The Director General of the Opomulero Group, Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael (DG Opomulero), has faulted the recent comments made by Mr. Wale Omolegbon Odusola, describing his attack on advocates of zoning as unfortunate, divisive and disrespectful to the political realities that have preserved peace, fairness and inclusiveness in Ondo State.
According to DG Opomulero, describing educated citizens who believe in zoning as “illiterates” is both insulting and intellectually dishonest. Zoning is not a product of ignorance but a political principle that promotes justice, equity, inclusion and a sense of belonging among all sections of the state. It has strengthened democracy and reduced political tension across Nigeria.
DG Opomulero stated that no one is arguing against competence. Rather, the position of many stakeholders is that competence and fairness must go together. Ondo Central, particularly Akure, is blessed with experienced, competent and visionary individuals who are capable of governing Ondo State successfully.
He further stated that Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is a respected public office holder, but after the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa from Ondo South, fairness, equity and political balance require that Ondo Central be given the opportunity to produce the next governor. No individual, regardless of political influence or financial strength, should override the legitimate aspirations of an entire senatorial district.
“The governorship of Ondo State is not for the highest bidder,” DG Opomulero said. “Our democracy must never be reduced to a contest of financial power. Political offices should not be determined by moneybags but by competence, justice, equity and the collective interest of the people.”
He also dismissed comparisons with other states, noting that every state has its own political history and realities. Ondo State should be guided by what promotes unity, stability and fairness among its people.
DG Opomulero further stated that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has, within a relatively short period in office, demonstrated remarkable capacity, fiscal discipline and commitment to the development of Ondo State. According to him, the administration has recorded significant achievements in infrastructure, workers’ welfare, healthcare, education, security and economic management, giving the people renewed confidence in government.
“We are confident that by the completion of his constitutional tenure, Governor Aiyedatiwa will be remembered as one of the best-performing governors Ondo State has ever produced. This is not the time for premature succession politics but for every well-meaning citizen to support the Governor in delivering more dividends of democracy to the people.”
DG Opomulero also reminded Mr. Wale Omolegbon Odusola that even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged within the context of the widely accepted principle of power rotation between the North and the South. President Tinubu’s famous ‘Emi Lokan’ declaration reflected his conviction that after eight years of a Northern presidency, it was the turn of the South, particularly the South-West, to produce the next President of Nigeria.
“It is therefore inconsistent for anyone to applaud President Tinubu’s emergence under the principle of power rotation and at the same time dismiss zoning in Ondo State as the thinking of illiterates. If zoning was accepted as a legitimate political principle at the national level, it cannot suddenly become unacceptable when Ondo people advocate justice and fairness among the three senatorial districts.”
DG Opomulero stressed that competence and zoning are not mutually exclusive, adding that Ondo Central has numerous competent, experienced and credible personalities who can govern the state successfully when the time comes.
He therefore urged politicians and their supporters to avoid inflammatory comments capable of heating the polity, insisting that the immediate priority should be supporting Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to complete his mandate successfully. According to him, when the time for another governorship transition comes, the principles of justice, equity, competence and political balance must prevail over money politics and sectional interests.
Signed:
Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael
Director General, Opomulero Group
