By Ken Afor
Imade Development Association (IDA), a socio-cultural group, has urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to appoint an Owo indigene as his deputy in order to provide compensation for the unfortunate demise of their esteemed son, Rotimi Akeredolu.
The group expressed their sorrow over the passing of Akeredolu and cautioned against any actions that could exacerbate the division of the people based on ethnicity and political affiliations.
Chairman Segun Ogunbadeniyi, Secretary Femi Fadaisi, and Publicity Secretary Julius Adesola in a statement on Sunday, emphasized that the ethnic group of Owo holds a significant stake in nominating a candidate for the Deputy Governorship position.
They stressed the importance of safeguarding the interests and aspirations of Owo amidst the unfortunate demise of Akeredolu, a native of the town.
“In our opinion, the joint ticket that expires in February 2025 is Owo/Ilaje, Ogunbadeniyi said.
“We do not understand any calculation outside of it. Whoever picks the ticket of APC or PDP next year can therefore decide which zone to produce the Deputy Governor.
“Any attempt to erase Owo from the calculation until February 2025 by Aiyedatiwa in our opinion, is unfair, not equitable, and can cause division in the body politic.”
The group advised Governor Aiyedatiwa to initiate ideas that will foster peace and unity in the state, urging the governor to retain the power sharing formula adopted when Akeredolu was alive.
“Aiyedatiwa must promote things that would bring peace and unity to the state. The conflict that brought him has polarized the All Progressive Congress (APC), the legislative arm of government, and the people.
“The battle for the mandate was fought by Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa. It is to the honour of Akeredolu that the ticket must be maintained.
“Aiyedatiwa must prioritize what will bring peace and unity to the state. The event in the last few months has polarized the state both in body and spirit.
“For us in Owo, we are ready to work with him and bring about unity and prosperity to the state.
”As a kingdom, history has shown that Owo has been making sacrifices for Yoruba nation and Ondo State and Akeredolu’s tireless efforts to protect Nigeria and Yoruba nation came to us at great cost.
“Many of our people have suffered loss and hardship because of this attack. Our sacrifices must be recognized and honoured. Changing the mandate will amount to another terrorist attack on Owo.
“The issue on the ground should be approached with empathy, respect, and transparency to show that Aiyedatiwa is committed to building bridges and finding common ground with all stakeholders.”
The group however emphasized the presence of notable individuals from Owo who deserve to be taken into account for the position of Deputy Governor.
These individuals consist of Hon. Niran-Sule Akinsuyi, who stood alongside Akeredolu during the 2016 elections, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, the leader of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Zach Adetula, and Chief Jamiu Ekungba.
Ogunbadeniyi added, “Picking from this list will be a fair deal for all stakeholders.
“The current situation is a joint ticket of Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa which they assiduously worked for. Picking from this list will be an honour to the late governor and a fair deal to the Owo kingdom.
“Political equations are delicate, and any perceived unfair treatment of a particular group can lead to tension and division within the state which could cause further friction and mistrust between different groups in the state.
“The Governor needs to be mindful of the potential consequences of his actions, and to take steps to address the concerns of the people.”
It would be recalled, the former governor died at the age of 67 in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27.
According to the state government, he died of prostate cancer.
