The political camp of Brigadier General Felix Olamide Ohunyeye (Rtd) grew over the weekend as many more groups of All Progressive congress supporters declared their interest to back his Gubernatorial aspiration.
At a carnival like event which took place on Saturday January 20, 2024 at his temporary campaign office situated at Ijapo Estate in Akure, various group of people including party Executives at various levels, women and youth groups came in their numbers to pledge their support for Brigadier General Ohunyeye to succeed His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Executive Governor of Ondo State.
One of the party stalwart who spoke on the condition of anonymity at the event said their decision to back the aspiration of the retired General is fuelled by the fact that the aspirant is a bridge builder who does not belong to any of the factions within the party but someone who have the capacity and well withal to unite all tendencies within the party for delivery of dividends of democracy and good governance.
Another speaker at the occasion who preferred to remain anonymous opined that their declaration of support for the General is based on his credentials and track record of meritorious service to the nation. He claimed that the background of the aspirant as a military top brass is a disciplined one that will not tolerate all manners of corrupt practices going on in the political circle. He further stated that one of the debilitating challenges facing this nation now is the issue of insecurity. He asserted that as a General that has seen it all, he would deploy his wealth of experience to fight insecurity and bring it to it’s kneels.
On the other hand, as someone that is well grounded in financial management, he would bring his experience to bare on the State finances as to ensuring that the finances of Ondo State Government is channeled as appropriate for the greater good of the good people of Ondo State.
“His administration shall usher in an era of regular payment of workers salaries and wages, prioritizing development of social infrastructures, attentions shall be paid to decaying health sector and rebirth in our educational sector as the General is a lover of education based on the numbers of academic certificates he is parading”
The aggregate opinion of the people at the event is that General Ohunyeye is coolheaded, humble and humane. They believe that the General is not the type of person that wants to be seen but rather to be heard.
Addressing teeming supporters, General Ola Ohunyeye expressed his happiness on seeing the people that came to pledge their support. He said that he was joining politics based on his conviction that Ondo State is more blessed than many other states in Nigerian particularly the southwestern states. He categorically stated that Ondo State people deserve more than what we are presently witnessing. He promised to bring his vast experience in security management to fight the security manance so that peace can be restored back to Ondo State. He commended the immediate past Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN who recently passed away owing to protracted illness. He said that the good people of Yoruba race will not forget in a haste the epic battle fought by Akeredolu in establishing the Southwest Security Network popularly called “The Amotekun”. He said the effort of Amotekun in fighting insecurity particularly in Ondo State can never be downplayed by any rational mind.
The General thereafter assured the party leaders and other supporters that he would not let them down. He promised to unite the party if given the ticket to be the flagbearer of the party at the November Governorship Election. “There won’t be discrimination of owners or joiners. There won’t be recognition for factions but a united, all inclusive progressive government under my leadership”. “Please go back to your various local governments, wards and units and propagate this gospel. With God on our side, victory is assured”.
Brigadier General Felix Olamide Ohunyeye who recently retired from the Nigerian Army hails from Ilutitun in Okitipupa local government of Ondo State.
He had his early education at Methodist Primary School, Okitipupa, and completed his secondary education at Morubodo College, Ilutitun and Igbotako Community Grammar School, where he demonstrated a academic excellence and leadership.
Brigadier – General Ohunyeye gained admission to the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 39th Regular Course and was commissioned as a lieutenant in 1992 with a B.Sc Honours degree in Economics. Throughout his military career, he pursued additional education and training both within and outside Nigeria, including a PhD in Management, a Master’s in Strategy and Development Studies, a Master’s of Business Administration with specialisation in Finance, and a BSc in Applied Accounting, all achieved through self-sponsored intellectual and professional development programmes.
In addition to his military achievements, Brigadier – General Ohunyeye is a member and fellow of prestigious professional institutes worldwide, holding certifications as a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Tax Administrator, and Chartered Economist. His dedication to continuous learning and professional development has contributed significantly to his success in various fields. General Felix Olamide Ohunyeye’s extensive professional achievements and global recognition make him one of the most exceptionally educated and distinguished scholars to emerge from the Nigerian Army. Notably, his memberships and fellowships in prestigious professional institutes such as being a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Tax Administrator, and Chartered Economist, underscore his exceptional dedication to professional growth and development.
In acknowledgement of his outstanding qualities, General Ohunyeye has been honoured with remarkable decorations, including the Grand Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Forces Service Star, Training Support Medal, and The United Nations Medal. These accolades are a testament to his remarkable accomplishments and contributions. Reflecting on the biblical injunction, “Seeth thou a man diligent in his works, he shall stand before Kings, he will not stand with mean men”
General Ohunyeye’s leadership appointments, such as Director of Finance and Accounts at the National Defence College, Director of Finance at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Commandant of the Nigeria School of Accountancy, and Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, highlight his esteemed career trajectory. These positions underscore the strategic significance and high regard in which he is held within military, public, and private sector circles, as well as in policy formulation roles.
General Ohunyeye enjoys a fulfilling family life, being blessed with a loving marriage and two biological children.
Additionally, he serves as a mentor and sponsor to numerous young individuals across various educational institutions.
Peoplesmind