AS the race to succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state gathers momentum, an aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Isaac Omodewu has stressed on the need for an insider to succeed the governor.
The two-time commissioner, Omodewu who currently heads the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, is a kitchen cabinet member and an age long associate of the governor.
The Otu born politician, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, in Oke-Ogun stated this while addressing council chiefs at a meeting held in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital last Friday.
The guber hopeful further emphasised, ” there is need for continuity of legacies and programmes of our principal which only an insider can do. We should not allow moneybags or people with external influence to take over from our principal.
“ I wouldn’t mind if I am not lucky to be the next governor, but let us work together as one indivisible family and pursue a common goal which is letting an insider take over from Governor Ajimobi”, Omodewu added.
Giving insight into why he wants to become the next governor of the state, Omodewu said, “I am an established aspirant, I have been part of the government right from the first day and I know if I am privilege to be the next governor I will continue our principal’s laudable programmes and take Oyo state to another level.
“ We should set the state on auto pilot like that of Lagos. Asiwaju Tibubu laid the foundation and today Lagos is enjoying the proceed of continuity, Ajimobi has started it in Oyo state, we should not allow the process to be truncated by allowing those who are not part of us to take over from the system”.
He assured the council chairmen of direct access and more proper funding. “While I was a commissioner at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, I did not only facilitated foreign trips and seminars for council chairmen, I also arranged periodic seminars and trainings for Supervisors at the local governments in the state, this I will continue if I eventually emerged as the next governor of Oyo state.”
Remarking, the state commissioner for Works, Alhaji Dauda Oladimeji, described Omodewu’s move as a right decision that should be supported and encouraged by all and sundry .
“ Omodewu is one of the few men who understands the system and will be a better successor of Governor Abiola Ajimobi”, the Commissioner said.
Some of the council gaffers whom were in attendance, including Bashorun Bosun Ajuwon, Hon Lanre Olaosegba, Hon Bamgboye , Hon Taiwo, amongst others, unanimously pledged their supports for Omodewu’s gubernatorial ambition, describing him as a notable politician with an enviable track record.
