The declaration of intent from Hon Wale Akinterinwa on this platform is much timely, timely for all. A community that has the ultimate Executive power of a State has the blessings of rapid development through infrastructures (Educational, Roads, Health, etc). We can see the enormous projects the Ondo South-south and Ondo Central have amassed since the post-military democratic era.
During the brief period of diarchy, and from the much revered Constituent Assembly Abuja (1988-89), where Ile-Oluji had a powerful presentation, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo district was the beautiful bride, dictating the distribution of positions to all the other ethnic units of Ondo South. For this wonderful feat, we can today remember again the patented patriot, late Chief Salaja Moses Oluremi Adewakun, a selfless frontline mobilizer; late Chief Samuel Akinbobola, a political master strategist, Chief Fapohunda of Okeigbo and other action men (and women) including my humble self the Torch Bearer, the elected Member of that Constituent Assembly
Suddenly the leadership situation changed. Ile-Oluji got it wrong when dishonorably in 1991 we REJECTED the position of Deputy Governor, zoned to us to run with Ambassador Olumilua from Ondo North. We preferred a lower position! The political leaders and elders of Ondo State under the Chairmanship of Chief M. Ajasin were shocked and in disbelief. They had to take the position to Ikale, Ilaje and Ese-Odo, Ondo South. Dr Agagu, a non-political actor got the Deputy Governorship position free of charge. Ondo which was usually much despised now, wisely aligned with the others in the South (till this day).
Both Agagu and Mimiko (later Central) had the posts of Deputy and Governor respectively back to back at different times. They empowered their constituents firmly into the upper-middle politics of the whole Ondo State. Today,
they have many serious ranking contenders for the highest political offices in Ondo State. Our pitiable loss became their great gain.
It’s a long time away to sulk over. It became my imperative duty to bear sacrificially and quietly too the disappointments unadvertised, in order to preserve for Ile-Oluji, my place of birth, the peace and tranquility she deserved.
The task ahead for us is huge, to climb up. We have to re-invent ourselves and our political prospects back to winning ways. We must wake up to the zonings for the 2024 race. In politics, a week is a long time.
We can make it this time. But a candidate cannot do it alone, win it alone, and hold it alone. We have got to evolve an iron-cast strategy, engage widely in contacts and mobilization for which candidate or political party will serve us a comparative advantage; take an outreach to our men and women of personality, power, and position anywhere, everywhere, reining in and placating any selfish dissenting voice, without slaving on rationality or waiting on an assumption of Awa lo kan.
God help us.
Hon Olumide A Adefusi (Fusi Pep).
