at the ancient palace, where discussions centred on governance, grassroots development, and citizen engagement.

Speaking during the visit, the influencer openly signalled his movement’s readiness to venture into active politics, revealing that internal consultations are already underway. He noted that the group is considering supporting credible candidates, with a strategic focus on grassroots politics beginning at the local government level.

“This is my first time in Osun State. I have listened to the Oluwo, who encouraged our movement to participate in active politics. It is something we have been discussing, and at the appropriate time, we will support the most trusted among us, starting from the local government level,” he said.

VDM also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting financial autonomy to local governments, describing the policy as a critical step toward accelerating development at the grassroots. However, he expressed concern that some state governments are hindering its full implementation.

“I commend President Tinubu for granting local government autonomy, even though some states are frustrating it. I’m glad to hear that in Osun, the policy is working,” he added.

He further called on Nigerians to intensify their oversight of local government administrations, stressing that accountability should not be limited to federal and state authorities alone.

According to him, citizens must channel more energy into monitoring local councils, asking questions, and demanding transparency to ensure that the benefits of autonomy translate into real development at the community level.