The attention of the Opomulero Group has again been drawn to the statement by Ogbeni Adojutilega Adesuyi Gideon, who attempted to lecture Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s supporters on party loyalty by selectively quoting history. If history is to be discussed, it must be presented truthfully and in its proper context.
Since you have chosen history as your reference, permit me to teach you the political history of Ondo State.
During the Third Republic and the era of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), the revered leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, was widely regarded as the preferred choice to lead Ondo State. Circumstances, including personal considerations following the loss of his wife, meant he did not become governor before he eventually pick late Chief Adebayo Adefarati from Akoko, who served with distinction.
Thereafter, the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu from Okitipupa in the Southern Senatorial District governed Ondo State under the PDP. He was succeeded by former Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko from Ondo Town, who served for eight years after emerging on the Labour Party platform before concluding his tenure under the PDP From Central Senatorial District.
Following that administration, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) from Owo in the Northern Senatorial District governed the state for almost seven years before Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa assumed office and subsequently secured the mandate of the people.
Governor Aiyedatiwa had barely settled down to provide purposeful leadership before Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo commenced what many stakeholders have described as a premature governorship ambition. Such distractions are unnecessary and do not reflect the priority of the people of Ondo State, who expect the Governor to complete his mandate without avoidable political tension.
Let it be clearly stated that with or without Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated that he can lead the APC to victory in Ondo State. The APC in Ondo is bigger than any individual, and no one should create the false impression that the party’s electoral success depends solely on one political figure.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu built an enduring political structure across the South-West long when Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo still in the class room before many of today’s political actors entered public office. His popularity and political legacy cannot be credited to any individual. With or without Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, President Tinubu will continue to enjoy the support of the overwhelming majority of APC members and the good people of Ondo State.
The Southern Senatorial District fully appreciates the significance of the governorship opportunity presently in its hands and will not allow unnecessary political distractions to derail Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration. The focus should remain on good governance and the successful completion of his constitutional tenure.
Thereafter, equity, fairness, and political balance should naturally guide the next phase of leadership in Ondo State. Akure’s aspiration to produce the next Governor after Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa completes his tenure is a legitimate democratic aspiration that deserves respect and consideration within the framework of justice, zoning, and party consensus. AKURE LO KAN.
The Opomulero Group therefore advises Ogbeni Adojutilega Adesuyi Gideon to stop rewriting history to suit a political narrative. History teaches that no individual is greater than the collective will of the people. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa remains focused on delivering the dividends of democracy, while those engaging in premature political calculations should allow the Governor to govern.
Signed:
Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael
Director General, Opomulero Group
