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Tag: Ajimobi

  • Ajimobi has done well, says Adedibu’s widow

    Mrs. Bose Adedibu, widow of the late strongman of Ibadan politics, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, has said Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has had done well within his two years in office.

    She rated the administration high on security, urban renewal and environmental sanitation.

    Mrs. Adedibu, like her late husband, is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She spoke on Monday during a weekly Yoruba television programme on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS).

    Mrs. Adedibu said the Ajimobi administration has restored peace to the state.

    She said: “I am not a member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) but a staunch PDP member and I am not leaving the party. But I cannot say because I am a PDP member, I will not acknowledge good performance.

    “In all honesty and without being unnecessarily biased, Ajimobi is doing well. There is peace and security now, compared with the violence and brigandage that used to be perpetrated by street urchins.”

    Mrs. Adedibu said a couple of years back, the state was besieged by violence, which made it uncomfortable for virtually everyone.

    She said: “I remember vividly that at that time, the people of Oyo State lived in perpetual fear of insecurity. But now, everywhere is peaceful and people are going about their businesses without fear of molestation.”

    Mrs. Adedibu acknowledged that Ibadan and the entire state is wearing a new look, owing to the urban renewal programme of the Ajimobi administration.

    She dismissed insinuations by the opposition that shops were being demolished and that traders were subjected to unnecessary pain, saying only street traders were relocated.

    The widow said: “Those relocated were trading on the streets and the government’s action would ensure their safety and prevent avoidable accidents and loss of life.

    “I understand the government has been building some shops for the traders. I think they should bear with the government and see it as part of their sacrifice to ensure a cleaner and tidier environment.”

    Mrs. Adedibu urged politicians to create room for dialogue so as not to overheat the polity.

  • ACN cautions NANS president on Ajimobi

    ACN cautions NANS president on Ajimobi

    The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State has cautioned the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Yinka Gbadebo, against being used by the opposition to attack the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration.

    In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dauda Kolawole, the party said Gbadebo’s claim that the government has not constituted the governing councils of state-owned tertiary institutions is false and similar to the runour being peddled by opposition parties.

    ACN said governing councils were constituted in the institutions a few months after the administration’s inception.

    It debunked Gbadebo’s allegation that the administration was not paying bursary or awarding scholarships, explaining that the government had to regulate applications for the facilities because it has limited resources.

    On the allegation that the government has recruited only 15 applicants into the civil service, ACN said the administration recruited 1,000 medical personnel into the service in April and engaged 20,000 youths in the Oyo State Youth Employment Scheme (Yes-O).

    The party said about 500 Yes-O cadets had been absolved into the public service.

    It urged Gbadebo, who is an indigene of Iseyin in Oyo State, to identify with the programmes of the Ajimobi administration, “which have been widely praised within and outside the state”.

    ACN urged the NANS president to be wary of “the antics of the opposition to recruit critics to distract the government”.

    The party said Gbadebo cannot compare the Ajimobi administration with some previous administrations that were easily blackmailed to part with money by critics.

    It said: “The administration is committed to protecting the best interest of the people.”

     

  • Can Ajimobi break one term jinx?

    Can Ajimobi break one term jinx?

    In the history of Oyo State, no governor has been re-elected for a second term. Can Governor Abiola Ajimobi become an exception? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the governor’s push for continuity and the impediments on the way.

    Since the Second Republic, no governor has been re-elected in Oyo State. Although the governors tried their luck, certain forces aborted their dream. Will Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who has been endorsed by his party and other stakeholders for a second term, make a difference in 2015?

    Oyo State is a politically conscious and sophisticated state. Its capital, Ibadan, which doubles as the political headquarter of the Southwest, is also a politically volatile city. The political actors there are not associated with long-term politics of affection. That apparently explains why no governor has been elected twice in the Pace setter State.

    The first civilian governor, the late Chief Bola Ige, was elected on the platform of the banned Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). That was in 1979. However, his second term ambition crumbled in 1983, following the split in the ruling party and the defection of key associates, including his deputy, the late Chief Sunday Afolabi, and the late Chief Busari Adelakun, to the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), which fielded Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, to challenge him. Olunloyo, who hails from Ibadan, was declared the winner in a controversial circumstance by the proscribed Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO).

    However, the NPN stalwart spent barely three months in the office. On December 31, 1063, he was sacked by the soldiers during the fifth military coup. The displacement of the legitimate authorities did not permit Olunloyo to nurse a second term ambition.

    In the aborted Third Republic, the late Chief Kolapo Ishola was elected as the governor under the banned Social Democratic Party (SDP). It was a turbulent period when the former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, foisted diarchy on the country. When he annulled the historic presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola, tension enveloped the polity. Babangida bowed out, following the setting up of the interim contraption headed by Chief Ernest Sonekan. In November 1993, Gen. Sani Abacha toppled the transitional government and declared himself as the Head of State. The Isola’s tenure ended on that note.

    In this dispensation, Oyo State has produced three governors before Ajimobi assumed the reins. Although they were interested in the second term, their ambitions were dashed. Former Governor Lamidi Adesina, who was elected on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 1999 failed at the poll in 2003. In that election, which result was disputed, the Independent Nigeria Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Senator Rashidi Ladoja of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the winner. Thus, Adesina’s second term dream was aborted. But Ladoja later faced the same predicament. He initially lost power for 11 months, following his impeachment, in error, by the legislators instigated by his benefactor-turned foe, the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu.

    When he regained his lost seat, after a protracted legal battle, he was hopeful. In fact, he went to Akure, Ondo State capital, where the flags were presented to the Southwest PDP governorship candidates by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. To Ladoja’s consternation, the Oyo State ticket was given to his estranged deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala. Thus, his second term hope was dashed.

    Alao-Akala, who ruled the state between 2007 and 2011, was basking in the euphoria of incumbency. But that incumbency power collapsed on poll day in 2011 when voters dumped him and elected Ajimobi as the governor.

    Before the mantle of leadership fell on him, Ajimobi was a long distance runner. In 2003 and 2007, he had vied for the position, but without success. But since he took the oath of office, his camp has been gazing at the future. The political development in the neighbouring state of Ondo, where Governor Segun Mimiko, seemed to have broken the one term jinx, may have energised them.

    The Oyo State governor is conscious of the volatile situation in his state, especially during electioneering. He is aware that his native Ibadan holds the ace. Many also agree that, if Ibadan decides to back a candidate, victory is sure.

    However, the city and state have been in pains in the past eight years. Before Ajimobi became the governor, Ibadan was living on its old glory- first stadium, first television in Africa, first sky scrapper (Cocoa House), and first university in Nigeria. The governor inherited a metropolis in ruins; with collapsed infrastructure, filth and violent thugs.

    Ajimobi rose to the occasion. Today, his insurance against future electoral loss is his performance. His first assignment was to stop the sharing of money in the State House. Gone were the acts of profligacy, theft and graft and misuse of public funds. Although detractors who could not adjust to the shift from the ‘amala politics’ to the politics of transformation and development fuelled the sentiment that government’s impact has not been felt.

    The deputy governor, Pa Alake Adeyemo, who listed the achievements of the governor, gave the administrationna pass mark. He explained that, since 2011, peace had returned to Oyo State. The clash of rival road transport union leaders has been nipped in the bud, thereby liberating the city from tension.

    Ajimobi may have also compared notes with Lagos State. Now, more than 100 buses have been acquired to replace the old rickety intra- and inter-city buses. There are free buses for workers in the civil service. Recently, the government commenced the state’s version of the Lagos BRT. Also, tricycles, popularly known as ‘Keke Ajumose,’ have been distributed to thousands of people. Hailing the government, a stakeholder, Moroof Adegbile, said it was a right step in the right direction. He advised the governor to spread the dividends of democracy to other parts of the state. “I think the government is kicking off on a good note in the area of providing befitting means of transportation for the populace, but more needs to be done so that this can reach the nooks and crannies of the state. Don’t forget that this is a very big state with huge population in the hinterlands who needs to also feel the impact of this government in the area of public transportation”, Adegbile added.

    Ajimobi has also been applauded for his urban renewal. The administration has rehabilitated over 199 roads and bridges across the state. It has also constructed the new billion flyover at Mokola, worth N2.1 billion. It is a novel project, which previous administrations have avoided. Other steps taken by Ajomobi included the clearing of over 120 blocked drains in Ibadan metropolis, dredging of 43 rivers and streams across the state, the on-going beautification of ‘Trunk A’ roads, and the institutionalisation of weekly environmental sanitation.

    Reviewing the activities of his government, Ajimobi said: “In the last two years, we have provided infrastructural facilities that are unprecedented in the history of our state. We have constructed/rehabilitated over 260 roads and several bridges across the state. Right now, we are dualizing the major roads in the capital city of Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Iseyin and Oyo”.

    His distant predecessor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, has commended him for the feats. The former governor said: “Rebuilding or even mere renovation often involves demolition of existing structures, be they standard buildings, shanties or slums; once they stand in the way of a new vision of what the place should look like. The work of the governor is therefore, necessary, valuable, and commendable repair of the facade of Ibadan.”

    During his visit to the state, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) chieftain, Senator Solomon Ewuga, applauded the governor. He said: “I want to use this opportunity to commend you on the work you are doing on infrastructure. We have gone round and we have seen the work you are doing; you need to be commended and please, don’t give up, that is the spirit of change that the new party, APC, is going to bring to Nigeria.”

    In the education sector, Ajimobi is not relenting in his efforts. Apart from building new classroom blocks and prompt payment of teachers’ salaries, efforts are also been made to provide adequate learning facilities. This may have led to the improvement recorded in the students’ results.

    The governor is also committed to the new Technical University project. The goal is to produce self-dependent youths who will not be running after the few jobs in the civil service. Other achievements include the constant training of teachers, the re-introduction of Science and Home Economics in secondary schools and the successful accreditation of courses at the Polytechnic, Ibadan, and College of Agriculture, Igboora.

    Another stakeholder, Kole Ajidahun, however, said: “The government will need to do more, if it is serious in bringing back the good, old days of the Action Group government in the West.” Also a social critic, Abel Makinde, urged the governor to promote the culture of prudence. He said only a governor who can erect lasting legacies would be remembered by the future generations.

    One of the factors that will shape the nomination process in 2015 is the performance of the governor. An acclaimed opposition leader in Oyo State, Ladoja, has described Ajimobi’s feats as cosmetic achievements. “It is window dressing”, he said, dismissing the urban renewal project as retrogresive. To the former governor, the programme lacks human face, adding that many people have been displaced and deprived of their means of livelihood.

    Ladoja has a motive. Since crisis broke out between him and the governor, he has been attracting to himself the governor’s political foes, with the aim of stopping his second term ambition. Recently, Ajimobi sacked Ladoja’s men in the administration. The Oyo State government has also written to President Goodluck Jonathan, alleging that Ladoja was creating security problems in the state.

    Today, the marriage between the ACN and Accord Party (AP) has been dissolved. Ladoja is involved in a new alliance with Alao-Akala, who supplanted him during the protracted crisis between him and the late Adedibu.

    The leadership of ACN in the state has described the new romance as the return of the gladiator to his vomit. But analysts said that it is in the nature of politics; there is no permanent friend, but permanent interest.

    The PDP is also plotting Ajimobi’s downfall. Sources said that pressures are being mounted on Ladoja to return to the PDP, where he is being promised the position of the National Secretary. “The calculation is that, if PDP and AP team together and they raise an Ibadan man as governor in 2015, they will shake Ajimobi”, said the source. However, a section of the AP is suspicious of Alao-Akala, judging by the role he played in the impeachment plot against Ladoja in the past. “Those who were dropped in Ajimobi’s cabinet are not all that happy with Ladoja. They feel that it is better to have dealings with Ajimobi than Alao-Akala and the PDP. They doubt the PDP’s sincerrity”, added the source.

  • Ajimobi: Nemesis of Ibadan ‘ancients’

    Ajimobi: Nemesis of Ibadan ‘ancients’

    Governing Oyo State is very complex but governing Ibadan is more complex. The paradox that makes the city more complicated to rule than the state can only suggest one thing; that Ibadan is a primitive city that will not easily and positively be receptive to any idea of transformation or modernisation that amputates a part of them that is ancient. Or it can also suggest that Ibadan and its people will be ambivalent towards any policy, idea or action that will deny a part of them that is tied to their culture, habits, idiocies and behavior.

    In the midst of this dilemma, there is that residual expectation that Ibadan should be transformed and developed if it was to rank with other advanced and developed cities of the world. But over the years, the governors that had ruled Oyo State, whether in Khaki or agbada, had behaved like timid administrators, pampering the people and treating them with kid gloves thus encouraging them to continue to indulge in their old habits for whatever reason(s). The emergence of Abiola Ajimobi as the governor of Oyo State was later to change the city’s landscape. He came with a transformative agenda that will change Ibadan and instill a new culture of discipline into the people. Drawing up an agenda for Ibadan is one thing, perfecting such agenda requires a strategy that will align with the realism of Ibadan “peculiar mess”.

    J.P Clark’s poem on Ibadan written in the late 1960s or early 1970s talks about Ibadan’s “splash of rust and gold”, but even the gold of Ibadan had been contaminated and polluted by filth that permeates the city. The filth, the rust and the rot of Ibadan have all grown to a blinker that competes with the “seven hills” Clark refers to in his poem. So, the first “peculiar mess” that Ajimobi had to contend with was the customary filth and the heaps of refuse that dot the landscape of Ibadan. Without a blitzkrieg on the filth and the dirty habit of stooping to poo anywhere it grips them, there cannot be a new image or any sensible transformation.

    Knowing that the development of Ibadan in all its ramifications needed to be driven by an aggressive attitude, policy, character and action, Ajimobi established two strategic agencies to tackle Ibadan’s filth and traffic. The first agency is Oyo State Waste Management Authority (OYWMA) and the second one is called Oyo State Road Traffic Monitoring Agency (OYRATMA). Anybody who is familiar with Ibadan’s past cannot but commend the aesthetic appreciation of Ibadan landscape. Today, the roads are clean, garbage dumps are gradually disappearing, street trading that used to be the source of refuse generation on the streets has been outlawed but has not been totally eradicated. Ibadan is experiencing a new landscaping culture and all road medians and kerbs are well painted. Though, when you climb the Bower’s tower to have a panoramic view of the city, the rust of the corrugated metal sheets looms large, you can only feel the freshness of a new Ibadan when you walk its streets. The ancients that are used to the habit of indiscriminate garbage throwing are gradually being swept away by the tide of change.

    It is an open secret that off-loading of faeces is like a carnival In Ibadan among the ancients who still prefer the gutter-side method and the “Abe Igi style” because of the natural cooling system of the environment especially in the heat of ejecting the waste from the “underground zone”. But today, things are changing because of Ajimobi’s tough environmental laws. The irresponsible habit of littering Ibadan metropolis with ‘power-pack’ faeces in different colors of polythene bags and leaves is now forbidden.

    Traffic in Ibadan is still hellish. Driving against traffic excites an average Ibadan driver. But there is hope that things will soon change. The roads are now being expanded, dualised and upgraded. Traffic lights now work in Ibadan. Broken down motor vehicles are towed without delay. There is a new traffic order. The OYRATMA whose duties are not different from LASTMAs now go about with the new traffic mantra of the state so that all motorists can operate within the ambit of the law. Driving within Ibadan is chaotic today because the entire city is now a construction site.

    The Mokola flyover also known as “Mokola Miracle” is a very creative remedy to the gridlock at Mokola round-about. For years, no administration ever came up with any idea as to how to solve the challenge of the Mokola traffic chaos. In less than two years, Ajimobi not only came up with the idea, he also ensured that the flyover was completed in record time. The transformation of Iwo road and its beautification is another major testimony to Ajimobi’s giant strides in road management. For so many years, Ibadan people and regular users of Iwo road were held hostage by the Iwo Road gridlock. But now, Iwo road is free of the usual traffic jam as traffic now flows without obstructions. The OYRATMA always go round to ensure that those who contravene traffic regulations are apprehended for possible sanctions and penalties.

    Ajimobi has really shown that he is a warrior, a reformer, a moderniser, a transforming agent and the nemesis of the Ibadan ancients. The so-called untouchables have been touched. Those who contravened building laws are being dealt with. To accomplish his dualisation projects, Ajimobi had to demolish some buildings. But instead of doing it indiscriminately, he adopted a PPDP approach meaning Public-Private Demolition Partnership-a consensual policy or action which encourages violators of set-back rule or affected victims of government demolition exercise to engage in self-demolition of their structures in public interest without the active involvement of the government. All that can be traced to the government is just the marking of affected structures.

    It was unthinkable that any governor would have contemplated dualising the roads around Onireke, Dugbe, Golf club, Eleyele, Jericho and Aleshinloye considering the massive human congregation and business ventures and structures scattered all over these places. But Ajimobi did. He even went as far as Isokun and Owode in Oyo where another dualisation is going on in addition to the one at Abiodun Atiba Road and Palace Road.

    The road dualization/expansion that generated furore was that of Challenge-Iyalode Efusetan-Toll-gate interchange. The controversy centred around the personality of Yinka Ayefele whose studio/office would have been consumed by the dualisation project. But on compassionate ground, the government spared the gigantic office as the road project only chopped off part of his fence and security house.

    For the people of Ibadan to enjoy the benefits of these new roads, all street traders are to be relocated to neighbourhood markets being constructed in scout camp, Temidire Motor Park, Nitel, on old Ife Road, toll-gate Ibadan, Akinyele, Molete and Samonda, a private sector driven initiative. The Ibadan ancients who see street trading as a cultural activity are being told to start getting used to diplaying and selling their wares in the ideal place-market.

    Ajimobi’s audacity, candour, truculence, daring exploits, political aggression, war-like tendencies and tempestuous adventurism place him in the same league with past Ibadan warriors like Basorun Oluyole, Basorun Ibikunle, Basorun Ogunmola and Aare Latosa. A city like Ibadan whose source of strength and existence lies in the many wars of consolidation fought by these great warriors could not have prayed for a better leader at a time when underdevelopment was posing serious threat to its very foundation. Ibadan was almost caving in to maladministration, inept leadership, corruption, owambe governance, and administrative complications when a new warrior emerged to fight a war of his life in order to save Ibadan from obvious paralysis. Ajimobi may be wearing agbada but his vision is like that of a warrior on a mission to salvage whatever was left of Ibadan before it finally crumbled. But he did not only save Ibadan from disintegration, he reproduced the tenacity of Oluyole, the bravery of Ibikunle, the fearlessness of Ogunmola and the shrewd diplomacy of Are Latosa to reconsolidate Ibadan and put it on the path of greatness and fame so that it would not be “like broken china in the sun”.

  • Can Ajimobi break one term jinx?

    Can Ajimobi break one term jinx?

    In the history of Oyo State, no governor has been re-elected for a second term. Can Governor Abiola Ajimobi become an exception? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the governor’s push for continuity and the impediments on the way.

    Since the Second Republic, no governor has been re-elected in Oyo State. Although the governors tried their luck, certain forces aborted their dream. Will Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who has been endorsed by his party and other stakeholders for a second term, make a difference in 2015?

    Oyo State is a politically conscious and sophisticated state. Its capital, Ibadan, which doubles as the political headquarter of the Southwest, is also a politically volatile city. The political actors there are not associated with long-term politics of affection. That apparently explains why no governor has been elected twice in the Pace setter State.

    The first civilian governor, the late Chief Bola Ige, was elected on the platform of the banned Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). That was in 1979. However, his second term ambition crumbled in 1983, following the split in the ruling party and the defection of key associates, including his deputy, the late Chief Sunday Afolabi, and the late Chief Busari Adelakun, to the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), which fielded Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, to challenge him. Olunloyo, who hails from Ibadan, was declared the winner in a controversial circumstance by the proscribed Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO).

    However, the NPN stalwart spent barely three months in the office. On December 31, 1063, he was sacked by the soldiers during the fifth military coup. The displacement of the legitimate authorities did not permit Olunloyo to nurse a second term ambition.

    In the aborted Third Republic, the late Chief Kolapo Ishola was elected as the governor under the banned Social Democratic Party (SDP). It was a turbulent period when the former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, foisted diarchy on the country. When he annulled the historic presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola, tension enveloped the polity. Babangida bowed out, following the setting up of the interim contraption headed by Chief Ernest Sonekan. In November 1993, Gen. Sani Abacha toppled the transitional government and declared himself as the Head of State. The Isola’s tenure ended on that note.

    In this dispensation, Oyo State has produced three governors before Ajimobi assumed the reins. Although they were interested in the second term, their ambitions were dashed. Former Governor Lamidi Adesina, who was elected on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 1999 failed at the poll in 2003. In that election, which result was disputed, the Independent Nigeria Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Senator Rashidi Ladoja of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the winner. Thus, Adesina’s second term dream was aborted. But Ladoja later faced the same predicament. He initially lost power for 11 months, following his impeachment, in error, by the legislators instigated by his benefactor-turned foe, the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu.

    When he regained his lost seat, after a protracted legal battle, he was hopeful. In fact, he went to Akure, Ondo State capital, where the flags were presented to the Southwest PDP governorship candidates by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. To Ladoja’s consternation, the Oyo State ticket was given to his estranged deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala. Thus, his second term hope was dashed.

    Alao-Akala, who ruled the state between 2007 and 2011, was basking in the euphoria of incumbency. But that incumbency power collapsed on poll day in 2011 when voters dumped him and elected Ajimobi as the governor.

    Before the mantle of leadership fell on him, Ajimobi was a long distance runner. In 2003 and 2007, he had vied for the position, but without success. But since he took the oath of office, his camp has been gazing at the future. The political development in the neighbouring state of Ondo, where Governor Segun Mimiko, seemed to have broken the one term jinx, may have energised them.

    The Oyo State governor is conscious of the volatile situation in his state, especially during electioneering. He is aware that his native Ibadan holds the ace. Many also agree that, if Ibadan decides to back a candidate, victory is sure.

    However, the city and state have been in pains in the past eight years. Before Ajimobi became the governor, Ibadan was living on its old glory- first stadium, first television in Africa, first sky scrapper (Cocoa House), and first university in Nigeria. The governor inherited a metropolis in ruins; with collapsed infrastructure, filth and violent thugs.

    Ajimobi rose to the occasion. Today, his insurance against future electoral loss is his performance. His first assignment was to stop the sharing of money in the State House. Gone were the acts of profligacy, theft and graft and misuse of public funds. Although detractors who could not adjust to the shift from the ‘amala politics’ to the politics of transformation and development fuelled the sentiment that government’s impact has not been felt.

    The deputy governor, Pa Alake Adeyemo, who listed the achievements of the governor, gave the administrationna pass mark. He explained that, since 2011, peace had returned to Oyo State. The clash of rival road transport union leaders has been nipped in the bud, thereby liberating the city from tension.

    Ajimobi may have also compared notes with Lagos State. Now, more than 100 buses have been acquired to replace the old rickety intra- and inter-city buses. There are free buses for workers in the civil service. Recently, the government commenced the state’s version of the Lagos BRT. Also, tricycles, popularly known as ‘Keke Ajumose,’ have been distributed to thousands of people. Hailing the government, a stakeholder, Moroof Adegbile, said it was a right step in the right direction. He advised the governor to spread the dividends of democracy to other parts of the state. “I think the government is kicking off on a good note in the area of providing befitting means of transportation for the populace, but more needs to be done so that this can reach the nooks and crannies of the state. Don’t forget that this is a very big state with huge population in the hinterlands who needs to also feel the impact of this government in the area of public transportation”, Adegbile added.

    Ajimobi has also been applauded for his urban renewal. The administration has rehabilitated over 199 roads and bridges across the state. It has also constructed the new billion flyover at Mokola, worth N2.1 billion. It is a novel project, which previous administrations have avoided. Other steps taken by Ajomobi included the clearing of over 120 blocked drains in Ibadan metropolis, dredging of 43 rivers and streams across the state, the on-going beautification of ‘Trunk A’ roads, and the institutionalisation of weekly environmental sanitation.

    Reviewing the activities of his government, Ajimobi said: “In the last two years, we have provided infrastructural facilities that are unprecedented in the history of our state. We have constructed/rehabilitated over 260 roads and several bridges across the state. Right now, we are dualizing the major roads in the capital city of Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Iseyin and Oyo”.

    His distant predecessor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, has commended him for the feats. The former governor said: “Rebuilding or even mere renovation often involves demolition of existing structures, be they standard buildings, shanties or slums; once they stand in the way of a new vision of what the place should look like. The work of the governor is therefore, necessary, valuable, and commendable repair of the facade of Ibadan.”

    During his visit to the state, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) chieftain, Senator Solomon Ewuga, applauded the governor. He said: “I want to use this opportunity to commend you on the work you are doing on infrastructure. We have gone round and we have seen the work you are doing; you need to be commended and please, don’t give up, that is the spirit of change that the new party, APC, is going to bring to Nigeria.”

    In the education sector, Ajimobi is not relenting in his efforts. Apart from building new classroom blocks and prompt payment of teachers’ salaries, efforts are also been made to provide adequate learning facilities. This may have led to the improvement recorded in the students’ results.

    The governor is also committed to the new Technical University project. The goal is to produce self-dependent youths who will not be running after the few jobs in the civil service. Other achievements include the constant training of teachers, the re-introduction of Science and Home Economics in secondary schools and the successful accreditation of courses at the Polytechnic, Ibadan, and College of Agriculture, Igboora.

    Another stakeholder, Kole Ajidahun, however, said: “The government will need to do more, if it is serious in bringing back the good, old days of the Action Group government in the West.” Also a social critic, Abel Makinde, urged the governor to promote the culture of prudence. He said only a governor who can erect lasting legacies would be remembered by the future generations.

    One of the factors that will shape the nomination process in 2015 is the performance of the governor. An acclaimed opposition leader in Oyo State, Ladoja, has described Ajimobi’s feats as cosmetic achievements. “It is window dressing”, he said, dismissing the urban renewal project as retrogresive. To the former governor, the programme lacks human face, adding that many people have been displaced and deprived of their means of livelihood.

    Ladoja has a motive. Since crisis broke out between him and the governor, he has been attracting to himself the governor’s political foes, with the aim of stopping his second term ambition. Recently, Ajimobi sacked Ladoja’s men in the administration. The Oyo State government has also written to President Goodluck Jonathan, alleging that Ladoja was creating security problems in the state.

    Today, the marriage between the ACN and Accord Party (AP) has been dissolved. Ladoja is involved in a new alliance with Alao-Akala, who supplanted him during the protracted crisis between him and the late Adedibu.

    The leadership of ACN in the state has described the new romance as the return of the gladiator to his vomit. But analysts said that it is in the nature of politics; there is no permanent friend, but permanent interest.

    The PDP is also plotting Ajimobi’s downfall. Sources said that pressures are being mounted on Ladoja to return to the PDP, where he is being promised the position of the National Secretary. “The calculation is that, if PDP and AP team together and they raise an Ibadan man as governor in 2015, they will shake Ajimobi”, said the source. However, a section of the AP is suspicious of Alao-Akala, judging by the role he played in the impeachment plot against Ladoja in the past. “Those who were dropped in Ajimobi’s cabinet are not all that happy with Ladoja. They feel that it is better to have dealings with Ajimobi than Alao-Akala and the PDP. They doubt the PDP’s sincerrity”, added the source.

    Many observers point out that the plot to sponsor an Ibadan man against Ajimobi may not yield the desired results. Apart from his endorsement by many groups in the ruling ACN, many influential associations in the metropolis have also tacitly endorsed the governor for a second term. Basking in the euphoria of endorsement, Oyo State ACN Publicity Secretary Dauda Kolawole said that it has underscored the growing confidence in the administration.

    The Oyo Development Initiative led by Dr. Adesola Okanlawon, Ibadan Elders Forum led by Ambassador Olusola Sanu and the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) are among the groups that are backing the governor. The CCII was party to the conferment of the title of Aare Atayese on the governor by the Olubadan, Oba samuel Odulana.

    Analysts believe that the event marked the formal endorsement of the ‘son of the soil’ for continuity. Sanu has praised the governor, pointing out that the body he represnts is impressed by the restoration of peace in the state and other laudable people-oriented, developmental projects. Okanlawan also said that the endorsement was worthwhile, adding that it would encourage the governor to work more for the people.

    Can Ajimobi ride on the back of these stakeholders to 2015? can he sustain the tempo of achievements? Can the governor break the one term jinx? Time till tell.

  • Ajimobi congratulates Fayemi over Supreme Court victory

    Ajimobi congratulates Fayemi over Supreme Court victory

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has congratulated his Ekiti State counterpart, Governor Kayode Fayemi, on the judgment of the Supreme Court which affirms his election.

    He made this known in a release issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo.

    According to Ajimobi, the judgment was an affirmation that the courts are still the last hope of the common man and no individual, no matter the level of their machination, could railroad the wish of God for His people.

    He lauded the judgment as reflective of the wishes of the Ekiti people, stating that the Supreme Court justices merely gave voice to the people’s desire for Fayemi to continue to serve them as a dependable leader.

    Ajimobi urged Fayemi not to be deterred by the tortuous journey to justice over the election petition instituted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the state, stating that he should rather be focused on continuing to give Ekiti people quality dividends of democracy

  • Ajimobi’s wife fetes needy homes

    Ajimobi’s wife fetes needy homes

    As parts of the activities marking the 2013 Children’s Day celebration, the wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, has distributed foods and gift items to different needy homes in the state.

    She charged the children to always put God first in all they do in order to grow into responsible citizens in future.

    Ajimobi’s wife spoke yesterday in her office while distributing the items to the representatives of the different homes.

    Items distributed include bags of rice, detergents, disinfectants, toiletries, vegetable oil, among others.

    Homes present at the ceremony include Remand home,Ijokodo, Covenant home, Ashi, Jesus kids, Monatan, Mercy children, Bashorun, Safe harbour, Ogbomosho, Living word mission, Oke-Bola, Jesus children home and Ashi among others.

    While thanking God for their lives and describing them as source of joy to their parents and the state, Mrs. Ajimobi reaffirmed the determination of the Governor Abiola Ajimobi led administration to ensure that every child in the state enjoys free and quality education that will guaranty their future.

    “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and the bedrock of a successful life, so children are expected to live Godly and responsible lives that will make them bring pride to their parents and the society”, she said.

    Mrs. Ajimobi also charged the children to make hard work, diligence and dedication their watchword, particularly along academic lines so as to be successful future leaders, both in the state and the country at large.

    She later cut the commemorative cake with the children, and also joined the children in dancing, as well as various games.

    She was supported by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Janet Adeyemo, wife of the S.S.G., Alhaja Adijat Olajide, Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs. Atinuke Osunkoya and the Permanent Secretary Mrs. Folusho Sali, among other dignitaries.

  • Ajimobi writes Jonathan over Ladoja’s activities

    Ajimobi writes Jonathan over Ladoja’s activities

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan over an alleged attempt by former Governor Rashidi Ladoja to promote violence and brigandage in the Pacesetter State.

    Ajimobi accused the former governor of plotting to make President Jonathan to proscribe the special security outfit – Operation Burst in a bid to return Oyo to old ways of violence.

    The petition entitled: “Open letter on the plot by Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja to instigate violence and brigandage in Oyo state” was copied to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS); National Security Adviser (NSA); Chief of Defence Staff (CDS); Inspector-General of Police (IGP); Director-General, State Security Service (SSS), the Oyo Commissioner of Police (IGP)and the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Mechanised Division, Ibadan.

    He described Ladoja’s account of the violence that rocked Olomi, an Ibadan suburb, on May 2, among Accord party members as not only false but a calculated falsehood to mislead the President to proscribe Operation Burst and plung the state into violence for which it was known before the advent of the present administration.

    The petition reads: “The true account of the incident is that , on May 2nd , 2013 , the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oluyole Local Government of Oyo State, organised an empowernment programme for its indigent members. As the party erected tents for its activity , the Accord party also started erecting its own, a short distance away, for what it called a reception for decampees from the People Democratic Party and the ACN “.

    “Tension began to build up between the two sides. and apparently responding to a distress call, two Operation Burst teams, led by two police officers arrived at the scene. On arrival, they were ordered out of the vicinity by a superior police officer that led a team of policemen from the Eleyele Police Headquarters, who queried their presence at the scene. They complied promptly. Shortly after, Senator Ladoja arrived at the scene with scores of policemen and party thugs, led by a notorious political thug, who gained prominence in Senator Ladoja’s days as governor.

    “ The thugs walked across to the tents occupied by ACN members and pulled them down. The ACN members, who protested the assault were physically assaulted by the thugs. A notorious thug was reported to have walked over to the nearby Olomi bridge and shot sporadically at the ACN members. Two ACN members namely messrs: Tirimisiyu Ajibade and Kehinde Adeyemo, suffered bullet wounds in the attack. The gunshots created panic and everyone, including Senator Ladoja, ran for dear life.

    “The leaders of ACN in the area thereafter went to the Olomi Police Station to lodge a complaint but were rebuffed by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who said he was pre-occupied with the safety of Accord party members only.”

    Besides, the governor reminded the President that Oyo State has lost many prime persons to political hooligalism dressed in the robe of transport union violence, one of whom was a final year medical student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the late Shanono and others .

    According to him, since the launch of Operation Burst on December 9, 2011, it has significantly reduced crime and restored law and order in the state.

    He therefore alleged that the May 2 havoc was wreacked by members of the rival Accord party and that the Operation Burst was not in anyway connected with the violence.

  • Ajimobi promises renewed infrastructural revolution

    OYO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday promised to serve the state with a renewed vigour for the remaining part of his tenure.

    Besides, he promised to ensure infrastructural revolution that would further propel the socio-economic development of the state to greater heights.

    The governor made the promise during his broadcast to mark the second anniversary of his administration.

    Ajimobi noted that his administration has recorded significant achievements in the first half of his tenure, which have attracted wide acknowledgement.

    The governor said he would do more to ensure better life for the people of Oyo State.

    He said the remaining part of his tenure will be spent on the construction of the 110-kilometre Ibadan Circular Road, which he said would serve as the epicentre of development in the new Oyo State.

    Ajimobi promised to pursue the development of a cargo airport to serve, not only the state but also neighbouring states and West Africa.

    He said: “We shall also continue our programme of infrastructure development and a holistic transformation of our education, energy and health sectors.

    “We are running a race in which we are conscious of our pedigree as administrators and our irrevocable promises to the good people of Oyo State.

    “I recollect that we, on our honour, promised to make Oyo State better than we met it. We promised to make a difference in the chaotic and filthy social order that we inherited, through transparent and good governance. “We also reckon that a dirty Oyo State or a dirty Ibadan – the capital of the state – which the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), some years back, ranked as one of the filthiest in Nigeria, was not acceptable to us.

    “We reckoned that a clean and welcoming environment would invariably attract investors to our state, thereby creating employment and expanding our economy, to the benefit of our people.”

  • Ajimobi: Endorsement for ‘son of soil’

    Ajimobi: Endorsement for ‘son of soil’

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence, were recently installed as the Aare Atunluse and Yeye Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland by the Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, shortly after the endorsement of the governor for a second term by the stakeholders. BISI OLADELE examines the political significance of the historic ceremony.

     

    It was a carnival-like ceremony in the ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence, were the cynosure of all eyes. They were conferred with the Aare Atunluse and Yeye Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland by the paramount ruler, Oba Samuel Odulana. The implication of the conferement was not lost on the politicians and political observers.

    Like most governors, Ajimobi had promised on May 29, 2011 that he would restore the glory of the Pace Setter State. However, not many took him seriously as the citizens had grown weary of many of such unfulfilled promises.

    But two years on, the governor has proved to all and sundry that he meant what he said at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, where a large crowd witnessed his inauguration as the governor.

    Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Are Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola-Alao, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Chief Kola Daisi, members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), traditional rulers and leaders of thought in the state. Also at the ceremony were Governors Babatunde Raji Fashola (Lagos State), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun). The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leaders, including the national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, and ChiefOlusegun Osoba also witnessed the occasion.

    Ajimobi is a proud son of Ibadanland. To many people, the ceremony marked the endorsement of the governor for a second term by the Ibadan indigenes by his kinsmen.

    The governor said that he accepted the honour because Oba Odulana is not given to frivolous conferrment of titles on undeserving individuals. He said the honour was based on the monarch’s objective assessment of his performance as the governor in the last two years.

    “We are all very proud of the Olubadan of Ibadan land,’’ the governor said, adding that he had been offered several chieftaincy titles, which he had turned down.

    “But I have no choice than to accept this honour, coming from the highly revered royal father, the Olubadan. I know that he doesn’t just dole out chieftaincy titles anyhow. He is a man of no mean achievement and he is highly principled. He has done us, the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, proud. I am, therefore, very pleased with the titles,’’ he said.

    Ajimobi said that he was also pleased to be recognised by his kinsmen for his outstanding achievements, since he became the governor two years ago.

    “Ibadan people are very tough. They are not given to frivolities. If they deem it fit to honour you, you should know that you are really worth it,’’ he added, thanking the Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and the Ibadan Elders’ Forum for their usual support.

    The governor pledged that the honour would further spur him into performing more than before in his quest for the socio-economic development.

    All the Ibadan traditional high chiefs who were present at the occasion, took turns to eulogise the governor, who they said, had done Ibadan proud through his outstanding performance.

    Though a traditional honour, the development has far-reaching implications for 2015.

    The popular cry during the tenure of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala was for an Ibadan indigene to return to the Agodi Government House. When Ajimobi was elected, Ibadan elders and people voted for him. He garnered the highest votes, from the city. Thus, their expectations was met. The governor has largely worked hard to justify the confidence reposed on him. The political implication of this is that Ajimobi and the ACN can count on their traditional support. By the feat accomplished so far, the governor has also won many more people to his side as the towns and cities are looking far better than he met them in 2011.

    Oba Odulana is a highly principled monarch, who has been speaking the truth to power and, in mild terms, has not been generous in giving titles to people, particularly, undeserving individuals. Therefore, that the honour came from him largely implies that Ajimobi’s achievements are recognised in high places as real and outstanding. This reduces the chances of other politicians and parties to warm themselves into the hearts of the people, particularly, in Ibadan and other major towns.

    The major opposition figure in the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, is a member of the Olubadan-in-Council. That this title of Atunluse (Agent of change) came from the palace means that he (Ladoja) may have a weak following in the highest traditional council in Ibadanland.

    The honour came only two years into the four-year term, meaning that Ajimobi still has more than ample time to warm himself and his party into the heart of the people.

     

    Some of his feats

     

    When he was sworn in as the governor on May 29, 2011, Governor Ajimobi clearly spelt out his vision to transform the state. He marshaled his transformation, restoration and reformation agenda with gusto. But many did not see the agenda as anything unique because of previous disappointment.

    Though many rejoiced at a new regime that was expected to end the reign of thuggery, brigandage and lack-lustre performance, the hope of a true transformation was low among residents as the state had long earned for itself a negative image that almost made Nigerians believe that it does not have talented leaders to rebuild the state, which was almost in ruins.

    For the first three months, Ajimobi and his team did not come up with any major project other than the ban the violent commercial drivers’ union as well as the weekly environmental sanitation aimed at reducing filt and dirts. The situation -led to the the characterisation of Ibadan as the most violent and the dirtiest city in Nigeria.

    But from September to December, 2011, Ajimobi changed the fortune of several commercial motorcyclists by offering them tricycles. He also facilitated the establishment of an assembly plant for tricycle manufacturing in Ibadan, to serve the needs of the state and other Southwest states.

    This was followed by the construction of a flyover at Mokola Roundabout, a notorious traffic gridlock spot at the gateway to the Ibadan Central Business District. The bridge, which is due for commissioning this month, has opened up the business district to all the stakeholders, adding more value to the worth of properties in the area and the beauty of Mokola and its environs.

    He introduced a novel healthcare system dubbed: “Oyo Free Health Mission” towards the end of the year, which saw over 60,000 residents across the state treated free by foreign and local medics. In 2012 over 130,000 patients benefitted from the programme.

    That was in addition to the distribution of free exercise books to public school pupils across the state and the reduction of school fees by 50 per cent in state-owned tertiary institutions.

    Ajimobi employed of 20,000 youths into the Youths Empowerment Scheme of Oyo State dubbed: “YES-O.” From the 33 local governments that make up the state, beneficiaries, who are largely graduates, thronged the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium), for community service in the environment, transport, education, health and other sectors of the economy.

    Several roads and bridges, washed away by the fatal August 26, 2011 flood, were either rebuilt or renovated.

    The civil servants for the first time, received a full 13th month salary for Christmas.

    In 2012 Ajimobi and his team started made impact in traffic control, road maintenance, improvement on physical infrastructures in schools, and beautification of cities.

    The first quarter of the year looked dull with no major projects. Then, criticisms trailed the administration. It became a popular saying that Ajimobi was slow. The seeming lull created a gap between the high expectation of residents from an initial “Active Governor” and the reality of the need for proper planning.

    But the second quarter ushered in a new regime of beautification. The governor gave teeth to his long dream of changing the landscape of Ibadan and other towns. To achieve this, many shops with unapproved plans and those standing on water channels and roads had to go.

    With bulldozers pulling down illegal structures, many residents embarked on a campaign of calmuny to discourage the governor from accomplishing his aim. Ajimobi did not bulge. He remained resolute, explaining to all who cared to listen that things must change for a true city to emerge.

    Within one year of landscaping, installation of modern facilities and strict observance to urban planning regulations, the outlook of Ibadan and other towns have changed.

    In the health sector, the administration is currently renovating the hitherto derelict State Hospital, Adeo yo, Ring Road with over N800 million. This is aimed at bringing it up to international standards. He launched the ambulances earlier in the year, thereby improving access of residents in remote communities to healthcare. It equally offered prompt response to road accident victims in Ibadan. The ambulance services are being expanded to all the 33 local governments.

    In the education sector, the Ajimobi Administration has renovated many blocks of classrooms, resuscitated running grants, approved the promotion to the highest cadre in the civil service for teachers and offered free extra-mural classes to final year pupils. This led to improved performance of students in the WAEC and NECO examinatiins last year. Recently, the administration presented a N100 million scholarship to students who are indigenes of the state in tertiary institutions. The gesture is coming 28 years after scholarships were last awarded in the state.

    The Ajimobi Administration now has many 32-seater buses conveying workers to and from the secretariat free of charge. Other commuters within Ibadan are also been enjoying free ride in many routes.

    The era of labouring in vain for Certificate of Occupancy (Cof O) and other land documents is over. The C of O is now processed transparently within 60 days of application and land resource is offered to investors with generous discounts.

    In agriculture, the administration has resuscitated the school agriculture project, increased seedling supply, registered the farmers for effective distribution of facilities and improved on the management of agricultural practices.

    But the housing, physical planning and urban renewal projects seem to have made the most visible impact. In Ibadan, three massive neighbourhood markets would be commissioned this month. A modern motor park along the new Ife Road was commissioned earlier in the year to move commercial vehicles from Iwo Road intervhange.

    The establishments of two new GRAs in Akinyele and NIHORT has also received applause.

    Two major marks of these projects are their high quality and taste. Being an urbane person, Ajimobi has proved, within two years, that a new Oyo State is not only desirable, but possible with the right leader. He has also proved that the problem of Nigeria is that of leadership and that when leaders have the right vision, the political will and the determination to attain their laudable goals, Nigerians will suddenly become law-abiding and good followers.