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  • 2019: Enemy working to divide us again, say Ogun West elders

    2019: Enemy working to divide us again, say Ogun West elders

    Ogun West Elders Forum (OGWEF) has said the zone’s “enemy” is working to tear it apart politically so that its efforts to produce the next governor in 2019 can fail like previous attempts.

    OGWEF said part of the enemy’s tactics to scuttle the zone’s 2019 governorship agenda manifested at a recent media briefing in Abeokuta, the state capital, by a body called Ogun West Elders Council (OWEC).

    It said OWEC pretended to speak for the zone but cast aspersion on former Governor Olusegun Osoba.

    During the media briefing last Thursday, OWEC accused Osoba of working against Ogun West’s interest, even as they threatened that no Tekobo (Lagos returnee) would be allowed to contest the 2019 governorship race on behalf of the zone.

    But addressing reporters yesterday at Osoba’s home at the GRA in Ibara, Abeokuta, OGWEF Chairman Muftau Ajibola said OWEC members were “loyalists of Governor Ibikunle Amosun” and merely “re-echoed” the voice of “their paymaster”.

    Ajibola said this informed the decision of the elders’ council, led by Muhammed Olagbaye, to labelling some Ogun West indigenes as Tekobo, ostensibly to strengthen the hands of “their paymaster to exclude a particular Ogun West governorship aspirant from Ogun 2019 race”.

    The two-time member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, who spoke in the presence of his colleagues, said no Ogun West son or daughter should be denied right to aspire to govern the state because of what he called the divisive Tekobo appellation.

    He said Osoba remained committed to the actualisation of Ogun West 2019 governorship agenda, adding that OGWEF was also working behind the scene with leaders outside the zone to present a credible, experienced and popular person to actualise the zone’s collective yearnings for a speedy advancement and development of the state.

    Ajibola said: “The Elders’ Council members, who are obviously loyalists of Governor Ibikunle Amosun re-echoed their paymaster by insinuating that some of our sons and daughters from Ogun West, who are in the governorship race, are Tekobo.

    “This term was recently introduced into the political space of Ogun State by Governor Amosun. The vitriolic attacks that heralded him are needless of mention here as he was roundly criticised and condemned.

    “He was reminded, almost effortlessly, that all those who have had the privilege of governing the state, including himself, came from Lagos. Coincidentally too, the man who addressed the media, Alhaji Muhammed Olagbaye, is a Tekobo, having spent all his life working in the employment of the Lagos State government. Does the adage ‘kettle calling the pot black’ come to mind?

    “We wish to state categorically that these elders are in no position and have no authority whatsoever to refer to any of the sons and daughters of Ogun West as Tekobo.

    “We strongly suspect that these so-called elders are merely acting as pawns in the hands of their paymaster to exclude a particular Ogun West governorship aspirant from the 2019 race. It shall not happen!

    “Whatever is the intent of these elders’ ploy by their pejorative labelling, they and their paymaster must be told that the coming election shall be decided not by them but by the good people of Ogun State.

    “For us in Ogun West, we see the deprecatory Tekobo label as a ploy by ‘these elders’ and their paymaster to divide Ogun West people and break our resolve in supporting some aspirants who are already very popular among the mass of our people to create the much needed space to force their far unpopular candidates on the good people of Ogun West and, by extension, Ogun State.

    “All well-meaning Ogun State residents, including Chief Osoba, have condemned this divisive stratagem and we in Ogun West Elders’ Forum boldly state that none of our sons or daughters would be excluded from the governorship race of 2019 on the basis of a Tekobo appellation.

    “In any case, all previous governors of the state including incumbent Governor Amosun, can rightly be described as Tekobo. Tekobo has never constituted a barrier to contesting elections in Ogun State. It will not start now.”

    Also, Olu Agemo called for vigilance so that the enemy’s plan to use divide-and-rule tactics to scuttle the zone’s aspiration does not come to fruition in 2019.

     

  • Power shift: Ogun West courts Alake, Awujale

    Power shift: Ogun West courts Alake, Awujale

    A Governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Adeleke Tella, has said that royal blessings of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, are critical to the achievement of power shift to Ogun West in 2019.

    Tella, who hails from Ilaro in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, said Oba Adetona, Oba Gbadebo and the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, have roles to play.

    The aspirant made this known in Ilaro, shortly before declaring his aspiration.

    The founder of the Tribute Television pledged to tackle hunger, create 3000 jobs within the first 100 days through agriculture and another 3000 jobs from the creative industry if given the mandate to govern.

    He lauded Amosun for working for the actualisation of the Ogun West governorship agenda and his rebuilding mission in the state, promising not to consolidate on the governor’s achievements.

    Read Also: We’ll resist attempt to ridicule ex-president – IYC

    He promised to also work in harmony with the APC to ensure its continued unity and victory in future elections.

    Tella said: “Whoever must take the baton from our governor must also be bold, focused and be highly innovative in order to consolidate on what has been gained and continue in the great stride and do even more.

    “The person must be able to manage great change, must be highly disciplined, must be proactive and be able to add strategic value to the state. I am prepared and ready. I am the right choice! “I know the challenges facing Yewa and the rest of the state. Through my wide consultation of over six months now, I know exactly what needs to be done. I want to assure that I will not disappoint the good people of Ogun State. Let’s tell our people that there is money in agriculture.

    “The next billionaires in Nigeria will come from agriculture and agriculture processing industries. This is a sector I am ready to promote with good policies and actions if you choose me. I am good to go.

    “Let me assure the party that I have the utmost respect for the party organ. I have no doubt about the present strength of the party and the labour of the members from the unit to the state. I am ready to cooperate fully with the party and work tirelessly to maintain and foster more unity so that the party organ will prosper greatly,” he said.

  • ‘Ogun West needs blessing to get governor’

    •Aspirant seeks prayers of royal fathers towards 2019 

    A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Adeleke Tella, has said royal blessings and support should be courted to ensure success of Ogun West’s quest to produce a governor in 2019.

    Tella, who hails from Ilaro in Yewa South, said the Awujale of Ijebu Oba Sikiru Adetona, Alake of Egba Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and Olu of Ilaro and ruler of Yewa Oba Kehinde Olugbenle have roles to play to help Yewa residents achieve their dream of producing the next governor of Ogun.

    The prince, who said he wants to succeed Governor Ibikunle Amosun, spoke with The Nation at Ilaro before formally declaring his aspiration to participate in the governorship race.

    The founder of Tribute Television pledged to tackle hunger, create 3,000 jobs within the first 100 days through agriculture, and another 3,000 from the creative industry, if elected governor in 2019.

    He hailed Amosun for declaring to work for actualisation of Ogun West agenda and his Rebuilding Mission.

    Tella promised not only to consolidate on the governor’s achievements but also move the state further on the path of growth and development.

    He said: “Whoever must take the baton from our governor must also be bold, focused and be highly innovative to consolidate on what has been gained and continue to do more.

    “The person must be able to manage great change, must be highly disciplined, must be proactive and be able to add strategic value to the state. I am prepared and ready. I am the right choice!

    “I know the challenges facing Yewa and the rest of the state. Through my wide consultation of over six months, I know exactly what needs to be done. I want to assure that I will not disappoint the people of Ogun State. Let’s tell our people that there is money in agriculture.

    “The next billionaires in Nigeria will come from agriculture and agriculture processing industries. This is a sector I am ready to promote with good policies and actions, if you choose me. I am good to go.

    “Let me assure the party that I have utmost respect for the party’s organs. I have no doubt about the present strength of the party and the labour of the members from the unit to the state. I am ready to cooperate with the party and work to maintain and foster more unity so that the party organ will prosper greatly.”

  • Ogun 2019: Obasanjo, Amosun drum support for Ogun West

    Ogun 2019: Obasanjo, Amosun drum support for Ogun West

    Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State have justified why the Ogun West Senatorial District should produce the next governor of the state in 2019.

    They spoke in Abeokuta, at the 80th birthday ceremony of a former Secretary to the State Government, Deacon Poju Adeyemi, yesterday, stressing that the people of Ogun West are competent, qualified and capable of governing the state.

    Obasanjo said it will be unfair to deny Ogun West the governorship position in 2019, after more than 40 years of the creation of the state.

    He said Ogun West has credible, illustrious and competent professionals in all sphere of endeavours, such as academia, military, civil service and politics.

    However, the former president warned the people of Ogun West to sink their differences and come up with a single candidate in the forthcoming elections.

    He said the zone has been unable to present a single candidate in previous elections, due to their political rivalry.

    According to him, the people of Ogun East Senatorial District have been out smarting Ogun West in previous elections, by standing behind a single, united candidate.

    Amosun, while eulogising the celebrator, said the only way to make him happy for the rest of his life, is to make sure that a candidate from Ogun West emerges as the next governor of Ogun State in 2019.

    He said the district should produce the next governor in the spirit of justice, equity and fairness.

    The governor said the people of Ogun West have contributed immensely to the growth and development of Ogun State, adding that the only way to compensate them is to give them the governorship slot in 2019.

    He urged all stakeholders in the state to see reason with him, in ensuring that a candidate from Ogun West takes over from him in May 2019.

    Prominent personalities at the birthday ceremony included the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olubara of Ibara, Oba Jacob Omolade, Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi, members of the Ogun State Executive Council and members of the Ogun State Traditional Council.

     

  • Kudos for Amosun’s endorsement of Ogun West for governor

    Kudos for Amosun’s endorsement of Ogun West for governor

    A former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, has lauded Governor Ibikunle Amosun, for his recent declaration that Ogun West is the zone that would produce his successor in 2019.

    Akinlade, one of the aspirants for the ticket from the zone, disclosed this when he spoke with reporters in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. He said the governor has chosen the path of justice, fairness and equity. He urged traditional rulers and elders in the state to support Amosun in this bold step.

    Amosun had indicated that he would support the zone for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2019 governorship election. The zone has not produced a governor since the creation of the state 41 years ago.

    The three-term lawmaker who represented Yewa South-Ipokia Constituency at the Green Chamber, said there is need for free and fair primaries to produce the candidates of political parties for the election. Akinlade said the zone has had the fate of being the most marginalised and that it is only just and right for all political parties to follow the example of Amosun and the APC in zoning their governorship ticket to Ogun West.

    He said: “As a stakeholder, I want to commend our governor for daring the odds and publicly identifying with the Ogun West people in our quest to break the over 40-year-old jinx. Posterity will not forget him and we believe that the zone will succeed him in 2019.

    “I want to urge our people to put our house in order and eschew the practice of the past that debarred us from reaching the Promised Land. We must put our house in order and ensure that the groundswell of support we are getting from other zones and the governor does not fade away. We must work hard and ensure that our aspirations are channeled in the right direction.

    “I want to urge other political parties to follow the path of the APC and the governor, by zoning their party’s ticket to Ogun West senatorial district.  We salute the governor and we pray for wisdom for him. He has displayed courage, forthrightness and leadership; we believe he will midwife his successor from the zone without any hitch.”

  • Ogun West jostles for governor

    Ogun West jostles for governor

    Ogun West Senatorial District has renewed its agitation for power shift in 2019. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE examines the profile of the aspirants and the factors that will aid their success.

    The Ogun West Senatorial District, in its quest to clinch the governorship ticket in the 2019 general elections, has thrown up some aspirants.
    They have embarked on consultations with party chieftains and elders. They are seeking for endorsement at the local and state levels.
    The zone has complained about marginalisation, urging other zones to support its bid to produce the governor. The aspirants are not leaving any stone unturned. They believe that the West should produce the governor to ensure the equitable distributions of state resources for development.
    Stakeholders have denounced the domination of the political space by the Ogun Central and Ogun East districts. They said the loopsided application of state fund has reinforced the strong agitation for a power shift to the West.
    Ogun West is made up of five local governments: Imeko-Afon, Ipokia, Yewa South, Yewa North and Ado-Odo/Ota and sub – ethnic groups, consisting of the Yoruba, Eyo, Anago, Awori, Ketu, Ifonyin Egun, with significant economic contributions to the state.
    Some of the aspirants have intimidating credentials that cannot be brushed aside.
    Notable among them are the Chief of Staff, Chief Tolu Odebiyi, the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Suraj Adekunbi, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, Hon Abiodun Akinlade and Senator Solomon Adeola (aka Yayi).
    Adeola is representing Lagos West Senatorial District at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly. He is a strong contender for the position. He enjoys considerable support of loyalists, including Chief Bode Mustapha and Hon Tunji Egbetokun, who worked immeasurably to see to the emergence of Governor Amosun in 2011.
    Adeola, a Chartered Accountant and an indigene of Ago-Isaga, was born on August 10, 1969.
    But, he is not enjoying the support of Amosun. So far, the All Progressives Congress (APC) structure in the state is in the grip of Amosu and he may determine who succeeds him in office.
    The entry of Odebiyi, has continued to send jitters down spines of co-aspirants who see his foray into the contest as a threat.
    He hails from Iboro, Yewa North Local Government Area. Odebiyi holds a B.Sc in Building Construction and Engineering Technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, Massachusssets, United States of America (USA). He was the Managing Director, Agbara Estates Limited, a development and investment company with over N20 billion in assets.
    In recognition of his skills and competences, he was selected to serve as a member of the transition committee on housing in Ogun State in 2003.
    His supporters say he is more concerned about the plights of the people of the Ogun West Senatorial District having passed through similar experience over the years.
    His love for the people, led to the formation of his pet project, ‘Alajobi’, in 2011, to promote Yewa governorship candidate.
    Adekunbi is another contender for the number one plum job. Born on March 5, 1975 in Aiyetoro, Yewa North Local Government Area, he holds HND in Mechanical Engineering from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and a Master’s degree in Project Development Implementation (MPDI) from the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA). Adekunbi represented his constituency of Yewa North in the House of Assembly. He was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly on July 6, 2011.
    Anisulowo is among the front runners. The 65-year-old politician is a former Secretary to the defunct Egbado South Local Government Area, a two-time Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry and an former Minister of State for Education. She represented Ogun West in the Senate between 2003 and 2007.
    Prince Isiaka hails from Imeko, Imeko – Afon Local Government Area. The 52-year-old politician has participated in the governorship race twice on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) .
    Giving the numbers of aspirants, it is feared that the agitation for power shift may suffer a setback, if nothing is done to prune down the rising number.

  • ‘It’s Ogun West’s turn in 2019’

    The lawmaker representing Yewa North and Imeko Afon in the House of Representatives, Kayode Oladele, has called on indigenes of Ogun West Senatorial District, to produce a candidate for the governorship election in 2019.

    According to the lawmaker, the state’s history shows that the next governor should come from Ogun West.

    Oladele, in a chat with reporters in Abuja, said: “What is important to highlight is that Ogun West indigenes who have never been governor since the state’s creation in 1976 have leadership qualities as well as competence and capacity required for such an exalted post.

    “It is now time to resist any form of divisiveness and to speak with one voice to realise our collective dream.

    “History tells us that nothing can be achieved in disunity.

    “I, therefore, urge all aspirants to work in harmony, so we will not miss this golden opportunity.”

  • Amosun urges unity in Ogun West

    Amosun urges unity in Ogun West

    Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun has charged the people of Ogun West to be united and peaceful in the pursuit of their political agitation.

    The governor called on all politicians and traditional rulers in the Senatorial District to work in harmony with a view to effectively articulate the interest of their people. He spoke at a public presentation of the book, “OGUN West: The Dawn of A New Political Era, written by an erstwhile Commissioner for Housing, Hon Daniel Adejobi.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jide Ojuko, the governor noted that failure to work together is a drawback for any society in a dire need of progress.

    Adejobi stated that the drive to write the book came from the Amosun-led administration in 2011 when, at a time, two illustrious sons of Ogun West secured prominent appointment, Rt Hon Suraj Ishola Adekunbi was elected the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly and Alhaji Rokeeb Olawale Adeniji became the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the first of its kind.

    “If God has ordained Sen Ibikunle Amosun to make the first two to happen, then his support for a Governor from Ogun West come 2019, which is the third prayer, is equally possible. With God, all things are possible. That is when we can say Ogun West has attained its rightful place in the political equation of Ogun state.

    “Presently, Ogun West has not produced an Executive Governor since the creation of Ogun State, 40 years ago. The analysis of the political equation in Ogun state is clearly stated in the book. The political pendulum is not yet at rest.

     

  • Ogun 2015: Any hope for Ogun West?

    Ogun 2015: Any hope for Ogun West?

    It is a fact that since the inception of Ogun State in 1976, no citizen of Ogun West Senatorial District has ruled as governor.

    The series of efforts by elder statesmen such as Chief Jonathan Odebiyi, Dr. Tunji Otegbeye, Prof. Afolabi Olabimtan, Chief Wale Bajomo, Dele Arojo, all of blessed memories and men including SAJ Ibikunle, Gen. Tunji Olurin, Mr. Gboyega Isiaka and Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, have been futile due to internal and extraneous factors.

    Even the last ditch efforts by Isiaka and Olurin in the 2011 election was more of an imposed aspiration on the duo by external forces to settle political scores. That perhaps explained why the duo refused to step down for each other. Eventually nothing came out of the expedition and Ogun West once again was the biggest loser.

    But as the 2015 general elections draw nearer, it appears people in the zone have become wiser and determined to get it right for once. And that is the more reason why the recent return of a third term member of the National Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, to PDP is timely and strategic.

    Akinlade’s return to PDP should not be viewed from a myopic or parochial point of a personal ambition, but more as an altruistic intention to bring to light the collective aspirations of a deprived people.

    Undoubtedly, the Almighty God by design might have chosen Akinlade to be the Joshua that would lead the people of Ogun West out of political Siberia to the promise land.

    A critical look at the major political parties in Ogun State today clearly shows that there is none that is devoid of internal crisis.

    In the APC, the incumbent governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, is facing battling to keep the party together. While he appears as a sure bet to fly the flag of the party next year, the best the Chief Olusegun Osoba faction can have is to negotiate or join another party.

    Even at that, the Osoba faction is not likely to look in the direction of Ogun West person to field against Amosun. By implication, APC is a no go area if Ogun West desires to produce the in 2015.

    The emerging force, Labour Party which is the amalgamation of old PPN founded by ex-governor, Gbenga Daniel and the original LP members are also not immune from internal crisis.

    Beyond the unresolved court cases that will likely affect the party’s chances in the 2015 polls, there are some governorship aspirants jostling to fly the ticket of the party.

    They include Sina Kawonishe from Ogun East, Sarafa Tunji Ishola, Boye Adeshina from Ogun Central and Gboyega Isiaka from Ogun West. For now, it is difficult to say where the pendulum will swing as OGD, the party leader is keeping his game plan close to his chest.

    But close allies of OGD are of the view that he might be rooting for an Egba person to confront Amosun who is also from Egba. If this turns out to be true, the Ogun West person will surely lose out in the LP calculation.

    In the PDP, despite pockets of internal wrangling, the party has lately benefitted from the influx of political bigwigs into its fold. Among those who have signified their intention to fly the ticket of the party include Hon. Kayode Amosun, Tony Ojesina, Hon. Dimeji Bankole, Hon. Sikiru Ogundele all from Ogun Central, Alh. Rafiu Ogunleye and Abiodun Akinlade.

    Realistically too, the party appears to be the most viable option that Ogun West can use to actualise its governorship dream. It was therefore a wise move for Akinlade and his group to return to PDP.

    Ogun West’s quest to govern the State come 2015 now looks real than imagined with Akinlade in PDP. With Akinlade’s solid political pedigree, he, no doubt, has all it takes to emerge as the PDP candidate.

    A grassroots politician imbued with uncanny wisdom and intelligence, Akinlade’s political trajectory as someone who has won his election into the National Assembly for a record three terms despite the heavy odds stacked against him clearly puts him head and shoulder above the other aspirants.

     

    •Olusegun writes in from Ota, Ogun State.

  • 12 for Senate in Ogun West

    12 for Senate in Ogun West

    Politics is in the air in Ogun West Senatorial District. Senatorial aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) are warming up for primaries. Correspondent ERNEST NWOKOLO examines the contenders and issues that will shape the contest. 

    The senatorial race in  Ogun West District is gathering momentum.

    The election will hold next year. The Independent National Electoral Commis-sion (INEC) has not blown the whistle. But, the supporters of the contenders are organising rallies to drum support for their ambition.

    No fewer than 12 politicians across the three parties-the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) – .

    have expressed their interest in the race.

    Ogun West is a populous district. Its population is over one million. The inhabitants-Yewa and Awori-are politically conscious. The voters are enlightened. Therefore, there is political eagerness as the parties prepare for primaries.

    Since 2011, the APC has become the leading party in the zone. However, the PDP and the LP are  not sleeping on guard. Although the primaries are party affairs, the choice of senatorial flag bearers has generated interest beyond the parties. Some power brokers outside the parties may have a say. Also, traditional rulers, community leaders and other interest groups cannot be ignored. But, one thing is certain: the candidates will emerge through primaries and not consensus.

    In the past, the district was represented by gladiators. They include Senator Ayo Otegbola, (Awori); Senator  Afolabi Olabimtan (Yewa), Senator Iyabo Anisulowo (Yewa) and Chief Kunle Bajomo (Yewa). The district is now being represented by Senator Akin Odunsi, (Awori) of the APC. In the history of the zone, no senator has been elected twice. Also, in Ogun East and Central, no senator has had the opportunity of a second term. The puzzle is: can Odinsi break the jinx?

    All the aspirants parade intimidating credentials. They are household names in Yewa and Aworiland. They are also experienced technocrats and politicians. This is not surprising because the former senators were also great men and women. But, whether their credible resume has translated to effective representation and development of the area is debatable.

    Party activities revolve around the senatorial contenders. They have set up structures and committees for mobilisation, consultation, publicity and research. Emissaries are sent to those who matter to sell their candidature. The aspirants have been dispatching foot soldiers to field to woo the electorate. Their posters adorn the streets.

    One issue that may determine the fate of aspirants is zoning. Despite their contiguity, Awori and Yewa, which constitute the district, have distinct identities. There is an unwritten agreement that the seat should rotate between the two groups, in recognition of the fact that no senator had served more than a term in the history of the district and the state. The zoning may not change because it has become sacrosanct. In fact, it is being replicated at the party level where party offices are being shared based on zoning.

    Odunsi, who was elected in 2011, is working towards re-nomination. He has some hurdles to cross. In the APC, the senator has challengers. No fewer than six chieftains are warming up for primaries in the ruling party. Even, politicians from Lagos State are returning home to compete with him. In the race with Odunsi are Hon. Adeola Olamilekan Solomon, the Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Bolaji Oyeleye and Prince Gbolahan Dada. In the PDP, no fewer than four aspirants are eyeing the slot. In the LP, there are two aspirants.

    The aspirants are determined. This is discernable in their clandestine moves. All of them are, in varying degrees, are competing for public consciousness. But, Adeola, fondly called ‘Yayi’ by supporters, appears to be gaining more grounds. He seems to be giving others sleepless nights.

    The federal legislator had seized the district by storm last year when he visited home. He was given a warm reception. Although he has played his politics in Alimoso, Lagos State, he is perceived as a home boy in Yewa. Also, last year, Adeola was in Abeokuta to give a lecture. After the lecture, many Ogun leaders requested him to return home to play politics.

    Adeola, who represents Alimosho  Constituency, which is bigger than Bayelsa and Yobe states, in terms of population, is a legislator of over  13 years experience. He was a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly for eight years before he was elected into the House of Representatives.  At the Lagos State House of Assembly, he was the Chairman of the Finance Committee.

    This committee under his watch in the House of Representatives  is said to have exposed many corrupt tendencies. This has made the legislator the toast of other committees, which perceive it as a model in effective oversight function.

    However, Adeola faces some hurdles. He has been labeled as a returnee from Lagos. His opponents have said that he is not conversant with the district. But, his supporters are trying to counter the argument that he is a Lagos politician. Thy point out that all the politicians in the district have their businesses and offices in Lagos.

    Many also agreed that former governors have followed the same route. Former Governor Gbenga Daniel and his successor, Ibikunle Amosun, were in Lagos before they returned home to contest elections.

    Before he entered politics, Adeola had a robust private sector experience. He had worked in The Guardian, before establishing a private practice in accounting. Many see this as a plus for him.

    Senator Odunsi is another aspirant to watch. He is the man of the moment. He enjoys incumbency. He has also worked for the development of the district. Many people have attested to the constituency projects he has attracted to the zone. ‘But, close watchers have said that the age long tradition of one term per senator in Ogun may count against him.

    Another APC aspirant is Prince Dada Gbolahan. He is an Awori. He is held in high esteem by the people of the area as a technocrat and clean politician, who cannot ruffle feathers. He has been preaching sanity and decorum, warning that politics with bitterness is dangerous. In 2011, many were rooting for him. But, he did not emerge as the candidate. Many still believe that he should succeed Odunsi.  His emergence as the candidate, some said, may douse the tension that has engulfed the district over the race.  As younger elements demand for a vibrant youth as senator for a change, the odd may favour him. If he becomes the APC candidate, he will be the candidate to beat next year.

    The LP aspirants are not relenting. But, the party is not firmly rooted in Ogun State. Besides, it is factionalised. The leader of the party, Daniel, and the chairman, are at loggerheads. The PDP is a wounded lion, seeking whom to devour. It is still bitter over its 2011 defeat. Also, the PDP is bogged down by factionalisation.

    A green horn, Omoba Segun Adewale, has initially indicated interest for the position under LP. He was a time the sole financier and face of the party in the district.

    But, a few weeks back, he defected from the party to the PDP. He may get the ticket of his faction. But, it remains to be seen how his lack of political experience and the problems of factions will propels assist him in realising his ambition.