Ondo: Factors that may favour Pa Fashoranti’s Son as next Deputy Governor

This advocacy is based on past instances, such as when late Bar. Afolabi Iyantan and Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo became the deputy governors to the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, respectively. Similarly, Prof. Olusola Eleka, who was previously a lecturer at O.A.U, Ile-Ife, suddenly became the deputy governor to Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State. Given this background, Kehinde Fashoranti, a Nigerian-trained pharmacist, stands a good chance of winning in his new aspiration.*

It is evident that many people are unaware that the deputy governorship is contested through lobbying. I was closely associated with the late Dr. Wahab Adegbenro of Crown Hospital, Akure, who served as the commissioner for health during the COVID-19 pandemic, where many lives were lost. He was instrumental in the state’s efforts to combat the pandemic.

 Although I only briefly met him during Aketi’s 2016 campaign, we became very close when he was appointed to Aketi’s cabinet. I am forever grateful to God for this short period as he greatly impacted my life. 

This medical practitioner-turned-politician from Ilara Mokin told me about his experience while contesting for the deputy governorship seat under Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan-led Deputy Governorship Screening Committee of the APC in 2016, which ultimately produced H.E. Agboola Ajayi as the successful candidate.

The governorship race has already begun to determine the next leader of Alagbaka’s governor’s house, and the lucky candidate will steer the state for the next four years starting from Feb 24, 2025. The governorship elections (primaries and general elections) will take place in 2024. 

According to the unwritten arrangement that Sunshine politics is known for, the next governor will come from the southern senatorial district. This explains the array of aspirants from numerous communities in this region. From Okitipupa Local Government alone, nearly all villages and towns have at least one aspirant. For instance, the Igbotako community has Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim and Dr. Paul Akinyelure eyeing the number one seat.

The current acting governor, H.E. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will undoubtedly contest from a vantage position, having overcome many challenges from political opponents both within and outside the state. Notably, veteran aspirants like Chief Olusola Oke and others will also give their best efforts this time. The deputy governorship seat will likely go to Ondo Central. Due to the population strength of Akure, It would be politically unwise to consider otherwise, as Akure indigenes will produce the second citizen in preparation for leading the state after the southern senatorial district’s turn. It is noteworthy that despite being the largest town where one-third of Ondo state population reside, Akure has not produced the executive governor of the state.

Considering the political bigwigs of Akure descent, we must assess Pharmacist Kehinde Fashoranti’s chances beyond prejudice and personal gains. People like Bar. Olumuyiwa Adu aka Adu Cubana, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde (Abena), Mrs. Omowumi Edet, Mr. Idowu Otetubi, Mr. Oluwatuyi (Tukana), and others may show interest in this position. It’s important to note that I am primarily referring to the APC fold, as there is currently no viable opposition in Ondo State, including the PDP. Several factors will determine who becomes the next deputy governor, whether it is H.E. Lucky Aiyedatiwa or any of the mentioned governorship aspirants. All the intending deputy governorship aspirants from Akure will be on the same level in terms of garnering votes from the zone and level of education. However, the interests of the presidency and Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-political group, cannot be overstated.

The role played by the Yoruba political and interest group, Afenifere, with its history dating back to Egbe Omo Oduduwa in London in 1948, in ensuring victory for Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, can’t be underestimated. Especially the faction led by Pa. Reuben Fashoranti, when Sen. Ayo Adebanjo and other Yoruba leaders like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo decided to support an Igbo man, Mr. Peter Obi, for reasons best known to them. Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu sought support by coming to the hometown of this great Awoist, Akure, and met with Pa Reuben Fashoranti, who predicted a tough and hard presidential campaign journey but an eventual victory for Tinubu, which came to pass. Having paid their dues for the former Lagos State governor turned president, if Afenifere members request the next deputy governor from our current number one citizen of Nigeria, any reasonable person would believe that our Commander in Chief of the armed forces may have no option than to accede to their demand.

In summary, considering how late Bar. Afolabi Iyantan and Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo became the deputy governors to Chief Adebayo Adefarati and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, respectively, by leveraging on their family names and pedigree, which also worked for Prof. Olusola Eleka in Ekiti State when he was appointed by Gov. Ayo Fayose as his deputy in the second term, Pharmacist Kehinde Fashoranti, with the support of his father’s good name and deeds, along with the backing of the presidency and Afenifere, may not encounter major opposition in his current aspiration when the chips are down.

Dr. Akeredolu O.N, Leader, Aketi Medical Team, 2016; Vice Chairman, Aketi-Ayedatiwa Medical Committee, 2020.

Peoplesmind