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Osun Guber Race: ‘Plus or Minus’ || By Akinyode Ishola

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AFTER the Ekiti State Governorship election which was won by the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Kayode Fayemi, attention is now on September 22nd Governorship Election in the state of Osun.

Just like the Governor Ayodele Fayose’s tenure in Ekiti will be over in October, Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola will also bow out of office in November this year.

It is certain, except if the unfortunate incident happen, God forbid; Governor Fayose will definitely handover to the Governor Elect, Dr Kayode Fayemi, a replica of 2014 handing over ceremony.

https://iso.keq.mybluehost.me/ekiti-election-why-did-goliath-fall-by-olamiposi-ishola/

The question is, who will succeed ‘Baba Kabiru’, who is the next occupant of Abere government secretariat?

Without iota of doubt, the race is between the ‘Dancing Senator’ of PDP, Chief Ademola Adeleke, who is the younger brother of the first civilian Governor in the state of Osun, Senator Isiaka Adeleke and Gentle Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the current Chief of Staff to Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Political Associate of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Senator Ademola, who is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hails from Ede in Osun West Senatorial District, while Alh Gboyega Oyetola, a native of Iragbiji in Osun Central Senatorial district is the standard bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 22nd governorship election in the state.

Also considering the new Abere government secretariat occupant, another factor is the former Deputy Governor in the state under the government of Chief Bisi Akande, Senator Iyiola Omisore who is the controversial governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP).

If the leadership tussle in Osun state chapter of the SDP is settled on time and Senator Omisore eventually emerged, then the race is between the trio.

The Strongholds

THE APC Governorship candidate, Alh Gboyega Oyetola is from Osun Central that comprises Osogbo, Ikirun, Ila, Iree, Iragbiji, Orooruwo , Agbaa, Ada, Eripa, Obaagun among others.

Some of these towns, especially Ikirun, Ila, Iree and Osogbo, the state capital are the strongholds of the progressive fold.

Alh Gboyega Oyetola

In Osun West senatorial district, where PDP candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke was picked, housed town like Ede, Ejigbo, Ife -Odan, Ikire, Iwo, Ode – Omu, Gbongan and some other adjoining towns and villages.

The PDP stronghold remains Ede, Ikire, Apomu,Ife- Odan, Gbongan and Ode- Omu while other towns like Ejigbo and Iwo belongs to the progressive going by the results of the bye – election in the district.

Ademola Adeleke

In Osun East Senatorial District, the home base of Senator Iyiola Omisore, the factional SDP governorship candidate, and the Incumbent governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola comprises Ife, Ilesha, Ipetumodu, Ifetedo, Ijebu-Jesa, Iperindo, Esa- Oke, Ife-wara among others.

https://iso.keq.mybluehost.me/ekiti-election-why-did-goliath-fall-by-olamiposi-ishola/

Just like other candidates, Ife and its environ remains the stronghold of SDP while Ilesha, the home town of Governor Aregbesola and some parts of Ijesha land will likely vote for APC.

Other ‘influences’ considered by political analysts include the factor of Money, Power of Incumbency and Electorate who are the main determinant in the September 22nd Governorship election.

Omisore

Even in the 1993 general elections which is the most fair, freest and credible election, the three factors, especially money played prominent role.

Although the infrastructural turn around in Osogbo and ultra modern schools coupled with good road networks tagged ‘Ona Baba Ona’ in all the local government areas of the state under Aregbesola is a plus for his party’s candidate, Alhaji Oyetola.

On the contrary, irregular and half payment of salaries labelled ‘Hafusa’ is a Minus for the ruling party in the state.

Another Minus for the ruling APC is the defection of Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, the Secretary to the government under Aregbe’s administration to African Democratic Party (ADP) is a big blow because Iwo which Adeoti came from is the stronghold of progress Party.

Alhaji Moshood Adeoti

Of course, the major opposition party always capitalised on the weakness of the ruling party and carefully observed some of their programmes as a way of canvassing for votes.

Less than two months to the September 22nd governorship poll, if the backlog of salaries are not paid on time, workers may decide otherwise and this may be a Plus for the opposition parties.

Also, another Plus for the APC is the defection of Senator Omisore from PDP to SDP. This is because, most of the Chieftains in the PDP moved with Omisore, thus, this is indeed; a Minus for the party that promised to wrestle power from the APC.

Unlike Oyo state, where Ibadan, the state capital with 11 local governments including less city has 51 percent of the eligible voters, Osun state with 30 local governments housed strong cities such as Osogbo, Ede, Ife, Ilesha, Ila, Ikirun, Iwo, Ikire among others with appreciable votes.

If Aregbesola’s candidate wins, then it will be the first in the history of the state for Progressive Party to hand over to another Progressive Government. But if otherwise, it will be the replica of what happened in Ekiti state.

September 22nd is knocking and left for electorate in Osun state to determine who will pilot the affairs of the state for another four years.

On the side of the umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) the just concluded Ekiti governorship election is an improvement on the part of the commission, but there is need to intensify more effort, especially on the malfunctioning of card readers and collection of Permanent Voter cards ahead of the governorship poll.

No doubt, Nigerians are waiting and hoping for free, fair and credible election in Osun state and this will also serve as template for the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

By Akinyode Ishola

Mega Icon Magazine, Political Desk

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Politics

APC Secretariat Violence: Oyo Lawmaker Denies Assault, Alleges Smear Campaign

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The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of violence at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat, describing claims that he assaulted a party member as false and politically motivated.

An online platform, IMPARTNEWSNETWORK, had alleged that Akinmoyede assaulted one Gafar Oyebade during a meeting convened by the state chairman of the party, Alake Adeyemo, to resolve issues surrounding the executive list of the APC in Lagelu Local Government Area.

However, Akinmoyede, in a statement on Tuesday, said the meeting was peaceful and attended by key members of the state executive, including the chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary, who witnessed the proceedings.

He clarified that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the state leadership recognised him as the Public Relations Officer.

According to the lawmaker, following the clarification, the state executive directed the Lagelu Local Government chairman, Fatai Awoyoola, to proceed with the swearing-in of other party officials.

Akinmoyede also faulted attempts to link the incident with the 2019 killing of a former federal lawmaker, noting that a court of competent jurisdiction had already ruled on the matter.

He said, “In Suit No. I/70c/2019, delivered by Justice Mufutau Adegbola on January 23, 2020, all those accused were discharged and acquitted.”

The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, alleging that Oyebade, a public school teacher under the Oyo State Government, should not be involved in partisan politics.

He described the allegation as a “recycled script” aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of political activities, urging constituents to remain calm.

Akinmoyede also called on journalists to verify information before publication and urged security agencies to take action against individuals who file false reports.

“These tactics surface every election cycle. Those behind them should learn to accept the outcomes of political processes. They failed before and will fail again. Power comes from God,” he added.

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Oyo Reps Member Denies Assault, Dares APC Chieftain to Prove ‘Hospitalisation’ Claim

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‎The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of assault levelled against him by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government Area, Mr. Gafar Oyebade.

Akinmoyede described the allegation as “false” and “a lie taken too far,” insisting that no physical altercation occurred.

The denial was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Legislative Aide, Dr. Isiaq Akintunde.

Oyebade had alleged that he was hospitalised following a confrontation during a meeting held at the office of the state party chairman in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, convened to resolve a leadership dispute in the local government.

‎But the federal lawmaker maintained that the meeting was peaceful and attended by top party officials.

‎“The meeting was convened to clarify Mr. Oyebade’s position within the local executive, and it was attended by the State Party Chairman, his deputy, the secretary, the publicity secretary, and other key state executives, all of whom witnessed the peaceful proceedings,” the statement read.

‎He added that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the Lagelu Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, identified him as the Public Relations Officer.

‎According to Akinmoyede, the state executive thereafter directed Awoyoola to proceed with the swearing-in of the remaining members of the local government executive.

‎The lawmaker accused Oyebade of fabricating the allegation to advance political interests.

‎“I wonder why Mr. Gafar Oyebade, a secondary school teacher, would claim he was assaulted in the presence of the State Executive. This is an attempt to justify money allegedly collected from an aspirant to tarnish my image,” he said.

‎Akinmoyede further claimed that Oyebade was seen walking freely after the meeting and was not hospitalised as alleged.

‎He also raised concerns over Oyebade’s involvement in partisan politics, noting that civil servants are restricted from active participation in political activities.

The lawmaker called on security agencies and the media to investigate the incident at the party’s Oke-Ado office to ascertain the veracity of the claims.

‎Efforts to reach Oyebade for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

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2027: Oseni kicks off Oyo South Senate bid, rallies support for one million Tinubu votes

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The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Aderemi Oseni, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Oseni made his aspiration known during a high-level meeting with the Ibarapa APC Elders’ and Leaders’ Forum, comprising the G9 and the expanded G64 caucus, held at the party secretariat in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, over the weekend.

The G9 and G64 groups consist of influential stakeholders drawn from Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, and Ibarapa North local government areas.

In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to the forum for their support and confidence in his leadership and vision.

He said his ambition to represent Oyo South Senatorial District was anchored on a determination to consolidate and expand his record of performance.

Oseni said, “This aspiration is not built on mere rhetoric, but on the continuity and expansion of a proven track record of quality representation and grassroots-oriented governance.”

While soliciting the support of party leaders, he described his ambition as a divine call to serve the people with renewed dedication.

According to him, “This is not a time for self-glory but a sacred responsibility to intensify efforts towards real development, bring more relief to our people and ensure inclusive governance.”

He pledged not to betray the trust reposed in him by party elders and faithful, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in progressive ideals and a genuine commitment to the development of the district.

Oseni also urged leaders in the zone to mobilise support towards delivering one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.

Speaking at the meeting, a leader from Ibarapa East, Chief Michael Morawo, lauded the lawmaker for delivering democratic dividends and strengthening the party structure. He added that Oseni has demonstrated commendable leadership through his performance, noting that his impact in stabilising the party within the constituency is evident.

Similarly, a former council chairman in Ibarapa Central, Chief Theophilus Adenrele, commended the lawmaker for not betraying the trust reposed in him. Also, a chieftain from Ibarapa North, Chief Francis Babalola, described Oseni as a humble leader committed to progressive ideals, dismissing speculations about his possible defection if he does not secure the governorship ticket.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum, Chief Timothy Jolaoso, said the lawmaker enjoys widespread grassroots acceptance that cuts across political divides.

Jolaoso said, “All indicators consistently point to Oseni as a candidate with acceptance that transcends party lines. He is not only capable but a man of deep faith with proven empathy for the downtrodden.”

He added, “He possesses the goodwill, financial strength, and public trust required for leadership.”

The elder statesman further noted that Oseni’s performance in the House of Representatives, alongside his role as Chairman of the FERMA Committee, underscores his competence and commitment to development.

 

 

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