Politics
Semi Guber Contest: Men eyeing Oyo south’s senatorial seat
SENATORIAL election in the Oyo South district promises to be one of the most keenly contested, as the countdown to the elections of 2023 begins. Battle Royale will be the primary election for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and then when the opposition candidate faces the Governor Seyi Makinde – led PDP government-imposed candidate – Engr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe.
To pave way for Tegbe, the incumbent Senator, Mr. Kola Balogun was edged out by the Seyi Makinde ruling cabal on the pretext of the incumbent Senator’s non-performance. Meanwhile, attempts by members of Governor Seyi Makinde’s (GSM) cabal allegedly led by former State House of Assembly Speaker and Senator, Monsurat Sunmonu to foist Tegbe as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senatorial candidate was fiercely resisted by a serial contender for the Oyo Central Senatorial seat, Chief Bisi Ilaka.
Instead, Tegbe, long-standing, close association with the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi family, and a renowned management consultant but unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC) was handed over the Oyo South Senatorial ticket while other long-standing PDP aspirants were ordered to step down for the new bride.
Interestingly, the incumbent Senator Kola Balogun, junior brother to the newly crowned, highly revered Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has since decamped to the opposition APC in protest to the treatment meted to him by Governor Makinde – the South West emperor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
So Tegbe and PDP would be banking mainly on Governor Makinde’s incumbency and the declining political hold on the politics of the state.
Housed by nine local governments, Oyo south senatorial district is the nucleus of Oyo state and ad rem to the emergence of state government because the district is not only the most populated but also possesses a significant voting strength.
The nine local governments included: Ibadan North, Ibadan North East, Ibadan North West, Ibadan South East, Ibadan South West, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, and Ido Local Government Areas.
The All Progressives Congress (APC )candidates who have obtained forms too are many. No doubt, the candidate APC presents against Joseph Tegbe would determine who carries the day.
This Magazine, however, attempted a holistic consideration and evaluation of contenders, not pretenders in the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC)
Chief Adesoji Akanbi
The Okanlomo of Ibadanland and a leading member of the Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA ‘23) – a prominent political group championing the presidential bid of former governor of Lagos state, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined politics early in his career.
Adesoji Akanbi better known as SOJ represented Oyo South Senatorial District between 2015-2019. He hails from Ebuadi Compound of Inalende area of Ibadan North West Local Government.
As Senator, he had many projects to his credit and understands the political terrain, but allegedly not readily available to political gatekeepers in his district until very recently when he wanted to contest the same seat. SOJ is sure highly connected and strategic, based on his political experience, he may spring a surprise and if imposition is possible, he’s also a sure candidate.
Dr. Olusola Ayandele
Ayandele popularly addressed by his supporters and admirers as ‘Eruobodo’ is from Ibarapa axis of Oyo State and the only aspirant from that axis. The Ibarapa born industrialist, including Joseph Tegbe, Adeniyi Akintola, Azeez Adeduntan were among the governorship aspirants forced to step down in 2019.
A technocrat and well-funded politician. He has consistently oiled, maintained his political structure, networks, and contacts. It will be difficult for other candidates to get meaningful votes under whatever primary mode adopted, from the Ibarapa Local Governments who have been noted to stand by their kinsmen when in political contests with others.
Herein lies the unique strength of Eruobodo in this contest, however his weakness being rumoured was that he romanced politically with Governor Seyi Makinde before the 2019 election.
Kolapo Kola-Daisi
Highly educated, the brilliant son of wealthy and revered High Chief of Ibadanland, Chief Kola -Daisi, and son in law to Late Governor Abiola Ajimobi. He is quite new in political contests: not much think-tank was put into his political pursuit, except for the contributions of a former council gaffer of his Ibadan Northeast Local Government, Hon. Lekan Afuye.
To announce entrance into Oyo State politics, the political hot seat of South West, Nigeria, at Senatorial level, now, is not so strategic for the financial expert. Moreso, his father-in-law is no more and the same father-in-law lost election to the same seat in the immediate previous poll.
Also, his brother-in-law, Alhaji Idris Ajimobi will be contesting in the same 2023 elections as he had earlier declared and obtained forms to contest the Ibadan South-West State Constituency II seat.
Although, the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi has remained a subject of discussion in Oyo state politics and beyond due to his performance, especially in the areas of security, infrastructure, and urban renewal programmes among others with a clear tripod policy of Restoration, Transformation, Repositioning. However, thinking in political circles is that the late governor’s family members are finding subtle ways to re-dominate the political landscape of the state again after eight years as Governor plus four years as Senator (12 years).
This writer thinks that Oyo State of Nigeria is too maverick, cosmopolitan, and sophisticated politically for that kind of barber-chair revolving or recycling political chess game. But, Kolapo Kola-Daisi has a bright future politically, if he remains consistent.
Bimbo Adekanmbi
Has also obtained and submitted the expression of interest and nomination forms for the Oyo South Senatorial contest. Adekanbi was the financial emperor and brilliant egghead in the late Governor Ajimobi’s Government where he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) and Commissioner for Finance respectively.
The seasoned financial expert from Ona – Ara local government started his senatorial consultations earlier and he had since maintained consistency in touching lives in the senatorial district especially the Youth through his various educational programmes, but his political adventure for the Senate is faced with the herculean task of justifying the perpetuation of political governance and indirect rule through him and the late Ajimobi family.
Adekanbi, though very sharp-minded and loaded financially, does not have the political structure of his own in the nine local governments that he will be contesting. Political analysts opined that giving the APC ticket to Adekanbi or Daisi to face PDP’s Tegbe would be a subtle way of re-enacting late Governor Ajimobi’s senatorial ambition of 2019 indirectly through his surrogates while their principal Ajimobi has left the political scene.
Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli
Lawyer, former council chief of Ibadan North Local Government, Chief of Staff, and Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG) in ex-Governor Rasidi Ladoja’s government, is a vast grassroots politician with a wide network. Analysts submitted that it will make more political sense if contestants from Ibadan axis can adopt the former Chairman, Board of Directors, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Alli as the Senatorial candidate.
They added that the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) will be playing a smart political card by giving Alli the ticket as he is High Chief Ladoja’s boy. However, Alli may not personally have a deep purse to pursue a Senatorial election except if a coalition of financers rises for him.
Olooye Adegboyega Adegoke
Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, the Aare-Onibon Balogun of Ibadanland, is also a contender for Oyo South APC Senatorial ticket. The rich philanthropist and owner of Solutions FM is not a formidable grassroots politician.
Apart from being a fat cat, and city spender, his philanthropic gesture through his foundation seems to be opening doors for him as he had successfully empowered several residents of Ibadan. Also, the businessman looks more prepared and determined for the challenges ahead.
Yes, he has been making waves through the mass media and engaging with relevant stakeholders like his competitors but winning a Senatorial election in a politically enlightened state such as Oyo requires more.
Senator Kola Balogun
The incumbent Senator Kola Balogun is warming himself and getting the consent of Senator Teslim Folarin’s group to re-contest but now under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Those who are having that ambition already in APC do not like that arrangement.
According to sources who confided in Mega Icon Magazine, Balogun seems to be coming in as the consensus candidate as the ‘Ibadan agenda’ wants to use his candidature to pacify the Olubadan palace and nullify the alleged insult that they think Governor Seyi Makinde has done for the lawmaker, younger brother to the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
No doubt, the game is getting more interesting!
Also, ready funds to mobilise delegates and voters, capacity for collaboration and alliances, what mode of primary and ability to manage the fallouts and discontent, working relationship with the Party’s Guber candidate, and whether imposition is possible from higher quarters, are other factors that are expected to be considered by the eventual winner.
But, suffice to say that former Governor Rasidi Ladoja still holds the ace as the only living political godfather in Oyo state in the choice of a possible candidate for Oyo South senatorial in the forthcoming elections.
Political Desk, Mega Icon Magazine,
08058893736.
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ibadan outer city zone of Oyo State have expressed profound grief over the tragic stampede that occurred during a Christmas fanfare last week.
The incident, organized by private individuals, led to the deaths of over 40 children and left many injured. The stakeholders have called on authorities to prevent a recurrence of such a calamity.
The meeting, which brought together party members from Akinyele, Egbeda, Ido, Lagelu, Oluyole, and Ona-Ara local government areas, was held at the APC Secretariat on New Ife Road, Egbeda. It was attended by party leaders, stalwarts, and Hon. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House Committee on FERMA and the lawmaker representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
Demands for Accountability
In a communiqué signed by Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Chief Lekan Adeyemo, Alhaji Sule Suara, and Bashorun Billy Ogundele, the stakeholders condemned the circumstances surrounding the deaths. They accused the Oyo State government of negligence and demanded justice for the victims and their families.
“The number of children who died and those who sustained varying degrees of injuries is alarming, regrettable, and lamentable. There is more to the incident than what the public has been told. Gov. Seyi Makinde and some of his officials have made frantic but futile efforts to cover up clear cases of ineptitude, negligence, and incompetence. We demand justice for the victims while urging the government to ensure the safety of lives and property at all times,” the communiqué stated.
Party Leadership and Reforms
The stakeholders also celebrated the confirmation of Alhaji Olayide Abas as the substantive chairman of Oyo APC by the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. They expressed confidence in his ability to reposition the party for success ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oseni Reassures Nigerians
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Aderemi Oseni highlighted the rationale behind President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. He assured attendees that the current economic challenges would soon pave the way for widespread prosperity. Oseni also presented a comprehensive report on his 18-month tenure, earning a standing ovation for his exceptional performance.
Notable Attendees
Prominent APC leaders present at the meeting included Hon. Kunle Jenrade, Hon. Ibrahim Bolomope, Hon. Dauda Lawal, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye, Barr. Yemi Aderibigbe, Alhaji Bello Labankadi, Hon. Wahab Oladejo, Hon. Ambali Abiola, Alhaji Morufu Lamolo, Hon. Lasun Oguntade, Alhaji Yinka Folarin, and Mrs. Esther Olaleke, among others.
Call to Action
The APC stakeholders urged the government to take immediate steps to address lapses in public event management and safety, emphasizing that such tragedies must never happen again.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has criticized the alleged forceful conversion of public reading and learning facilities in Dugbe, Ibadan, into shopping malls and lock-up shops by the state government, describing the development as shameful, ill-conceived, and unacceptable.
In a statement released over the weekend by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the APC also raised concerns about the alleged sale of the modern motor park facility at Wema Area on New Ife Road, Ibadan, built during the administration of the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
According to the party, the motor park has been sold to a pastor who presides over a popular church near the facility.
Residents of Ibadan, the state capital, were reportedly stunned when they noticed the sudden erection of massive private business complexes within the premises of the Oyo State Library Board.
The facilities, built by the defunct Western Region government, had served as public libraries and archives for decades, benefitting students, researchers, and tourists until recently.
“It is a sad reality that the buildings which used to serve as public libraries and archives in Dugbe axis of Ibadan have now paved the way for the development of commercial and business structures,” Sadare said.
“The implication is that education and research development have been relegated to the background in the state by an administration that has done little to address the poor reading culture among young students.”
The APC expressed alarm over what it termed the erosion of public heritage under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, alleging that public properties are being sold or leased to private individuals and groups under questionable circumstances.
“How can a government wake up one day and convert public reading facilities and archives into lock-up shops in the name of making money, thereby subjecting society to the dangers of illiteracy and ignorance?” the statement queried.
The party also cited other instances of alleged mismanagement of public assets, including the concession of OYSADEP Guest House in Saki and Agbowo Shopping Complex in Ibadan, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the state’s socio-economic development.
“Sad enough, the ignoble activities of the governor and a few other characters around him as they involve mismanagement of land and other resources belonging to the state have paved the way for a surge in land grabbing cases in most parts of the state capital. There are many cases involving appointees of the governor, PDP lawmakers, local government officials, and party chieftains,” the statement added.
The APC called on well-meaning individuals and stakeholders in the state to demand accountability from the Makinde administration and halt what it described as the systematic erosion of public resources and heritage.
Over 300 constituents of Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in Oyo State benefitted from a skill acquisition and empowerment programme organized by their representative in the National Assembly, Hon. Akinmoyede Olafisoye.
The event, held at Faith Joe Event Centre, Alegongo, Akobo, Ibadan, aimed to address the challenges of unemployment and economic hardship by equipping participants with practical skills and financial support.
The programme focused on empowering youths, students, and unemployed graduates to become self-reliant. Each participant was provided with a certificate, a Point of Sale (POS) terminal, an umbrella, and ₦100,000 as a startup grant to kickstart their businesses.
The tools and financial aid were designed to enable beneficiaries to establish sustainable sources of income.
Participants received comprehensive training, gaining hands-on experience to ensure they could effectively utilize the tools provided. The POS machines were configured with the personal details of the recipients, ensuring proper use and discouraging unauthorized transfers.
Addressing the participants, Akinmoyede who is the Chairman House Committee on Nigeria/ Mexico Parliamentary Friendship enjoined the beneficiaries to explore the opportunity for their benefit by ensuring that they use the machines for the purpose it was meant for.
He added that all the machines have been configured with the documents of individual beneficiaries which will make it very difficult to transfer to another person.
In his goodwill message, the Oyo Central Senatorial chairman of APC, Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji said comparing what the lawmaker has been doing in the area of dishing out empowerment and palliatives to his constituents, it is difficult to tag him a first-timer at the national assembly.
While appreciating Akinmoyede for his gesture at the event, former APC Deputy State Chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, and Hon. Akinbode Emmanuel said they were yet to discover the magic wand being used by the lawmaker for his constant and habitual empowerment programmes.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the end of the training, Afolabi Kuburat, Akinropo Akindotun, Ajala Abisade Iyabo, and Grace Anuoluwapo Ayinde lauded the lawmaker for giving them the opportunity to be self-reliant at this time when Nigerians are facing economic hardship.
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