Oyo 2019: The Crowded Governorship Race.

APART from been a dicey game, the prospect of winning seems iffy and the task to govern Oyo state is certainly laborious, it’s completely engaging as well as very complicated due to the level of interest that is involved as some aspirants from Ogbomoso and Oyo zones expressed their interests. 

Meanwhile, confusion rocks in Oyo state with so many candidates showing interest in the Agodi Government House assignment as no fewer than thirty five (35) gets set to succeed the present occupant, Abiola Ajimobi.

However, the introduction of a former commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters and Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Abdulfatai Buhari, ex- Finance Commissioner, Mr. Zacchaeus Adedeji Adelabu and another former commissioner in the ministry of Works and Transport, Alhaji Yunus Akintunde has changed the calculation and permutation of other aspirants eyeing the most exalted post in the state.

Abdulfatai Buhari is presently representing Oyo North Senatorial District and an experienced politician. The lawmaker, who hails from Ogbomoso South Local Government alongside  Mr Remi Odetomi, Mulikat Adeola Akande among other notable politicians was a former Federal House of Representatives member from 2003- 2007, and also served as Special Adviser to the governor on water resources before he was moved to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters as a commissioner during Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s first term. He is stylish, intelligent and strategic.

Also, Buhari is enjoying a worthwhile relationship with his erstwhile boss, Abiola Ajimobi. The Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime stays focused on quality representation, and politics of the gatekeepers. He maintains a healthy relationship with the National Leader of his party – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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

The technocrat was among the strong ‘fat cats’ and political donors that supported Governor Abiola Ajimobi during the 2011 governorship contest.

Apart from being a city spender, he has brilliant ideas towards Oyo state development and has started his underground campaign.

In a related development, the ex-council chief of Oyo West Local Government, Alhaji Yunus Akintunde is another political Juggernaut and the only aspirant from Oyo zone who has expressed interest in the Agodi Government House job. The erstwhile commissioner for Works and Transport under governor Abiola Ajimobi is representing ‘Oyo Agenda’.

As an experienced politician, the former executive assistant to governor Ajimobi on political matters in his bid towards actualizing his dream of becoming the Governor, he has started consultation with a view to enjoying a wide grassroots appeal.

Though, there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, but permanent interests, however, the cordial relationship between the ex – Commissioner and his boss, Governor Ajimobi is gradually shrinking over alleged rift.