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Tag: Bamidele

  • Bamidele resigns as Ekiti Caucus Leader in House of Reps

    Bamidele resigns as Ekiti Caucus Leader in House of Reps

    •’I want to focus on my ambition’

    House of Representatives member Opeyemi Bamidele (Ifelodun/Irepodun) has resigned as the Leader of the Ekiti Caucus.

    Bamidele, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, said his resignation was to allow him realise his ambition to govern Ekiti State in 2014.

    In a letter to Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, copies of which were sent to the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; House of Representatives’ Speaker Aminu Tambuwal; and Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila; Opeyemi said he could no longer tarry in responding to the yearnings of Ekiti people.

    The letter, dated October 22, reads: “I hereby resign, with immediate effect, my appointment as the leader of the State Caucus in the House of Representatives.

    “This resignation has become a cogent and compelling step for me to take at this time to enable me pursue, by the special grace and uncommon favour of the Almighty God, my aspiration to be the governor of Ekiti State by 2014, based on my personal conviction and in response to the call by well-meaning Ekiti sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora, who believe that our dear state needs a critical intervention at this time, so as not to become a failed state.

    “I can no longer tarry in responding to the yearnings and aspirations of the violated children, the deserted youth, the disillusioned women, the unfulfilled civil and public servants, the neglected artisans, the jobless and underemployed men as well as the heart broken elder statesmen and frustrated founding fathers.

    “Our founding fathers genuinely desired the emergence of a rallying point (across political and ideological divides) to herald in a new and united Ekiti State, where our past glory will be brought back from sabbatical; where integrity and strength of character, which are the hallmarks of Ekiti personality, will be celebrated again; and where job creation, food security, law and order, as well as infrastructure and human capital development with high premium in health and education will be the utmost priority as the minimum agenda for good governance in compliance with global best practices.”

    Sometime ago, the Ekiti Caucus in the House announced that it was removing Bamidele because of his governorship ambition, but the decision was reversed, following Tinubu’s intervention.

  • Bamidele free to contest 2014 poll, says Fayemi

    Bamidele free to contest 2014 poll, says Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said the member representing Irepodun-Ifelodun Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, is free to contest the 2014 governorship election.

    In a statement yesterday by his media aide, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi advised that such aspiration should be pursued within the limits of the laws.

    He said the country had laws guiding the electoral process.

    Fayemi was reacting to last Thursday’s disruption of Bamidele’s rally by the police. He said his administration had no hand in the matter.

    The governor said over 10 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants had declared their interest in the election and none was molested by the government.

    He debunked Bamidele’s allegation that the government was behind the disruption of his rally, saying the police was not controlled by the state government.

    Fayemi said the police had the responsibility to determine actions and situations that could cause a breach of peace and safeguard the country.

    The statement reads: “A lot of misrepresentations have been peddled in the media about the events of last Thursday and it is important to state clearly that the governor has no plan to stop Bamidele or anybody from declaring interest in the governorship election.

    “It is on record that over 10 aspirants have made public declaration of their interest in the race and none of them was harassed for doing so. If the police have an issue with Bamidele’s approach, the most honourable thing for him to do is to comply with the laid-down procedures, instead of resorting to the blame game and name calling.

    “Ekiti remains one of the most peaceful states in the country and the cooperation of all is needed to sustain the peaceful atmosphere and the tangible development across the state.”

    In an interview, Bamidele said: “I am not intimidated. In fact, I am more resolved to run this race. It will be a betrayal of Ekiti people on my part if, after their show of solidarity, I withdraw from the race.

    “We have passed the stage of contemplating withdrawal from the race. As far as I am concerned, the declaration was perfectly done. I had my own programme, but God had His own. My opponents also used their own programme to further announce me. When you enjoy the favour of God, even your enemies will announce you. I experienced that on Thursday and I give God all the glory.”

  • Bamidele relives experience

    Bamidele relives experience

    HON. Opeyemi Bamidele has insisted he would contest next year’s governorship election in Ekiti State. Bamidele, a House of Representatives member representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency I, spoke yesterday to journalists in the state, against the disruption of his campaign to contest next year’s governorship election by men of the Nigeria Police and drivers’ unions. According to the lawmaker, “yesterday’s experience, more than anything else, has emboldened me the more that I am on a right course.” He noted that although, the shooting of tear gas by the police marred the plans to address his supporters, “their (the police) intervention actually allowed me to gain entry into the town from Ikere- Ajilosun road, as the drivers had mounted barricades at all entry points as early as 6:30 am.” Noting that he had not contravened the said Section 99 of the 2011 Electoral Act as amended as alleged by the police, Opeyemi said, “There was no other way to get to my office in Basiri without passing through the town, and I was just passing. I was inside my vehicle. “I was coming from Lagos, and rather than pass through Ilesa road, which would have ma e me go through five towns in the state, I decided to go through Akure-Ikere road. But my supporters were there just to welcome me. The vests they wore carried no party logo, but the inscription of Ekiti Bibiire coalition, which they have always worn. Meanwhile, Ekiti State chapter of Market Women Association of Nigeria yesterday protested what they described as “a disruption of their legitimate trading during the fracas occasioned by the disruption of Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele’s rally.” Spokesperson of the group, Mrs Idowu Alen, who addressed women at the new Bisi Market at Awedele in Basiri Area of Ado Ekiti, alleged that “some thugs invaded the market and destroyed our wares while the police also tear gassed us.”

  • Police halt Bamidele’s campaign

    Police halt Bamidele’s campaign

    The police and commercial drivers yesterday thwarted the planned inauguration of House of Representatives’ member Opeyemi Bamidele’s political platform, Ekiti Bibiire Coalition (EBC).

    As early as 6:30am, members of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) mounted barricades on major roads in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

    There were long queues on the Police Headquarters-Basiri road; Adebayo-Iworoko road; Ajilosun Ikere road; Old Garage-Okeyinmi road and Ilawe road.

    Bamidele, who planned to declare his intention to contest next year’s governorship election, entered Ado-Ekiti through the Ikere-Ajilosun road a little after noon and ran into policemen.

    They shot into the air and fired teargas to disperse Bamidele’s convoy and supporters, who were advancing towards his office at Basiri, the venue of the event.

    Some people were injured while running to safety. Traders, schools and banks hurriedly closed for the day.

    Policemen and soldiers were on guard at several spots across the town to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the situation.

    Police Commissioner Sotonye Wakama said the police dispersed Bamidele’s campaign trail because it was not yet time for election campaign and the planned event was against the law.

    Wakama said: “The Electoral Act, 2011, as amended in Section 99, states clearly that it is wrong for any political office seeker or politician to mount campaign platforms in open places and streets until 90 days to election.

    “You will recall that earlier, some politicians held campaigns but they were restricted to their offices. They never moved on the streets. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) forbids anyone from engaging in public procession and the police are aware of this.

    “Bamidele wanted to hold his declaration somewhere in Adebayo, but we warned him, through one of his aides and lawyers, to restrict such declaration to his secretariat.

    “Bamidele is a lawyer and he is aware of all these laws. Today (yesterday), his supporters wore party vests and carried flags, moving through the streets. We fired tear gas to disperse them. No one was shot or beaten.”

  • Bamidele joins Ekiti governorship race

    House of Representatives member Opeyemi Bamidele has said he will contest next year’s governorship election in Ekiti State.

    He said the decision was in response to “a popular call to service”.

    In his letter of intent to Governor Kayode Fayemi, the former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy said he would inaugurate his independent campaign group, Ekiti Bibire Coalition, in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Thursday.

    Copies of the letter were sent to the Inspector-General of Police, the State Security Service (SSS) Director, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs and his counterparts in the House of Representatives.

    Bamidele, who represents Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency, alleged that some aides of the governor were planning to disrupt the ceremony and urged Fayemi to intervene.

    Some All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders told The Nation that Bamidele would not be prevented from pursuing his ambition.

    A party stalwart, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “Bamidele is trying to create an impossible crisis. Nobody is planning to disrupt any political gathering. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants have been holding meetings and rallies and their functions were not disrupted. He is afraid of himself. APC is one strong and united family in Ekiti. The preoccupation of the party is to continue to support the Fayemi administration to record more successes.”

    Bamidele did not indicate whether he would contest the election on the platform of the APC or another party.

     

     

     

     

  • Bamidele on service lane at 50

    Bamidele on service lane at 50

    In this piece, Ahmed Salami writes on the political activities of the House of Representatives member, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, who clocks 50 this week.

     

    AFTER the glorious revolution of 1688, John Locke affirmed that the ‘power of the Crown lies in the consent of its subjects’. By the foregoing axiom, a politician can only be popular among the masses or wield enormous influence, if his political philosophy and belief are in tandem with that of his people.

    This aptly applies to what this member of House of Representatives, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele connotes in Ekiti politics.

    He is popular, musters immense influence among the masses and his beliefs, particularly in politics , are always in consonance with the yearnings and aspirations of Ekiti masses.

    The popularity did not come the normal way others used to acquire theirs by using the power of money to buy people’s conscience through ill-gotten wealth, but his was through strong and uncommon ties with traditional rulers, Okada Riders, market men and women, politicians alike, widows, widowers, vulnerables and all other strata of the society.

    This political enigma, who made a foray into politics in far away Lagos in 2000, had left indelible marks in the hearts of humanities and sand of time.

    He was born to Mr and Mrs Bamidele on July 29, 1963 at Iyin Ekiti. As fondly obtainable among accomplished Africans, 50 years is treated specially and by this, the whole world would be expecting that this astute politician would roll out drum in celebration.

    Bamidele, the Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Research, who is also vying for the coveted seat of governorship in Ekiti in 2014, had while unveiling his intention to contest for the plum seat in Ado Ekiti recently said he had decided to shelve the idea of throwing a big party to commemorate his birthday based on the increasing level of poverty among Ekiti masses.

    This vanguard of political emancipation , who has taken the masses as the source of his strength, averred that he cannot be celebrating while his people wallow in poverty. But whether he throws a big party or not, Bamidele has a golden and positive history about his name and contributions to the Nigeria nation in his five decades on the face of earth.

    In practical terms, he was not born with silver spoon in his mouth. To put it directly, he was not even born with any spoon at all , which automatically foreclosed any categorization of whether he was born with a wooden or golden spoon. But he had been able to prove that he was born with brain that was more precious than any silver on the face of earth by his gestures and charisma.

    History will never forget him for his scintillating contributions as a former President, National Association of Nigerian Students, who fought the military Juntas to standstill during the dark days of successive despotic regimes in Nigeria.

    His contributions as a member of the fierce National Democratic Coalition that abraded the seemingly rocky posture of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and the dark-goggled Sanni Abacha regimes , not for selfish or conceited motives, but for the enthronement of democracy that would bring the needed sigh of hope for all Nigerians.

    Added to the foregoing contributions in Lagos State, where he reigned like the biblical Joseph , was his service as Special Assistant , Political Affairs, Special Adviser and Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development through the instrumentality of the enigmatic leadership of the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, who has become his mentor, father and greatest benefactor today. The same goes to ever performing Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, under which Hon he served as Commissioner for Information and Strategy

    At the homefront, Ekiti, Hon Bamidele, in the last two years in the National Assembly, has put smiles on the faces of his constituents in Ado/Irepodun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency. He pioneered robust and prosperous representation at the Federal level in Ekiti. He was the first to forfeit his salary as a member of National Assembly for the upkeep of the poor masses, which had never happened in the history of the State. The first tranch of money that accrued was over N8.1 million.

    Again, during the struggle for the reclamation of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s stolen mandate in Ekiti, he played a prominent role. He stood by his party, Action Congress of Nigeria and repositioned it to have the necessary stamina a vibrant opposition party should possess.

    He decided to throw his 50th birthday celebration overboard, not because he is broke or he has run out of cash, but a person don’t become a leader by virtue of age, but by providence and behaviour. As a front-liner in Ekiti politics, he was able to gauge people’s minds and align with the prevailing situations of his people at all times. This is how a good leader should act.

    His sense of generosity among the masses is so huge that his political acronym, MOB , has become a household name in Ekiti. To attest to this, as a legislator, representing only two local governments, he had been spreading the dividends of democracy to his people in other councils as a way of palliating their sufferings.

    As a member of the House of Committee on Education, he has co-sponsored a bill for an Act to further amend universities and polytechnics miscellaneous provisions Act 1993 to increase the retirement age of academic staff in the professional cadre and non-academic staff and other matters connected therewith. He had also had imprints in the passage of over 20 bills into laws and had moved more than 10 motions within the two years.

    Even, in his immediate constituency, he had facilitated more than 33 projects to the towns and villages in his quest to wrestle poverty and make people live in abundance.

    The aggregate of all these gestures had made it difficult for anyone to eclipse the name MOB or wreck him politically in Ekiti . Let me at this stage borrow one of the Newspapers’ headlines credited to the vociferous former Governor Ayodele Fayose, ‘I am an institution in Ekiti politics, suspending me from PDP is like suspending the whole party in Ekiti. So, any attempt to muzzle Hon. Bamidele in Ekiti, will not only result to nought, but is practically tantamount to suspending political philanthropy and qualitative representation in our dear state.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Ekiti Reps’ caucus removes Bamidele over governorship ambition

     •Labour Party woos lawmaker

    The Ekiti caucus in the House of Representatives yesterday removed its Chairman, Mr. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, following his ambition to run for governor.

    According to the lawmakers, Bamidele’s ambition is not in consonance with the position of their party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    Bamidele, who has declared his intention to contest the governorship poll next year, was replaced with Mr. Robison Ajiboye (Ekiti North 2 Federal Constituency).

    Reading a statement titled: ‘Time to set the records straight’ before reporters yesterday, the lawmakers said: “In the past six months, there has been the issue of one of our colleagues, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, also the leader of Ekiti State caucus of the House of Representatives and by extension the Chairman, House Committee on Legislative Budget.

    “Over this period, we, his colleagues have been inundated with enquiries by colleagues from other states, well-meaning Nigerians and our constituents on whose mandate we derive the legitimacy to remain in the House of Representatives, seeking to know what is going on about the hearsay that Bamidele is breaking ranks with what we represent and the ideals we share- loyalty to the cause and concern for the good people of Ekiti State championed on the platform of the ACN.

    “We have been guarded, careful and measured in our responses to allow interventions from our colleagues in the caucus, colleagues from other states and sincere interest groups within and outside to wade into the matter.

    “From the string of disrespectful positions of Bamidele, starting from the serial rebuff of well-informed advice of leaders of our party and leaders of thought manifesting in not honouring meetings and appointments convened by constituted authorities, formal and informal; which reached the zenith at the meeting called by the National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande on July 3.”

    The Ekiti lawmakers said Bamidele was invited like other major stakeholders, including National Assembly members, and that the lawmaker even confirmed that he would attend, but failed to attend and sent no representation or apology.

    They said: “Rather, what we read on the pages of newspapers are disparaging remarks, outbursts and denials. It is clear that Paul who used to speak with God has begun consultations with diviners, as attested to by the bunch of political jobbers and profiteers, who reports said attended a ragtag fly-by-night meeting-cum- declaration of his intention to contest the governorship election in 2014.”

    According to the lawmakers, Bamidele’s ambition is not only a distraction, but also portends retrogression for Ekiti State.

    “As earlier enumerated, to get the state and its people to this point has taken conscious and concerted hard work over the past three years, with sleeves rolled up, hands on the plough and this is not the time to allow or entertain distractions in any form, manner or way and indeed from anybody that would set us on a path of retrogression, which is what the ambition of Bamidele signifies at this time.”

    The members described Bamidele’s denial of the endorsement of Governor Kayode Fayemi by the ACN in December 2012 at Iyin Ekiti as being “limited in truth quotient.”

    This, they said, included the “denial of the clear position of the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he did not advise him to respect the bigger picture, corporate interest and manifest endorsement of the Ekiti people on the basis of which Bamidele was informed to drop his ambition. The message was clear and simple enough.

    “It follows that since he does not feel too comfortable with the party, the most honourable thing to do is resign his position as the leader of the caucus, since we cannot be a caucus any more if our presumed leader has a different inclination and persuasion that run contrary to those of the other five members of the caucus. As democrats, one of the trite principles of democracy is that dissent of opinion is allowed, but the majority will always carry the day. In this case, Bamidele is in the minority.

    “It is in view of these reasons that we the undersigned members of the Ekiti State caucus of the House of Representatives feel obligated to inform the public that Bamidele is removed as the leader of the caucus and to convey this resolution to the leadership of the House that the chairmanship slot is immediately transferred to our new leader, Robinson Ajiboye, and the attendant post of Committee on Legislative Budget.”

    The statement was signed by the five members, which include Robison Ajiboye, who read the statement, Bamidele Faparusi, Bimbo Daramola, Ifeoluwa Arowosoge and Oyetunde Ojo.

    Reporters wanted to know why Bamidele was being denied the opportunity to run for the governorship in a democratic setting.

    Daramola responded:

    “It was never thought that a day like this will come, but now that we are faced with it, we have to find the best way to deal with it. What must be stressed is that the decision to arrive at where we are today was not hurriedly concluded as well as the fact that we came here (National Assembly) on a platform of a political party.

    “We also have to stress that as long as the party that is the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has rules, we are duty-bound to obey them. Being a party with an ideology, there have been several interventions across all layers of the party.

    “For instance, there was a retreat at Ikogosi where the matter would have been resolved. Bamidele failed to turn up; he was also absent at the swearing in of the Deputy Governor after being invited.

    “Also, the intervention of the National Leader, Asiwaju Tinubu and the National Chairman, Chief Akande was snubbed by Bamidele.

    “In view of these, we have resolved to remove him as the leader of the Ekiti caucus and replace him with Ajiboye.”

    Labour Party (LP) has made overtures to Bamidele to defect to the party, promising him the governorship ticket.

    Prominent traditional rulers in Ekiti have advised him to mend fences with the ACN to prevent a repeat of the Ajasin/Omoboriowo scenario. They warned against any crack in the party, urging him to remember the battle that heralded Fayemi’s ascension.

    Bamidele could not be reached for comments yesterday

     

  • Ekiti 2014: I’ll contest, Bamidele insists

    Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, a House of Representatives member representing Ado/Irepodun/Ifelodun federal Constituency yesterday declared his readiness to contest the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti state. Bamidele is a member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    His declaration came as a response to warnings last week by the national leadership of the party that he should shelve his speculated plans to contest the election.

    It will be recalled that the party’s national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and its national leader, former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu had during a visit to the state last Wednesday endorsed Governor Kayode Fayemi as the flag party’s bearer  in the coming election.

    Although, there had been rumours regarding Bamidele’s intention to contest the election, yesterday’s declaration was the first time he would openly announce the plans.

    Speaking at his new situation office in Ado-Ekiti, Bamidele who launched a new political platform tagged Ekiti  Bibiire Coalition (EBC), said “neither ACN nor its leader, Tinubu, can stop me from contesting an election for which he I am irreversibly set.”

    Speaking at the event, the Lawmaker who turns 50 this month said he would contest the election to also honour the people of Ekiti state who he said “are still enmeshed in poverty”, adding “I cannot be celebrating birthday while my people are suffering.”

    In respect of the peace moves by Tinubu and Akande, the lawmaker explained “to be truthful, I was invited to the meeting but I got the text message late. Despite, my argument still remains that Tinubu did not endorse Fayemi at that meeting. He could not have done that.”

    In respect of the political party under which he would be contesting, Bamidele said this would be disclosed at a later date, noting that the time was not ripe yes for such disclosure.

    He however noted that he still had great respect for Senator Tinubu in spite of what might seem a face-off between him and the national leader.

    Said he: “I still have enormous respect for him (Tinubu) under whom I served  as Special Adviser in Lagos state, adding “I am not contesting the coming election out of personal conviction/decision but based on the requests of the people of the state.”

    Noting that he would pursue the goal of contesting in a most peaceful manner, Bamidele said “We are one. All Ekiti people are one wherever they may be. We cannot kill or maim because we want to be this or that. We will pursue our goal with all sense f responsibility and decorum.”

    “I will always respect my benefactor. Senator Tinubu is my benefactor who I respect so well, but Ekiti is first on my Agenda. The Tinubu  that I know wants the best for Ekiti. If I could work for him for eleven and half years to make Lagos State a model which it is today, then I know he will want somebody like me to work with the people to make Ekiti a model”, Bamidele said.

     

  • Bamidele and the Akintola option

    Bamidele and the Akintola option

    Prior to the indication of his interest to contest a Senate seat in the 2011 general elections, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele was considered an activist, one who would at any point put the society and general interest before the personal. He had graduated from the Ife School of Radical Politics and was considered well groomed for the task at hand. He had been an aide of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the nineties and later served under him in the Lagos State executive council. Bamidele had all needed to represent Ekiti Central in the Senate.

    However, different conditions have ways of testing men to separate opportunists from genuine servants of the people. Opeyemi had to run in a packed race. His opponents included the irrepressible Dele Alake and another seasoned journalist and activist, Babafemi Ojudu. It was a clash of titans. All the men were senior members of the same political tendency and some had thought that leaders of the group would have no problem wading in and deciding on what to do.

    Though controversially, the leaders acted as expected of them; they decided on Ojudu as the fit and proper candidate for the seat. But, Bamidele would hear nothing of it. He was offered a seat in the House of Representatives, but thought it infra dig. He was willing to risk all his ostensibly altruistic contributions to the resistance movement by storming out and starting afresh.

    Eventually, reason prevailed, or so it seemed at the time. Opeyemi agreed to take the House option, contested on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria and won. Many did not have the opportunity; they lost the ticket and crashed out. Opeyemi who had been a major beneficiary of the Tinubu tendency in the progressive circle, however continued to nurse a a grudge against the Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who was accused of sabotaging MOB’s interest, the party in the state and the entire movement.

    MOB is today a privileged member of the party by virtue of his membership of the House, but he has indicated interest in treading the same path that the late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola trod in the First Republic. Akintola was the stormy petrol of Action Group politics. He was well regarded in and by the party as a great mobiliser. He had a word or anecdote for every constituency and could do anything to remain relevant in national politics.

    Akintola had served as a member of the Federal Parliament, Minister of Labour and succeeded Chief Bode Thomas, a successful and brilliant advocate, as Deputy Leader of the group. He was well placed. However, the character of a man comes out only the sail turns rough. Until party leader Obafemi Awolowo decided to bid for the Prime Ministership, all was well in the party. And, following Awo’s decision, Akintola thought it his right to logically step into the big shoes as Western Region premier. On account of administrative acumen, Awo had reservations about his deputy’s ambition. But, other party leaders prevailed on the leader who acquiesced in the interest of peace.

    But, that was a grave mistake. Akintola had already crossed the Rubicon. He had seen an opening to move off tangent and do in his leader. He started fraternizing with enemies of the party and would gladly play Pontius Pilate. Inordinate ambition and love for power or material things could only blind a man to realities. Akintola entered into an elaborate plan to destroy Awo and his political enterprise. In the process, he prepared himself as an ally of the Northern People’s Congress in the South West. Between 1962 and 1966, Akintola played whatever role was assigned him by Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa. In the process, there was conflagration in the West. Awo was herded to jail, his followers restricted to furlong places in the region and the AG decimated.

    But, at last, truth prevailed; Awo was vindicated and the house built on sand crashed. Akintola, his cohorts and the new political tendency died in the giddy days of January 1966, while the God of restoration looked in Awo’s direction. He was released from jail and installed Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council.

    In Ekiti, Bamidele seems to have decided to leave the ACN or whatever new platform the tendency may decide to erect towards contesting the 2015 elections. It is his inalienable right to make plans and do whatever suits him. However, he appears not to have read the situation well. A number of men are being prepared to do the dirty job of forcing a political party on the South West. As was done with Akintola’s NNDP in the First Republic, the Labour Party (probably an ally of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party) has secured Ondo State. Would the PDP be willing to use Accord in Oyo, empower LP in Ekiti to weaken the ACN and move cash and logistics support heavily to subvert the Aregbesola bold moves in Osun?

    Other men like Fasehun and Falae are playing well choreographed roles in the coming tragedy. Now, the jigsaw puzzle is falling in place as Opeyemi prepares to join the orchestra. My advice, as a student of Nigeria’s political history, to both the old and young hands hired for the task is that they should commission a good study of their terrain. There is no room for a second chance for those considered betrayers of the Yoruba cause.

     

  • Hoodlums attack Rep Oyeyemi Bamidele

    Hoodlums attack Rep Oyeyemi Bamidele

    A  member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (Ado/Irepodun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency), has been attacked by unknown assailants, who shot at his car.

    Narrating his experience to reporters over the phone, Bamidele said: “I was in Igede-Ekiti to complete the negotiation for a space for my constituency office in Ado-Ekiti. As we were about leaving, we heard the sound of a stone on the Prado Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). I was conveyed to the town in that vehicle, but unknown to my assailants, I was leaving in the Land Cruiser my driver brought later.

    “They attacked the Prado SUV and smashed the windscreens. When they realised that I was not in the Prado, they shot at the Land Cruiser, but I escaped by the whiskers. I urge security agencies to call my assailants to order. No amount of threat would stand between me and my determination to pursue the 2014 governorship agenda.”

    The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain said four people have been arrested in connection with the incident and are being detained at the Okesa Police Station in Ado-Ekiti.

    He said: “Some powerful forces in government have started mounting pressure on the Area Commander of Okesa Police Station to release those detained.”

    Police Commissioner Sotonye Wakama said the command was aware of the incident, but denied that anyone was arrested.