By Allen Sowore, Esq.
At this juncture, it’s imperative for our traditional rulers and community elders to intervene, urging restraint and dialogue among the political contenders. In any competition, there will inevitably be a victor – yet it strains credulity to imagine that all 16 aspirants could have emerged victorious in the April 20 primary election of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
With the declaration of the incumbent governor, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as the winner and the presentation of the certificate of return to him as the party flag bearer ahead of the November 16th guber poll, as loyal party members, we must now look forward to it. I commend those aspirants who have gracefully accepted the decision of the party members.
Recent events in Ondo state bear reflection. Following the passing of the late governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN CON and the subsequent inauguration of his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, another tragedy occurred with the demise of Mr. Fatai Adams, the state chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Coincidentally, his deputy, Mr. Tola Alabere, an Ilaje man, assumed leadership of the party.
While I do not seek to draw direct connections between these events and the political landscape, Psalm 62:11 resonates: “Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.”
In my younger years, I was captivated by Ola Rotimi’s 1971 novel, “The Gods Are Not To Blame,” wherein Odewale’s fate is entangled in the machinations of the gods. This narrative serves as a poignant metaphor for the complexities of leadership and destiny.
However, the crux of my discussion today is to reflect on the enduring bond among the people of Ondo Southern District – the Ikales, Ilajes, and Ijaws – encapsulated in the Yoruba adage “K’a f’owo we’wo, lowo fi n mo” (The right hand washing the left hand and vice versa is how both hands become thoroughly clean. Do and reciprocate kind acts: we all win when we do.) This adage underscores the importance of mutual respect and cooperation.
To illustrate, during Dr. Olusegun Agagu’s tenure as governor from 2003 to 2009, he garnered significant support from the people of Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency.
Indeed, one of the significant revelations by the renowned forensic expert, Andrea Forty, played a pivotal role in overturning the outcome of the April 14, 2007, governorship election. The Court of Appeal, sitting in Benin, subsequently declared Dr. Olusegun Mimiko as the rightful winner. It was revealed that all fingers, palm kernels, and raffia polls in Ese-Odo and Ilaje LGAs were cast in favour of Dr. Olusegun Agagu.
Key figures such as Isaac Kekemeke, Chief Olusola Oke SAN, and many others were instrumental in Dr. Olusegun Agagu’s successful tenure. Conversely, Agagu’s major projects were more prominently visible in Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGAs. Such cooperation and camaraderie were evident during that period.
It’s crucial to underscore the necessity of ongoing political collaboration, especially now that an Ilaje man, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, holds office. The goodwill extended during his ascendancy warrants reciprocation.
As a participant in the 2023 General Election, I witnessed firsthand the efforts of Chief Olusola Oke SAN, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and other Ilaje politicians in securing Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim’s senate seat. Let us courageously acknowledge these truths. It’s time for solidarity among all local government areas in Ondo South to support Ilaje. Escalating media and legal battles serve no purpose. E je ka gbéjé fori. Let’s strive for unity !
Peoplesmind
