The Director General of the Opomulero Group, Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael (DG Opomulero), has cautioned the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (BTO), against relying on political advice from individuals who are allegedly giving him false hope about succeeding Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
According to DG Opomulero, “Tomode o baa itan Aba Aroba” is a Yoruba expression reminding leaders that anyone who ignores history is likely to repeat avoidable political mistakes.
He recalled that Akure has historically demonstrated fairness, sacrifice and political maturity in the interest of the old Ondo Province and Ondo State. He noted that in 1998, Pa Reuben Fasoranti was widely considered by Afenifere to become the Alliance for Democracy (AD) governorship candidate. However, following the death of his wife, Pa Fasoranti stepped aside and supported the emergence of the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati from Akungba-Akoko as the party’s candidate.
“This singular sacrifice shows that Akure has always placed unity above personal ambition. Therefore, anyone telling Hon. Tunji-Ojo that he can immediately succeed Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is not telling him the truth. Many of those encouraging him may simply be pursuing personal interests rather than the collective interest of Ondo State.”
DG Opomulero stated that the people of Ondo Central Senatorial District remain committed to supporting Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to complete the constitutional eight years for the Southern Senatorial District. Thereafter, he argued, the governorship should naturally rotate to Ondo Central, where Akure is expected to present a strong case with the support of other parts of the state.
He advised the Minister to retrace his steps and avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Beginning governorship consultations barely six months into Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration was politically premature and unnecessary. The Minister should focus on supporting the Governor’s success instead of allowing political distractions to weaken the unity of our party.”
DG Opomulero further expressed concern over what he described as unnecessary impatience.
“In my opinion, I wonder why the Honourable Minister appears to be so impatient at this stage of his political career. As a relatively young politician with many productive years ahead of him, there is no reason to rush into a governorship contest that is not yet due. Political ambition requires patience, proper timing and respect for established democratic processes.
“If the Minister truly loves Ondo State and the All Progressives Congress (APC), he should not allow himself to be used against Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. This is the time to support the Governor in delivering good governance, not to engage in premature succession politics capable of creating unnecessary tension within the party.”
DG Opomulero also rejected claims that Hon. Tunji-Ojo was responsible for Governor Aiyedatiwa becoming Governor.
“I also wish to correct the misleading narrative that Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa Governor. That claim is historically and constitutionally incorrect. Governor Aiyedatiwa became Governor by virtue of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, having been duly elected as Deputy Governor alongside the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
“When certain political interests allegedly attempted to frustrate the constitutional succession process after the passing of Governor Akeredolu, it was the people of Ondo State who stood firmly against injustice and defended constitutional democracy. The emergence of Governor Aiyedatiwa was the triumph of the Constitution and the collective resolve of the people of Ondo State, not the achievement of any single individual.”
He urged Hon. Tunji-Ojo to reconcile with Governor Aiyedatiwa and call on his supporters to desist from actions and statements capable of causing disunity within the APC.
“The people of Ondo State overwhelmingly voted for Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. This is the time for every political stakeholder to support the Governor in delivering good governance, not to engage in premature succession politics. History will remember those who stood with the government in the interest of the people.
“I therefore call on all APC leaders and members to close ranks, protect the unity of our great party and concentrate on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Ondo State. Personal ambition must never override the collective interest of our party and the development of our state.”
Signed:
Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael
Director General, Opomulero Group (DG Opomulero)
