Exclusive: Ex-Oyo Commissioner, Ayandele, Tegbe , Adelabu May Replace Shittu As Minister

... as Ajimobi prefers younger person

Barring any last-minute changes, ex- Oyo Finance Commissioner, Mr. Zacchaeus Adedeji Adelabu and two other prominent governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Olusola Ayandele and Engineer Olasunkanmi Tegbe have been nominated by the immediate past Governor Abiola Ajimobi for ministerial appointment.

The party’s guber nominee, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, also stands a better chance, Mega Icon Magazine exclusively gathered.

It would be recalled that former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, has reportedly declined the offer to serve as a Minister under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to allow the President pick a younger person from the Oyo APC team.

Confirming this development, an APC Chieftain in the state who confided in our reporter, disclosed that former Governor Ajimobi had earlier nominated Zacchaeus Adelabu, Joseph Tegbe and Olusola Ayandele for the ministerial appointment. The faultless source hinted further that though Chief Adelabu was not nominated due to his ongoing election petition at the tribunal, however, the ex-CBN Deputy Governor is currently enjoying support from the National leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Our leader, Asiwaju is coordinating the ministerial lists in the Southwest and he has expressed interest in Bayo Adelabu and Eruobodo through his body language. Eruobodo, is also making good use of his contacts, particularly, the connection gained through the former Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar.

“Zach and Tegbe are also penetrating seriously, because they have the credentials, strong connections and required experience. Asiwaju, only prefers a smart, intelligent and surprising political strategist as a rallying point for a stronger, better and more united APC in Oyo state.

“Meanwhile, some members and chieftains of our party are drumming support for Zacchaeus , Tegbe and Eruobodo , while others are also clamouring for Adelabu. Honestly, we are proud of these nominees, they are capable of occupying the seat.

“But, do not be deceived my brother, Ajimobi is a factor!

“Apart from his political influence and connections, Ajimobi is a known hard – core Tinubu’s loyalist, he has a voice in this matter as well”, the unnamed source hinted.

Zacchaeus Adedeji Adelabu, a seasoned financial expert from Ogo Oluwa Local Government Area of Oyo state had served as a former commissioner for Finance under former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. In fact, he is a close associate of the governor and his philanthropic gesture seems to be opening doors for him.

Having worked closely with the ex- finance minister, Kemi Adeosun, and handled several high leveled assignments, he has brilliant ideas towards Nigeria’s development. Also, Adelabu’s gesture is selfless in that it cuts across the state, he has impacted people’s lives positively.

Chief Adebayo Adelabu ,who is the Parakoyi of Ibadan land, immediate Past Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria and Oyo APC governorship Candidate in the just concluded election, is also the grand son of late political icon, Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu popularly addressed as ‘Penkelemesi”.

Bayo Adelabu is one of the vibrant youths in the state with his experience in management and banking sector.

The first class graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife , Osun state had also contributed greatly to the development of Oyo State when he was CBN Deputy Governor, Operations and through Bayo Adelabu foundation.

Engr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, a name that has rocked the political circle in the state within shortest time.

Olasunkanmi Tegbe is an Ibadan born strategist, economic planner, policy formulator and silent philanthropist.

His experience is diverse and varied having provided advisory services to states and federal government in Nigeria and West Africa on good governance, administration, quality assurance, policy formulation and implementation. He has also consulted for multinational organisations and non -governmental organisations. This is informed by his background as a first class civil engineer and a top rated chartered accountant.

Apart from his intimidating academic profile, Tegbe is endowed with knowledge, skills and human face. He has successfully contributed positively to KPMG, an international auditing firm.

Dr Olusola Ayandele (Eruobodo) is an Ibarapa born industrialist who has administrative and managerial skills in both public and private sector

The highly cerebral Dr Ayandele had enjoyed warm reception from the leaders and members of the APC which has indeed boosted his morale and energized his then aborted guber aspiration.

Ayandele’s background as a relationship expert and conflict manager has also enhance his acceptability in the party.