ONDO 2024: A Test Of Aiyedatiwa’s Understanding Of Our Political Settings, Necessities
By Lanre Tugbiyele, Akure
Now that every political party who wants to participate in the November 2024 Governorship election in Ondo state are done with their primaries and probably every dispute arising from it might have been settled internally by the respective parties, attention will however shift to another aspect of the buildup for victory.
Let me dwell with the ruling party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) who will be fielding the incumbent Governor, HE, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as her candidate having received the certificate of return yesterday. Issuing certificate of return by the ruling APC is probably because the NWC have accepted the verdict and recommendation of the Appeal committee and they (NWC) might have reach out to other Aspirants to reach a common ground afterwards.
The Race for Aiyedatiwa’s Deputy Begins…
With due respect to all the numerously qualified individuals across the six (6) LGAs that make up Ondo Central Senatorial District, I suggest Idanre or Ifedore should be considered for nomination for the Deputy Governorship slot in the spirit of equality, fairness and good decision making.
Our tradition has it that when Governorship seat goes to the South, Deputy Governorship seat rotates to the Central automatically and in a wise decision making, owing to the voting strength of Ondo Central that constitute almost 50% of voters in Ondo State!
Here is my analysis for my position; Akure had, had the Deputy for over 6 years and also had SSG for more than 8 years!
Ondo town (West) had 8 years Governor uninterrupted and presently the Speaker of ODHA is from Ondo East. The only free LGAs are Idanre, Ifedore and to some extent Akure North. But Ifedore have had a taste of the Speakership of the State Assembly for over 6 years leaving Idanre as the only LGA that have not gotten a taste of top 5 positions in the state, Executive nor Legislative.
Akure South presently occupies the senatorial seat that belongs to the six LGA, the Senator at least in the next 4 years possibly a renewable term for another 4 years. So naturally Akure South should not be considered.
There are various Aiyedatiwa pioneers in Idanre which includes Hon Adeloye Oladejo; Hon Prince Kayode Aroloye (former LGA Chairman) Hon Princess Tosin Ogunlowo; Hon Adesoji Afolabi, Hon Taye Akinyele, Hon. Akin Àkingbesote and a lot of others. The present Party Chairman, Ade Adetimehin whose tenure is itching towards an end can be considered should Governor Aiyedatiwa be looking for a thorough politician with grassroot strength.
Also, in Ifedore former Chairman of Ifedore LGA; Hon Sogo Ijikiola is a Grassroot person that will add flavour to the ticket. Hon Derosoye Fadola’s popularity will seal the ticket, the present commissioner from Ifedore seems to be too elitist for the offer but not too bad if the focus is not Grassroot appeal considering but a mistake considering Hon Agboola the PDP candidate as a grassroot man.
Another way of balancing the ticket might be considering Mrs Toyin Adegbenro an Ifedore lady, this will bring oneness and total reintegration. Tobi Ogunleye too is a Grassroot man and many more options. I believe the Primary is over no Aiyedatiwa, no Oke, no Akinterinwa group again, one APC many will argue but will say that is right.
If these two LGAs are not considered then Akure North should be considered because you may say Akuŕe South is different from Akure North. One particular name that will add more vote is Hon Dele Ologun, the former Commissioner for Youth and Sports. He is very popular in that LGA, the MHA in Akure North too, Hon Kolawole can be a good addition and so many other options.
Should the present Deputy be retained? That will be betraying the Ondo Central, the largest voting strength of the state. And a great risk to take going forward!
Lanre Tugbiyele is a Public Affairs Analyst writes from Oba Ile, Akure North