Press Statement
As we have it in Ondo State, there exists a traditional understanding of rotational governance among its three senatorial districts: North, Central, and South. This tradition dates back to the inception of democracy in 1999. Each district has had its share of leadership positions, including Governor, Deputy Governor, and Speaker of the House.
For instance, during the tenure of late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, the Governor hailed from the North, the Deputy from the South, and the Speaker from the Central district. Subsequent administrations followed a similar pattern, ensuring equitable representation across the state.
Subsequently, Dr. Olusegun Agagu of Ondo South ascended to the position of Governor, with Mr. Omolade Oluwateru of Akure South Local Government serving as his Deputy. The Speaker, Rt. (Hon) Olabintan, hailed from the North senatorial district.
Following this, Dr. Rahman Olusegun Mimiko from the Central senatorial district succeeded Dr. Olusegun Agagu as Governor. His Deputy was Chief Ali Olalusi from the North, while Rt. (Hon.) Mrs. Jumoke Akindele from the South held the position of Speakership.
In the current scenario, the unfortunate passing of Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu has shifted the focus to his deputy, Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent Governor, who hails from the Southern district. To maintain balance, the expectation is that the Deputy Governor should be from the Central district, while the Speaker should emerge from the Northern district.
Considering the Central district, several local governments vie for consideration based on historical roles and representation. Notably, Ondo-West and Akure South have held significant positions in the past, including Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively. Idanre currently occupies the state party chairmanship, while Ondo East holds the position of Speaker.
Among these, Ifedore stands out as a deserving candidate for the Deputy Governor position, having never represented the Central district in any executive capacity. Akure North and Ondo West also present compelling cases for consideration, given their historical roles in the state’s governance structure.
There has been a trendy issue on the matter for days now, very surprising that a politician would instigate some of our Royal fathers to beg for the deputy governorship slot, so appalling.
Whoever must occupy the position of deputy governor must be a strong politician with electoral value, not someone who cannot win a councilorship seat in his ward if he contested. Someone with just a meager following cannot lay claim to such an esteemed position.
It is my plea to our revered traditional rulers to think carefully before embarking on a political venture with just any of their subjects. Not even those whose record from the past administration was marred with leaking vital official documents of the office they took oaths for.
There were many commissioners then with the same level of information, but didn’t do what he did. This type of person is not worthy of royal representation.
Well, from my own community, no royal father from there attended, not even a political leader from EkaMefa was in attendance, as such, the decision cannot be made for the people of Ifedore if the six communities making Eka Mefa isn’t represented. It is wrong to say they represented Ifedore in the so called outing.
Again, we plead to our Obas to honor the stool and check carefully before venturing on a political seesaw. We all remember the time of Engr. Gboye Adegbenro, a community-man to the core with unequalled humility. Everyone benefited; he touched lives across Ifedore and Ondo State, unlike a man like this who has not benefited his people.
How many lives has he touched before asking to be made the deputy governor? How popular is he? What’s his political and electoral weight?
I really respect the Alára Of Ilara-Mokin known to be a straightforward person of integrity, and the Highly respect Reagent of Ijare. We know that the rumors being peddled around are not true, but our royal fathers must be careful to avoid the embarrassment that comes with such issues.
Things are still tough for APC as it is, unless we are pretending. It’s our prayers that things go well with the ruling party, especially on how to resolve the serious matter at hand.
Certainly, Ifedore should get the slot or the other local government, but Ifedore has weight and we need someone with political value, with a large heart to accommodate all no matter their level, not betrayers or arrogant individuals.
Written by: OMOPARIOLA FRANKLIN ABIOLA, APC YOUTH LEADER, EKAMEFA WARD, IFEDORE LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
