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  • Why Ajimobi got a return ticket to Government House, Agodi

    Why Ajimobi got a return ticket to Government House, Agodi

    After an exact prediction of how the Oyo State governorship election would go on this page last week, BISI OLADELE, examines the factors and strategies that helped Ajimobi break the second term jinx to become a man of history

    When Abiola Ajimobi threw his cap into the political ring in 2003 after a fulfilled career in the oil and gas industry where he retired as the Managing Director of National Oil, little did the people of Oyo State know that the Ibadan-born Management expert was a man of history waiting to be unveiled.

    After winning his first election as the senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District in 2003, Ajimobi gave the governorship contest a try in 2007. He fought a good fight but he did not make it, though he was adjudged to have won the election against the then candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Adebayo Alao-Akala. He tried again in 2011 and won convincingly.

    His victory again in last Saturday’s governorship election produced a new man of history as he broke the second term jinx. The jinx had reigned for decades in the state like a strong curse, weakening the hands of previous governors in their battle to win a second term.

    Other Southwest states – Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti – had experienced two-term governors but it never happened in Oyo State until last Saturday. It became so popular at a stage that it looked impossible for any governor to achieve even as residents sang it like a traditional song to let any governor aspiring for a second term realize the futility of his dream. In a way, it was seen as a mark of political awareness and sophistication of indigenes, sometimes giving them a sense of pride. But others saw it as a reason for the stunted growth the state has been experiencing since the return of democracy in 1999.

    But Ajimobi broke the jinx at the weekend, defeating his two predecessors – Rashidi Ladoja and Adebayo Alao-Akala – who also fought tooth and nail to be the first to emerge the man of history.

    He beat them for the second consecutive time to make history as the first governor to be re-elected back-to-back, sending the two of them to retirement from the state’s political landscape. He had polled 420,852 votes to beat Alao-Akala who polled 387,132 and Ladoja who scored 275,773 in 2011.

    This time, he scored 327,310 votes to beat his closest rival, Ladoja who polled 254,520 and his immediate predecessor, Alao-Akala, who scored 184,111 votes to clinch the third position. Ajimobi’s APC also won 18 seats at the House of Assembly to operate at a comfortable position as the party with the vast majority. The combination of Accord’s eight seats and Labour Party (LP)’s six seats are less than half of the Assembly’s 32 seats.

    The Assembly result was a clear departure from the 2011’s where the PDP and Accord secured a total of 19 seats, a development that forced Ajimobi to enter into an alliance with Accord to enjoy stability in the state legislature. This time, APC’s 18 seats totally leave the two other parties in the minority.

    Interestingly, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) came fourth without winning any seat at the House of Assembly.

    Ajimobi’s victory is particularly symbolic because all other political juggernauts in the state contested against him in the election. Unlike in other states, there were five major candidates for the governorship seat in Oyo State. The remaining four were top political influencers who are strong enough to swing the results. They include two former governors who still have large number of followers across the state, a former Senate Leader and a top business man. But Ajimobi defeated them all to write his name in history.

    The factors

    Ajimobi’s performance

    Ajimobi’s performance in the area of peace and security, particularly in Ibadan, a city that used to be known for violence, was a major factor. His accomplishments in urban renewal, infrastructural development and environmental management also spoke for him in the election. His administration constructed quality roads across the state, revived the abandoned Agodi Garden which has now become the only standard government resort centre in the state as well as beautified the environment.

    These resulted in APC gaining more votes in Ladoja’s strongholds in Ibadan such as Egbeda, Akinyele, Ona-Ara, Lagelu and Ibadan North East local governments which ultimately reduced the latter’s chances of recording unusually high number of votes in the areas.

    Consequently, unlike in 2011, Ajimobi gave Ladoja a close run in such councils. For instance, in Egbeda, while Ladoja scored 15,811 to defeat others, Ajimobi polled 13,495. In Akinyele where Ladoja polled 14,793 to lead others, Ajimobi polled 12,367. The results were similar in Ona-Ara, Ibadan South East and Lagelu where Ladoja won. The only different council was Ibadan North East where Ladoja led Ajimobi with about 10,000 votes.

    With the performance, Ajimobi sustained his popularity in Ibadan and Oke-Ogun.

    The Buhari factor

    The consummation of the APC, its highly successful presidential primary and eventual victory at the federal level earned more votes for the APC in Oyo State. It contributed to the party’s strength and further weakened the opposition.

    For the first time, some voters saw wisdom in allowing the state to enjoy the reward of being in a progressives’ party that produced the president. Going to the opposition, some argued, was needless and would further hinder the rate at which the state should develop.

    This factor also helped in a way to produce three senators and 12 members of House of Representatives who returned to their constituencies to campaign vigorously for Ajimobi’s victory.

    Weak opposition

    One important factor that helped Ajimobi rewrite history is that the opposition is weak in Oyo State. But the weakness is not about lack of criticism or monitoring of government activities. It is in the popularity or otherwise of its candidates.

    His closest rival, Rashidi Ladoja is only popular in Ibadan, the state capital. His party, Accord, won in only one local government outside Ibadan in the just concluded governorship election. Even at that, his popularity is restricted to Ibadan less cities and Ibadan North East Local Government.

    As for Alao-Akala, his popularity is restricted to Ogbomoso and a part of Oke-Ogun where he eventually won a House of Assembly seat.

    The PDP in the state broke down completely when Akala and Seyi Makinde defected to other parties to contest as candidates.

    Hence, for voters who might not like Ajimobi, many of them had problem of finding a better candidate in his opponents who could match the person of the incumbent governor and the strength of the APC whose popularity is soaring across Nigeria.

    These and other factors contributed to Ajimobi’s unprecedented success.

    The strategies

    Against expectation, Ajimobi attracted so much criticism and condemnation from opposition parties and a section of the populace. His urban renewal policy was singled out for virulent criticism. So was his decision to award some contracts to non-politicians. His second term ambition also pitted him against some others who believed that such ambition would affect theirs or negatively affect their future political career.

    Realizing this midway into his four-year tenure, Ajimobi employed some strategies to beat his opponents.

    Establishing direct relationship with traditional rulers, associations, groups and communities

    From the time the governor realized that he was losing some party supporters to the opposition due to the reasons stated above, he developed a personal relationship with opinion leaders including traditional rulers, associations and groups. He invited them for meetings regularly, listened to their criticism and advice and borrowed from their wealth of advice.

    He also visited communities, observing his Jumat service at their central mosques. After the service, the governor held town hall meetings with them, offering opportunity for heart-to-heart discussions on the needs of the communities. It also allowed locals to have a personal feel of their governor.

    Ajimobi also visited popular markets, using the same technique to listen to market women, other traders and offered solution to their challenges where possible.

    The meetings also offered him the opportunity to clear air on certain criticism and condemnation by the opposition.

    Interest-free loans for traders and artisans

    Realizing that women and artisans vote more than the elite, the governor deliberately facilitated interest-free trading loans for traders and artisans across the state. He gave over N500 million. They are to borrow a lump sum, use for some months and return to the coffer of the unions to enable others access it. The loans rejuvenated the business of many of them and endeared them to Ajimobi.

    Meeting specific needs of communities

    Ajimobi deliberately enhanced economic strength of many communities to earn their support. For instance, while he could not establish a tertiary institution in Oke-Ogun which is the people’s topmost desire, the governor granted full autonomy to the existing Saki campus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, renaming it Oke-Ogun Polytechnic. He also established a school of nursing at Kisi in Irepo Local Government area of the zone.

    The governor also completed the permanent orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) located in Iseyin which he described as the best in the country and also constructed the first dual carriage way in Iseyin.

    In Ibarapa Zone, he granted full autonomy to the Eruwa campus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan as well as the Lanlate campus of the state’s college of education.  He also repaired the abandoned water works in Ayete.

    In Ogbomoso, Ajimobi dualized the main road into the town in addition to those he dualized around the Soun’s palace. He also renovated the town hall.

    In Oyo Zone, aside dualization of two major roads, the governor established an FM radio station under the state’s broadcasting corporation, renovated the town hall and constructed a silo for agricultural produce.

    Appointment of more politicians

    Ajimobi ranks first among governors who patronized politicians with appointments. Aside creating new ministries which gave room for more politicians to be commissioners, the governor appointed liaison officers for each local government in addition to the 33 local government chairmen and caretaker committee members. He appointed so many special assistants and senior special assistants who were drawn equally from the five zones across the state. Ajimobi still gave appointments as late as January this year to those he considered important to his success.

    Women mobilizing women

    His wife, Mrs Florence Ajimobi has been a strong mobilizer of the women folk since she became the First Lady in 2011. By starting off with programmes such as Ajumose Food Bank through which she distributes food to rural women and Educate a Rural Child with which she provides school uniform and books to rural school pupils, Mrs Ajimobi has had personal encounter with women and children across the 33 local governments. She also organizes regular Christian women prayer services for the state.

    When election came, she found it so easy to have the ears of the women in large markets, local communities and across the two major religions. She devoted good time to mobilizing women all over the state for the cause of her husband.

    She accomplishes this with the support of all appointed women in the government including wives of local government chairmen.

    Scaling down the ladder

    Former leader of the party, the late Lam Adesina and business mogul, AbdulAzeez Arisekola Alao were strong pillars of support for the Ajimobi’s administration. They managed the political aspect of his leadership while he concentrated more on governance. But the two died before election came.

    As soon as Arisekola died last year, Ajimobi threw his door open to all. He entertained all manners of visitors who wanted one form of assistance or the other. He maintained a personal contact with people on individual level, a decision that helped him gain a better insight about perception of his leadership.

    Within a short time, a once distant performing but misunderstood governor became one that bonded closely with even the common man on the street.

    Teachers for their communities

    One strategy that worked for the governor was the employment of 5,300 teachers at once. The beauty of the move was that teachers were recruited from their localities and posted there. The decision was taken to redress a similar gesture by the Ladoja administration in 2005 which created a serious problem of huge application for transfer back to their localities.

    Aside providing employment on a large scale, the teaching and non-teaching staff filled several vacancies in public primary and secondary schools to bring an end to such complaints.

    Appointees’ input

    All the appointees were last year given order to come up with strategies to mobilize support from their localities. By the time they finished their assignments after a few months local support grew tremendously for the administration.

    The strategies created a sense of belonging for all stakeholders as the leaders became so close to the led, perhaps on a scale that is unprecedented in the history of the state.

    The outcome

    As predicted last Wednesday, the results in each zone is given below.

    Oyo Zone

    Ajimobi won by polling 35,857 votes to beat Ladoja who scored 22,661 votes. Others came behind them.

    Ibadan Zone

    Ajimobi won by polling 162,207 as against Ladoja’s 159,350 votes. Others came behind them.

    Ibarapa Zone

    Ajimobi won. He scored 17,364 to beat Ladoja who polled 15,813. Others scored less.

    Oke-Ogun Zone

    Ajimobi defeated others by polling 87,254 votes. Ladoja polled only 41,391 votes to come second.

    Ogbomoso Zone

    Alao-Akala won by polling 73,553 votes to beat Ajimobi who scored 24,628 votes to come second.

    The results confirmed this reporter’s prediction last Wednesday.

    Oyo zone

    APC:                                 35857

    Accord:             22661

    Labour Party: 17935

    PDP:                  5940

    SDP:                  2495

    Ogbomoso zone

    APC:                                 24628

    Accord:             15305

    Labour Party: 73553

    PDP:                  10493

    SDP:                  11611

    Oke-Ogun zone

    APC:                                 87254

    Accord:             41391

    Labour Party: 38460

    PDP:                  26856

    SDP:                  10095

    Ibarapa Zone

    APC:                                 17364

    Accord:             15813

    Labour Party: 7767

    PDP:                  9071

    SDP:                  4659

    Ibadan zone

    APC:                                 162207

    Accord:             159350

    Labour Party: 46396

    PDP:                  26639

    SDP:                        33070

  • Ajimobi, supporters in road show

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday moved round major streets in Ibadan, the state capital, to thank the people for re-electing him.

    Governor Ajimobi, who was accompanied by his wife and other members of the state executive council, waved to the crowds, who lined up the streets to see him.

    Major streets were grounded by the jubilant supporters, students, market women and artisans, who held brooms in their hands, the symbol of the APC.

    Moving in a convoy of vehicles, which included more than 10 long trucks,  cars and bikes, they waved brooms as they reeled out songs of victory while the elated governor gave out souvenirs to people.

    At Ojoo, Apata, Ring Road, Challenge, Mokola, Agodi, Bodija, Mokola, Oke Bola, Oke-Ado, Secretariat, Sango and Iwo Road, the crowd caused traffic jams.

     

  • Ajimobi, a man of history, says Oladokun

    A former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, has described Governor Abiola Ajimobi as a man of history.

    He stated this while congratulating Ajimobi, who is the first governor to be re-elected in Oyo State.

    Oladokun said Ajimobi’s victory was an appreciation of his performance, stressing that his victory has established the fact that performance has a place in the heart of voters.

    He said: “There is no doubt he has outperformed his predecessors who were also candidates in the election.

    “While congratulating him, I urge him to continue with the good work and improve on it by sustaining the spread of development across the nooks and crannies of Oyo State so that the party will continue to be the party of choice for the people. He has become a man of history.”

    Jubilations over the governor’s victory entered the second day yesterday with supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dancing in many areas in Ibadan, the state capital and Oke-Ogun.

    They held brooms and waved them from their vehicles and motorcycles as they drove round some parts of the city, including Agodi, Mokola, Challenge and Old Ife Road.

    A victory rally was also held in Orelope, Irepo and Olorunsogo local government areas of Oke-Ogun, where the governor won by a landslide.

  • APC lauds Southwest for electing Ambode, Ajimobi, Amosun

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the Southwest geo-political zone for electing its governorship candidates in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states.

    It added that with the governors’ victory, “time of consolidation has come to the region”.

    Its National Vice Chairman (South-west), Chief Pius Akinyelure, in a message yesterday, congratulated the three governors-elect – Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), Senator Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) – for winning after a good contest.

    The former Executive Director in Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc said the victory of Ambode signalled a season of socio-economic consolidation, which, he said, became necessary due to transformation already going on in the APC-controlled states.

    The party’s victory, Akinyelure noted, “will not have been possible without the support of Southwest, which, he added, stood against poor government and earnestly pushed for regime change in Nigeria”.

    The APC chieftain said a new dawn “has started already in Nigeria”.

    His words: “It is a dawn of political stability and economic progress. Indeed, it is a dawn of new Nigeria, where people’s aspiration and yearning would be realised. It will mark a total break from diverse socio-economic indicators that threaten our indivisibility as a state and as a people in spite of our diversity.

    “It will herald an order of confidence-building and put an end to a culture of impunity that has become entrenched in our country.

    “With your support, we have emerged victorious at the polls. Successfully, we have returned the APC to power in three Southwest states, where governorship elections were conducted.

    “We have also made good progress in all Southwest states during the state legislative elections. We, therefore, thank the people of Southwest for unflinching support they gave our party during the 2015 general elections.”

    Akinyelure assured that the party would make good all its promises, citing that it “has never reneged in all the past promises”.

    He added: “We have been implementing life-transforming policies programmes in all states under the control of our party. Now that our parties have been given another opportunity to rule, the APC will continue to pursue pro-people policies and programmes not just in Southwest, but also in Nigeria.”

    The APC vice chairman expressed concerns over irregularities and malpractices, which, he said, marred the state house of assembly election in Ekiti and Ondo states, adding that the party would seek redress legitimately.

     

  • Ambode, Ajimobi, Ahmed, Amosun, others win polls

    Ambode, Ajimobi, Ahmed, Amosun, others win polls

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) seems unstoppable in its winning streak. The party has won majority of the governorship seats in Saturday’s elections.

    APC candidates carried the day in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Kwara states.

    Akinwunmi Ambode will take the baton from Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola on May 29. He defeated Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Jimi Agbaje with 152,206 votes.

    Ambode, 51, a former permanent secretary/accountant general of the state, polled 811,994 votes. Agbaje got 659,788 votes.

    Ambode won in 16 of the 20 local government areas – he lost in Ojo, Oshodi/Isolo, Amuwo Odofin and Surulere.

    In Ogun State, Governor Ibikunle Amosun shrugged off PDP candidate Gboyega Isiaka’s challenge, scoring 306, 988 votes as against Isiaka’s 201, 440. The SDP candidate, Senator Kamarudeen Odunsi, got 25, 826 votes.

    There was jubilation in Ibadan as Governor Abiola Ajimobi was declared winner. He defeated two former governors  – Rashidi Ladoja of Accord and Adebayo Alao-Akala Labour Party (LP)  – and the PDP candidate, former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin as well as young industrialist Seyi Makinde to retain his seat. Ajimobi broke a jinx, becoming the first Oyo State governor to get re-elected.

    Ajimobi scored 327,310 votes. Ladoja scored 254, 520. Alao-Akala polled 184,111. Folarin got 79,019 and Makinde 54,740.

    APC also won 18 seats in the House of Assembly. Accord won eight. LP got six seats.

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha retain his position after a stiff challenge from House of Representatives Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, the candidate of the PDP. Until it was declared inconclusive.

    The APC won in President-elect Muhammadu Buhari’s home state of Katsina where former House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Bello Massari, won with 943,085 votes as against PDP candidate Musa Nashuni’s 476,768.

    Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate Yakubu Lado came third with 50,361 votes. Masari will take over from the PDP Governor Ibrahim Shema.

    The APC displaced the PDP in Benue, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kebbi and Adamawa states.

    APC candidate and former Federal Capital Territory Minister Nasir El-Rufai won 1,117, 635 votes to defeat Governor RamallanYero of the PDP who won 485,833 votes. The APC won in 17 local government areas. PDP won in six.

    Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, a lawyer and APC candidate, is Bauchi State governor-elect. He defeated PDP candidate Auwal Jatau, backed by outgoing Governor Isa Yuguda with 654,934 votes to Jatau’s 282,650.

    Yobe State Governor  Ibrahim Gaidam of APC retained his seat.

    He scored 334, 847 votes to defeat his PDP opponent Adamu Maina Waziri who polled 179, 700.

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of APC, won his reelection without breaking a sweat

    The APC also won all the 24 seats of the house of assembly.

    Ahmed polled 295,832 leaving his PDP opponent Senator Simeon Ajibola with 115,220 votes.

    Deputy Governor Umar Ganduje and APC candidate was last night declared governor-elect.

    Kano State INEC Collation officer, Professor  Mohammed Hamisu, said Ganduje scored 1,546, 434 votes to defeat his PDP opponent, Malam Sagir Takai, who polled 509,726 votes.

    Ganduje won in all the 44 Local Government Areas.

    But the PDP retained Gombe State where Governor Ibrahim Dankwabo won with 285,369 votes, beating APC’s Inuwa Yahaya who polled 205,132.

    House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal won the governorship seat in Sokoto to consolidate the APC’s hold on the state. He is to take over from Governor Aliyu Wamakko.

    Tambuwal defeated Senator Abdalla  Wali, the PDP candidate, scoring 647,609

    as against  PDP’s 269,007. He won in all the 23 local government areas.

    The APC candidate in Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, seemed set for victory. The result of only one local government, Buruku, was being awaited.

    With 22 local government areas governorship election results announced by the electoral agency, the APC candidate is leading with 91,564 votes.

    The APC received 387, 753 votes. The PDP got 296,189 votes. Its candidate is Terherse Tarzoor, a member of the House of Representatives.

    APC won in 14 local governments. PDP won in eight.

    APC supporters were already dancing in anticipation of the official delaration of the results.

    One major upset in the election was the defeat of PDP in Otukpo Local Government Area where Senate President David Mark hails from.

    The PDP candidate in Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, won 482, 277 votes to edge out Okey Ezea of APC who polled 43, 839 votes. Outgoing Governor Sullivan Chime is of the PDP.

    Deputy Governor Dave Umahi of PDP was declared winner of the Ebonyi State governorship election.

    Umahi garnered 289,867 votes to defeat Labour  Party (LP) candidate Edward Nkwegu, who got 124,817 votes.

    The APC candidate in Adamawa State, Senator Jibrilla Bindow, is ahead .

     With results from 17 local governments so far released, he has polled 280,160 votes. His closest rival, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Markus Gundiri, scored 162,072.

    The local government won by the APC are: Yola North, Yola South, Jada, Mubi South, Shelleng, Mayo -Belwa, Gombi, Girei, Song, and Maiha.

    Gundiri, won in Madagali, Michika, Lamurde, Hong, Numan, Demsa and Guyuk.

     Results were being awaited from three local governments.

    The PDP candidate, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu is a distant third with 74,957 votes.  Dr Ahmed Modibbo of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) scored 7,220 votes

    The APC governorship candidate in Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, took an unassailable lead winning in 17 of the 18 local government areas where results were declared yesterday. There are 25 councils in the state.

    The APC candidate is ahead of PDP’s Umar Nasko who had a good showing only in his council, Magama Local Government Area.

    Bello got 443, 393 votes. Nasko had 171, 986. Elections were still going on in four local government areas.

    Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al- Makura took the lead after results of nine local government areas were announced. He won in eight of the nine. All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate and former Information Minister Labaran Maku won in his home local government Nasarawa Eggon.

    Almakura won in Wamba, Obi, Akwanga, Keffi, Karu, Keana, Kokona and Nasarawa local government areas. Results from four local governments were being awaited last night.

    Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima of the APC maintained a steady lead in the 15 local government areas so far declared by INEC – 184,094 votes, with the PDP trailing with 7,951 votes. But the full result will not be released till today because elections were rescheduled in some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.

    Besides, results were being awaited from 12 local government areas.

  • Ajimobi breaks second term jinx in Oyo

    Ajimobi breaks second term jinx in Oyo

    OYO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday broke the second term jinx, winning the governorship election.

    After he was declared the winner at the state Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) headquartres, the ancient capital city, Ibadan, erupted in jubilation as hundreds of men and women, young and old took to the streets in honour of the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate.

    At about 5.15pm shortly after the INEC made the announcement of the results, many party men, who kept vigil at the commission’s state secretariat at Agodi since Saturday, embarked on victory dance in groups, waving brooms.

    Many of the residents also joined the train, which marched through Mokola to the Oluyole residence of Ajimobi on foot.

    Outside the city, residents of Saki, Iseyin, Oyo, Okeho, Iwo-Ate and Ibarapa also rejoiced as the news broke that Ajimobi had been officially announced winner of the keenly contested poll.

    The governor polled 327,310 to beat his closest challenger, Rashidi Ladoja of Accord, who scored 254,520. Labour Party (LP) candidate, Adebayo Alao-Akala, came third with 184,111 votes.

    Ajimobi won in 20 local governments. Ladoja got seven and Alao-Akala won in six.

    They were followed by the candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Teslim Folarin, who scored 79,019, Seyi Makinde of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) polled 54,740, to come fifth.

    Of the 32 House of Assembly seats, the APC won 18, Accord won eight. LP won six seats.

    An elated Ajimobi dedicated his victory to God. He also described his victory as the triumph of democracy, promising to serve the people with all his heart.

    “The people of Ibadan have spoken. The people of Oyo have spoken. The people of Oke-Ogun have spoken. The people of Ibarapa have spoken and we appreciate all of them,” the governor said.

    Ajimobi was grateful to his fellow contestants, particularly Alao-Akala and Makinde, who he acknowledged had called him earlier on telephone to congratulate him, even before the result was announced.

    Acknowledging his victory as a unique success, Ajimobi said the only reward he could give the people in return was to serve them with all his heart.

    His residence at Oluyole Estate suddenly became a huge arena hosting  crowds of supporters.

    Everyone struggled for an opportunity to congratulate him on his success.

    Folarin conceded defeat Saturday evening after recognising that he could no longer win the election based on reports from his agents across the state.

    Alao-Akala followed suit shortly before the result was collated.

    But Ladoja rejected the result.

    His agent, Nureni Adisa, who witnessed collation of results at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), refused to sign the final result.

    He said he was instructed by the party leadership not to endorse the INEC result sheet.

  • Ajimobi breaks second term jinx

    Ajimobi breaks second term jinx

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has broken the second term jinx, following his re-election at the weekend. Group Political EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the struggle of the Ibadan-born politician  and how he overcame the obstacles to his re-election bid.  

    The governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has made history. He is the first governor to be re-elected in a hotly contested general election in the Pace Setter State. The Ibadan-born politician has therefore, broken the second term jinx.

    The governor polled 327, 310 votes, defeating the Accord Party (AP) candidate, Senator Rashidi Ladoja (254,520), the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala (184, 111)O and Senator Teslim Folarin of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) (79, 019).

    Ajimobi succeeded where his predecessors-Alao-Akala, Ladoja, the late Alhaji Lam Adesina, the late Chief Kolapo Ishola and the late Chief Bola Ige (SAN) failed.

    A year ago, the governor had moved out of the Government House, Agodi. He relocated to his private house. The house, which was built almost 30 years ago, was renovated. Inside the expansive compound is a storey building, which serves as an office. At weekends, the governor conducts the affairs of the state from the building.

    A year ago, few gave him a chance. They thought that he lacked the magic wand to change the tide. Since the Second Republic, no governor has been re-elected. Their tenure has always been consumed by the crisis arising from strife and rancour in the ruling party, rigging and military coup.

    The first civilian governor, Ige, was a colourful politician. He was also a performer. He was elected on the platform of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), led by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Ige was a household name in the country before he became the governor. The eminent lawyer was the National Publicity Secretary of the defunct Action Group (AG), former Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in the defunct Western State and member of the Constitutional Drafting Committee (CDC) set up by former military Head of State, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, to make proposals for the 1979 Constitution.

    In 1979, Ige assumed the reins after defeating First Republic Minister of Education Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), the candidate of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPC). He was supported by prominent Ibadan UPN chieftains, including the late Venerable Emmanuel Alayande, the late Chief Busari Adelakun and the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu. But, ahead of 1983 elections, the NPN, led by the late Chief Adisa Akinloye, was bent on capturing power in the state. Akinloye, former member of the House of Representatives and minister, was warming up for the 1987 presidential election. He wanted to deliver his state to have a base. Crisis has also broken out between the governor and Ibadan political leaders. Following the protracted rift, Adelakun and Adedibu defected to the NPN.

    When he defected, Adelakun, the strongman of Ibadan politics, started calling for the enthronement of the ‘son of the soil.’ He also played the ethnic card, saying that Awo, from Ijebu-Remo, imposed Ige on Ibadan, which has the largest population. “That was what Awo has been doing. Under military rule, he nominated Bola Ige from Ijesa, Bisi Onabanjo from Ijebu, Ajayi from Ekiti as commissioners. He did not recommend any  Ibadan man, not even our father, Alayande, who was always with him. Awo hates Ibadan,” Adelakun said at a rally in Ibadan.

    The NPN set up a search team to look for a suitable candidate. They found a party sympathiser, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, who contested and defeated Ige in controversial circumstances. Thus, despite his performance, Ige’s bid for a second term crumbled. The masses protested the alleged rigging by a massive protest. The residence of some NPN chieftains were torched. Scores of party stalwarts were injured.  Ige challenged the outcome of the election up to the Supreme Court. But, the apex court affirmed Olunloyo’s victory.

    However, Olunloyo’s tenure was short lived. Despite being an NPN governor, many expected that he will perform, owing to his antecedent as a cerebral scholar, former university don and commissioner. He set up a good cabinet. But, barely three months in office, he was sacked by the military, following the coup of December 31, 1983.

    In the aborted Third Republic, the SDP candidate, the late Ishola, defeated the candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC). He did not even complete his term before the late Gen. Sani Abacha sacked the interim contraption headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan.

    In 1999, Alhaji Adesina, former teacher, principal, unionist and Second Republic House of Representatives member, was elected on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). He was captured as a ‘prisoner of war’ by the former military governor, Col. Ahmed Usman, during the onslaught against the members of Afenifere/National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) fighting for the revalidation of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, the late Chief Moshood Abiola.

    Adesina, an Awoist, defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo. He also implemented the manifestos of the party.

    However, crisis seized Afenifere/AD in the Southwest. Many party chieftains defected to the PDP, ahead of 2003 polls. Also, AD governors, with the exception of Senator Bola Tinubu of Lagos, played into the hand of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. There was a pact between Obasanjo and the governors to campaign for his second term, with the assurance that he will also protect their interest at the governorship election. In fact, Adesina and his Ogun State counterpart, Aremo Segun Osoba, became Obasanjo’s campaign managers. During the election, a political earthquake swept across the Southwest. Adesina was defeated by the PDP candidate, Ladoja.

    Ladoja, an engineer and Third Republic senator, also could not win the second term battle. He was installed by the Ibadan strong man, Adedibu. The old man openly asked for a portion of the state treasury. His request was turned down by the governor. Crisis broke out between the godfather and his political son. An impeachment was concocted. Ladoja was shoved aside in a controversial manner. He was impeached by the House of Assembly members loyal to Adedibu. For 11 months, Ladoja’s deputy, Alao-Akala, was made the governor by Adedibu. But, following the verdict of the court, Ladoja was reinstated and the impostor reverted to his spare tyre position. Despite the reinstatement, the war between Ladoja and Adedibu intensified.

    During the primaries, Adedibu insisted that Alao-Akala should be the PDP candidate. At the zonal rally in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, the flag was given to Akala, to the consternation of Ladoja, who had hoped that good reason would prevail at the last minute and the party will consider him for a second term. On that note, his ambition to serve for a second term hit the rock. Since then, Ladoja has not given up on his ambition to bounce back. But, luck has eluded him. Alao-Akala defeated Ajimobi, who contested on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

    Ladoja’s controversial successor, Alao-Akala from Ogbomoso, was governor between 2007 and 2011. He had the support of Adedibu. But, the kingpin, who was his backbone, died before the poll. The vacuum created by his demise could not be filled. During the preparations for the 2011 polls, Ajimobi sought for the support of Ibadan leaders for his ambition. Alao-Akala relied on the power of incumbency, the support of Ogbomoso and a section of Oke-Ogun. But, he was defeated by Ajimobi.

    Ajimobi is a long distance runner. After he left the boardroom for politics, he contested for the Senate and won on the platform of the AD in 1999. He had wanted to contested for the governor in 2003, but, Adesina was not ready to step down. In protest, he defected to the ANPP. But, he was defeated by Ladoja. Also, in 2007, his ambition hit the rock. He was defeated by Alao-Akala. But, the outcome of the election generated controversy. The leaders of the ANPP alleged that the poll was rigged.

    In 2011, Ajimobi picked up the gauntlet, despite being a serial loser. He defected to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and rallied the progressives and Ibadan leaders behind his aspiration. But, despite the fact that he defeated Ladoja of the Accord Party (AP) and Alao-Akala, his party had to enter into an alliance with the Accord Party in the House of Assembly to produce the Speaker.

    Ajimobi swung into action immediately after he was sworn-in. He had a vision for the state. The governor blocked the financial loopholes. He converted Ibadan into a huge construction site. His urban renewal project was fascinating to the people. The governor fought the infrastructure battle across the state, within the limit of the available resources. However, he was blackmailed by detractors who reeled out falsehood about his administration.

    The governor made the first class monarchs in the state the cornerstone of his administration. Thus, the blood of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Ajagungbade, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, were flowing in the veins of the administration. Their children are commissioners and power brokers in the administration. Also, Prince Akeem Adeyemi, an APC chieftain and former Chairman of Atiba Council, has won the House of Representatives election in Oyo. Prince Oye Oyewumi, a lawyer, contested for the House of Representatives.

    Exuding confidence, the governor told reporters in Ibadan that there was no cause for alarm over the threat to his second term bid. “I will break the jinx”, he said, assuring that his performance will make him win the election. Some politicians defected to the APC, ahead of the poll. Some also defected from the APC to other parties. The campaign was hot in Ibadan and other towns. There was poster war. In some towns, campaigns were marred by violence.

    Ajimobi’s opponents-Ladoja, Alao-Akala, former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin of the PDP and Seyi Makinde, an engineer from Ibadan and candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) were unsparing in their criticisms of his government. Three of them-Ladoja, Folarin and Makinde-are from Ibadan. There was the fear of a poll split. Observers also thought that, if the four of them could form an alliance against the governor, his second term ambition could be jeopardised. But, it did not happen.

    The first test was the presidential election. The ruling party won the three senatorial seats. Ajimobi’s opponents were jolted out of their delusion that they were still popular. The APC also won majority of the House of Representatives seats.

    However, the defeat of the LP, AP, PDP and SDP did not dampen the morale of their governorship standard bearers. They returned to the drawing board immediately to plan for the governorship poll. However, the power brokers of yesteryears fell at the poll.

    In the House of Assembly election, APC also won 18 seats, Accord won eight and LP won six.

  • Ajimobi declared winner in Oyo

    Ajimobi declared winner in Oyo

    Mr. Abiola Ajimobi has been declared winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Oyo State.

    Ajimobi, the incumbent governor defeated the Accord Party candidate, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, the Labour Party flag bearer, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala and two others to retain his seat at the state Government House in Agodi.

    Ajimobi polled 327,310 votes, while former Governor Ladoja recorded 254,520.

    Alao-Akala, another former governor of the state, scored  184,111 votes.

    Full results:

    APC : Abiola Ajimobi – 327,310

    Accord:  Rashidi Ladoja – 254,520

    LP:  Alao-Akala – 184,111

    PDP: Teslim Folarin – 79,019

    SDP:  Seyi Makinde – 54,740

  • Ajimobi mourns Ibadan chief Imam

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has commiserated with the Muslim Community in the state, the League of Imams and Alfas in the South-West, the family, friends and associates of Sheikh Busari Suara Haruna III over the death of the death of the Chief Imam of Ibadanland.

    The governor, in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said the death of the Chief Imam, who was also the President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas in the South-West including Edo and Delta States, was very unfortunate and disheartening.

    He described Sheikh Haruna as a religious leader who used his position to ensure cohesion among the Islamic faithful, not only in Ibadanland but also in the entire South-West zone of the country.

    Governor Ajimobi also praised the late Chief Imam for his commitment to the peaceful co-existence of the Muslims with the adherents of other religions in Ibadan in particular and Oyo State in general.

    “The death of our father, Sheikh Busari Suara Haruna III came to me as a rude shock. He will forever be remembered as a religious leader who used his position to better the lots of Islamic faithful and the society.

    “The late Chief Imam was a pillar of support to our government. His wise counsels all the time were of tremendous help in the achievements so far recorded by our administration. He will forever be remembered for his fatherly role,’’ he said.

    The governor prayed the almighty Allah to grant his soul Aljanah Firdaus and the family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable

  • We don’t need wasteful people in govt, says Ajimobi

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has said wasteful people should not be allowed to govern the state again.

    The governor, who spoke in an interview on a private radio station monitored in Ibadan yesterday, said governance requires management skills because of the need to use scarce resources judiciously.

    Ajimobi was responding to a question on why he is not spending as much as his predecessor, Alao-Akala, who is called “Automated Teller Machine (ATM)” by residents.

    The governor emphasised that as a developing nation faced with several  needs, what is required of elected leaders is how to maximise the lean resources available to them in meeting such needs.

    “That is what our administration is doing, not throwing money around aimlessly.

    “We don’t need an ‘ATM’ in government. We need people who can use money judiciously.

    “I don’t share money because there is no money to share. Are you not happy with the way Oyo State is? Those who emptied the state’s treasury before me were thrown out.”

    Ajimobi, who is the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s election, said with the election of Muhammadu Buhari as president, the issue of delay in payment of salaries would be addressed.

    He added that more money would be available to the states because all the loopholes would be plugged.

    Emphasising that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) represents corruption, Ajimobi noted that the country was almost brought down in the face of mismanagement of its resources.

    On concern about Buhari’s age, Ajimobi observed that if the late Nelson Mandela and Ronald Reagan can perform, nothing will prevent Buhari from changing the fortune of Nigeria.

    “The older the better; we have seen enough of these young people failing us.

    “We must learn how to serve. Most of those complaining of being broke are coming with this mindset that they must steal government money.

    “When they get there and money is not coming, they start complaining. We must warn those who see public office as means of amassing wealth,” he said.

    The governor said he enjoys a cordial relationship with members of the House of Assembly, adding that he did not betray them.

    His words: “Democracy must prevail. It was their constituents that rejected them.

    “What I promised was that I would support those who performed but what can I do if their people say no?

    “Do you think I can impose anybody? What did you think killed Accord? Ladoja alone was choosing the candidates. In our own case, nobody was imposed.”

    On pensioners, he explained: “The secondary school and civil service pensioners are not complaining because we do not owe them, but expectedly the primary school pensioners are complaining.

    “Why? The bulk of their money was stolen by the last administration. The case is in court but yet to be determined.”