THE game is continuity, as the political class in the pacesetter state scheme and manoeuvre amidst suspicion and skin deep intrigues.
Politics of preservation manifests in Oyo state, as political gladiators further protect hiding interests.
The political atmosphere in the state, no doubt is becoming more lively on a daily basis owing to the different dimensions it has taken by the day while the political gladiators from different political parties, even in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are warming up to take over from the incumbent governor, Abiola Ajimobi.
However, opposition parties in the state are scheming to present the candidate that will occupy the Agodi Government House in 2019.
With the present situation of things in the state, politicians from different political backgrounds, dossiers and antecedents are scheming to contest. What, however shocked political watchers recently in the state is the same camp, which the gladiators have pitched their tent.
Interestingly, four members from Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State cabinet have signified interests to succeed him as the next occupant of the Agodi Government House, Mega Icon Magazine fresh facts revealed.
This struggle for the coveted governorship seat is being nursed surreptitiously, a faultless source disclosed.
The aspirants include, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Olalekan Alli; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan; Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Physical Development, Mr Ajiboye Omodewu, and Commissioner for Finance, Planning and Budget; Mr. Abimbola Adekanmbi.
As cabinet members, they met once in a week at the State Executive Council meeting, mostly Mondays and other government functions aside personal interactions.
Although, they belong to the same political party- APC, but the quest to succeed Ajimobi as the sixth civilian governor of the pacesetter State might put a crush among the four cabinet members anytime from now.
Olalekan Ali : Who was Governor Ajimobi’s junior in secondary school at Lagelu Grammar School hails from Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State. He had served the state as SSG at the twilight of Ajimobi’s first term, before his appointment was renewed and maintains a worthwhile relationship with his boss.
Abimbola Adekanmbi: the young Commissioner in charge of the Ministry of Finance is from Ona Ara Local Government and has a cordial relationship with the entire first family of his boss for decades, thus he could push a lot through. He was appointed as Deputy Chief of Staff during the governor’s first term. Apart from being a fat cat, the tall dark dude has started underground consultation.
Isaac Ajiboye Omodewu: The Otu born politician, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area is intensifying his intention to become the next governor of the state. The former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters is a kitchen cabinet member and an age long associate of the governor.
The commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Omodewu is one of the prominent gladiators, alongside Professor Adeolu Akande, former Chief of Staff to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, Minister for Communications from the Oke Ogun zone.
Dr Azeez Adeduntan : Another prominent and illustrious son of Ibadan SouthWest Local Government is a budding politician who has been in the race since 2011. He specializes in General Surgery and Vascular Surgery.
The Commissioner for Health got his slot on a recommendation from Senator Mamora, a close pal to Governor Ajimobi on account of his exploits in the field of medicine.
However, apart from breaking the second term jinx, the biggest political hurdle before Governor Abiola Ajimobi is to install a successor, and many factors must be considered to achieve the desired goal. Presently, the governor is still keeping his preferred candidate very close to his chest and striving hard to raise the bar of good governance as the major selling point of the Apc led government in the state.
By Idowu AYODELE.
