Though
the people of Ibadan and indeed Oyo State generally are still mourning the
passing of the immediate past governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi but
the reality is that life must go on.
Especially at this critical time in Oyo
APC, the party which the late former governor was the ultimate leader. The
party has been struggling to get its acts together since their terrible defeat
during the 2019 general elections in the state. Ajimobi was not just Oyo APC
leader but also the South West representative of the party, as the Deputy
National Chairman (South). So his death has, no doubt, created a big vacuum
within the party in the pacesetters state.
It
must also be noted that one of Ajimobi’s unfulfilled assignments as Oyo APC leader,
was the reconciliation move he embarked upon, shortly after his confirmation as
the Deputy National Chairman (South) of APC.
Ajimobi,
who was a member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of APC, immediately he
came on board, set up a reconciliation committee, and named Ex-Gov Adebayo
Alao-Akala as Chairman.
The
16-member committee, whose objective is strictly to reconcile all aggrieved
members back to the party’s fold also have Prince Gbade Lana as Secretary.
Other
Members include Alhaji Kamar Ajisafe, (Less City); Pa Akin Ojebode (Oyo);
Alhaji Laide Abass (Ibarapa Zone); Pa Adeleke (Oke Ogun I); Prof Dibu Ojerinde
(Oke Ogun II); Senator Teslim Folarin (Representing Oyo State Caucus in the
Senate); Hon Segun Odebunmi, Bunvic (Representing the House of Representatives
Caucus); Hon. Niran Alarape (State House of Assembly); Hon Mojeed Olaoya (State
Party Secretary); Mr Isiaka Areokuta (Youth Leader); Mrs Mabel Williams (Women
Leader); Chief S.M. Akindele (Oyo Central); Adefisoye Adekanye (Oyo South) and
Rasaq Arikewuyo (Oyo North).
Through
this committee and his efforts as well as contributions of all the
stakeholders, Ajimobi vowed to restore peace back to Oyo APC but couldn’t
achieve that before his painful exit. However, the big question now is, who takes
over from where Ajimobi stopped and reposition Oyo APC to the desired position
ahead of 2023, when another election will hold?
While
some things will definitely be considered in choosing another leader, it is
also pertinent that anybody to be saddled with such responsibility must possess
some special political skills. Above all, the person must have the experience
and clout to steer the affairs of the party, and that is where former governor
Alao-Akala’s name comes into the picture. Akala is believed to be the most
suitable for the job because of his political antecedents and being a
grassroots politician. He is a former local government chairman, deputy
governor, governor for 11 months and another four years.
“Though
party leader always come from Ibadan being the majority but unfortunately those
who would have been considered for the position are all aspirants,” a party member
told this reporter.
Another
party member whose name has come up as one of the likely successors of Ajimobi
is the current senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District in
Nigeria’s Upper Chamber, Senator Teslim Folarin.
Folarin
is also believed to have possessed the charisma of a leader and someone who has
a very rich political C.V. The former Senate Leader was a Senator under PDP 2003-2007
and won his re-election under the same political party in 2007. He also
contested the 2015 guber election under the platform of PDP but lost to Senator
Ajimobi. He was later to decamp to APC and won Oyo Central Senatorial seat in
2019. He is believed to have been in the best position to lead Oyo APC but some
sources say he may be running for governorship come 2023.
What
may also work in Akala’s favour, according to some political watchers in the
state, is his position as the Chairman of Oyo APC Reconciliation Committee. To
them, it is like Ajimobi, before his death, has handed over the party to him
with that singular assignment. The fact that Akala is no longer contesting for
any political office again is also an added advantage.
Just
as Akala posited in his condolence message, Ajimobi has given him a mandate
which he must deliver.
“Senator
Ajimobi was a clear-headed and objective political leader who trusted and
honoured me with an appointment to Chair Oyo State APC Reconciliation
committee. Late Ajimobi’s decision to set up the reconciliation committee was
informed by his desperation to see a United APC. Sadly, he didn’t live to see
that. It’s my solemn pledge that the committee shall deliver on the desired
mandate of the late Deputy National Chairman (South) and Acting Chairman of our
great party. By God’s Grace, we’ll not only ensure a united APC but also
dedicate our future landslide electoral victories to the departed great leader.
My
solemn condolences to his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, his children,
the APC family and the people of Oyo State. Biola’s strength, passion, unique
style of leadership, work rate and voice on so many fronts will be very hard,
if not impossible, to replace,” the message reads in part.
While
it can’t be disputed that any political position or appointment in most cases,
doesn’t come easily, it has to be through a contest, lobbying or negotiations.
But how Oyo APC will manage the situation of appointing a new leader for the
party and come out better and stronger ahead of 2023 elections is what many
people are keenly watching out for.
-Dare
Adeniran
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