Loyalists of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu have formed a power block.
And they are rallying round one of their own as the next Governor of Ondo state.
Their choice is Wale Akinterinwa the immediate past Commissioner for Finance.
Akinterinwa and his loyalists are up against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa who succeeded Akeredolu in December 2023 for the gubernatorial ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Severally described as “our incoming Governor”, Akinterinwa declared “It’s without any doubt that I’m home here in Owo and that you have truly accepted me as your son. I am grateful for this rousing welcome that I have received today. If I say I am not overwhelmed by it, I’m lying. It also demonstrates the true nature of the Owo people. They are grateful people.
“You know I was very, very loyal and deeply committed to our former Governor, your son. Today, you have shown me that you appreciate our support for the administration. I won’t forget it.”
Aiyedatiwa, a former Deputy Governor of Ondo state, is leaving no stone unturned in the bid to become the APC candidate for the November 16, Gubernatorial election.
“Nobody wants to be Governor for a year” he declared earlier in the year when announcing the intention to retain the Gubernatorial seat of Ondo state.
Akeredolu’s men, particularly those who served in his cabinet. showed where they stand ahead of the April 20 APC Gubernatorial primary election today.
They showed up in their numbers to support Aketerinwa’s campaign in Owo.
Owo is the hometown – and stronghold – of late Governor Akeredolu.
Among those who received Aketerinwa were former Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr. Dare Aragbiaye; former Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, Engr. Raimi Aminu and former Special Assistant to the late Governor on Natural Resources, Fatai Lawal Olushina.
“The entire political structure of the late Governor Akeredolu, from the unit, ward, and local government levels, gathered at the Aruwajoye hall, to welcome Akinterinwa’s campaign train” a statement shared by Olabode Richard Olatunde, the Chief Press Secretary to late Governor Akeredolu declared.
Olabode Richard Olatunde’s involvement in amplifying Akinterinwa’s gubernatorial campaign is a direct pointer to the position of the former Governor’s immediate family.
The former Chief Press Secretary remains very close to the Akeredolu family, protecting their interests in the media.
According to information gleaned from Olabode’s statement Akinterinwa’s campaign train to Owo were the member of the House of Representatives, representing Oluji Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency, Festus Ayodele Adefiranye; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly in Odigbo 1, 2, and Ile-oluji/ Okeigbo, Hon. Tunji Fabiyi; Hon. Fasonu Oluwarotimi Babatunde; and Hon. Akinsuroju Akindolanii Nelson; former deputy speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Fatai Olotu; former member of the House of Assembly, Hon.Olugbenga Araoyinbo, and his colleague, Hon. Abiodun Ogunbo (O ni Reason).
Also on hand were the former Commissioner for information under the late Akeredolu, Chief Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju; former Special Adviser on Transportation, Mr. Tobi Ogunleye, Esq; Mrs. Adu from Ijare; and director of the Youth directorate of the campaign organization, Prince Dapo Adepoju; Princess Ojomo; among other prominent leaders.
