The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Otunba Gbenga Daniel

  • PDP chair: Dokpesi flays role of BoT members 

    PDP chair: Dokpesi flays role of BoT members 

    One of the aspirants in the race for the national chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Raymond Dokpesi has knocked some members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) for campaigning for some of the chairmanship aspirants.

    Dokpesi, who accused the BoT members of trying to hijack the party ahead of the national convention, also faulted attempts by the BoT members in the Southwest to exclude some aspirants from the race.

    He called on members of the BoT wishing to become national chairman to first relinquish their seats in the BoT and join the race. Chief Bode George and Prof Tunde are two members of the BoT in the chairmanship race.

    Speaking shortly at the party’s Abuja secretariat shortly after returning his nomination papers, Dokpesi stressed the need for the PDP to have a chairman strong enough to lead the party to victory in the 2019 general elections.

    He said, “Members of the BoT want to take over the party. Some people want to use the BoT to take over the day to day running of the party.

    “Members of the BoT have been going round with some aspirants. They have been meeting delegates and stakeholders of the party.

    Some of them (BoT members) smart as they are, are peddling rumours that the BoT has endorsed some aspirants as their choice of national chairman. But we know that the BoT has not met”.

    Faulting the decision by some Southwest BoT members to exclude some chairmanship aspirants, Dokpesi said it’s wrong to exclude the aspirants without consulting them.

    In a November 3 document signed by Alhaji Shuaibu Oyedokun, the Southwest BoT had cleared Chief Olabode George, Prof Tunde Adeniran and Prof Taoheed Adedoja for the race.

    Other aspirants like Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Alhaji Rashidi Ladoja, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, Mr. Akintayo Akin-Deko and Prof Wale Oladipo were excluded from the race.

    Dokpesi said the action of the BoT members has already done some damage to their aspirations.

    “For one or two persons, a lot of damage has been done to the persons said to have been excluded from the list”, stressing however that the affected aspirants would have to work hard to get their campaign rhythm back.

    The media mogul however said the issue picking a consensus candidate may still arise, adding that the aspirants will sign the terms of agreement in the days ahead.

    On his plans for the party if he emerged chairman of the PDP, Dokpesi said he will work hard to unify the party and ensure that all broken bridges are rebuilt.

  • Ogun PDP crisis: Party expels Daniel, Adebutu, others

    Ogun PDP crisis: Party expels Daniel, Adebutu, others

    Crisis rocking the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) worsened on Saturday as the party expelled former Governor Gbenga Daniel, House of Representatives member, Hon. Ladi Adebutu and factional chairman, Sikirullai Ogundele, from its fold.

    Also expelled is the factional state Secretary, Tolu Bankole.

    The party said the decision to expel Daniel, Adebutu, Ogundele and other was predicated on the need to rescue the state chapter from total collapse, following the alleged anti – party activities of the trio to “continually undermine and destroy” it.

    Addressing reporters at the State Secretariat of PDP on IBB Boulevard, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the Chairman, Engr. Bayo Dayo, said they couldn’t continue  to fold their hands and allow the quartet to pull down the house before relocating to another political party.

    Dayo declared that the expulsion is “subject to no appeal or consideration as the four people are incurably cancerous to the PDP” and that they “are better off without them.”

    “The State Executive Committee have examined their actions and concluded that it is continually inimical to the sustenance and progress of the PDP in Ogun state.

    “We shall not allow them to destroy our party before migrating to another one.

    “Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, Sikirulai Ogundele and Tolu Bankole are guilty of acts of insubordination, the willful undermining of the party and antiparty activities.

    “They are hereby EXPELLED from the party and cease to be members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun state and the entire Federation,” Dayo said.

    According to him, the Executives shall continue to instil discipline in the party while working to also reposition it for future electoral success.

    It should be recalled that the faction of the party where Sikirullai Ogundele is the Chairman, had last Friday  suspended Engr. Bayo Dayo, Senator Buruji Kashamu, Zonal Secretary, Chief Pegba Otemolu and others from Ogun PDP, alleging anti – party activities of the trio as the reason for the suspension.

  • PDP: Southwest zones chairmanship to Lagos, Ogun

    PDP: Southwest zones chairmanship to Lagos, Ogun

    The Southwest zonal caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday met at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State in an attempt to present consensus candidates for positions zoned to the region by the Southern Caucus.

    On Thursday, last week, the Southern Caucus of the Party in Port Harcourt zoned the office of National Chairman, National Auditor and Deputy National Publicity Secretary to the zone.

    At the end of the Monday meeting, the caucus agreed to peg the National Chairmanship position between Lagos and Ogun State, Deputy National Publicity Secretary zoned to Oyo/Osun, National Treasurer zoned to Ondo/Ekiti.

    The caucus also set up a six-man committee to be Chaired by Alhaji Yekinni Adeoko to meet with the three aspirants from Lagos and Ogun with the view of coming up with a consensus candidate for the National Chairmanship position. The committee is expected to submit its report within forty-eight hours.

    The new arrangement has now streamlined the position of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party to three individuals. The former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who is the only aspirant from the State; Chief Olabode George and Jimi Agbaje, both from Lagos State.

    The meeting was attended by the host Governor, Olusegun Mimiko and his Ekiti State counterpart, Ayodele Fayose; former National Deputy Chairman and National Chairmanship Aspirant, Chief Bode George; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee for Rural Development, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, former Minister of Education and National Chairmanship Aspirant, Professor Tunde Adeniran,  amongst other dignitaries

  • PDP convention: Daniel steps down for Dokpesi

    PDP convention: Daniel steps down for Dokpesi

  • Akarigbo, an accomplished monarch – Daniel

    Akarigbo, an accomplished monarch – Daniel

    The immediate past governor of Ogun State and the Arole of Remoland, Otunba (Engr.) Gbenga Daniel has described His Royal Majesty, Oba Sir (Dr.) Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo, Erinjugbo II, the late reply Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of Remoland as an accomplished monarch whose death ended another glorious chapter in the administrative and rich cultural history of Remoland.

    In his condolence message, Otunba Daniel mourned the passage of the highly revered king whose courage, carriage and charisma as a sovereign was exceptional.

    “It is with heavy heart and great sadness that I learnt of the passing of Oba Michael Sonariwo, an exemplary and  accomplished sovereign whose reign witnessed an unprecedented development in Remo Kingdom and its environs”.

    “As a sincere reformer and detribalized traditional ruler, he worked tirelessly to move his Kingdom forward with progressive vision, sterling leadership qualities and unshakeable commitment to serve which endeared him to the people of Remo Kingdom, Ogun State and Nigeria in general”

    According to the former governor, in a statement signed by his media officer, Ayo Giwa, the people of the ancient kingdom of Remo would miss the peace-loving Kabiyesi who provided a conducive environment for indigenes and non-indigenes and also promoted socioeconomic development of Remoland and its environs.

  • 2015: 15 for governor in Ogun

    2015: 15 for governor in Ogun

    Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the issues and personalities that will shape the 2015 governorship election in Ogun State.

    Ogun State is delineated into three senatorial districts. These are Ogun Central, Ogun East and Ogun West. Of the three districts, only Ogun West has not produce the governor, since the creation of the state 38 years ago.

    Ogun East produced the first civilian governor, the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, who ruled between 1979 and1983, and Otunba Gbenga Daniel (2003-2011). From Ogun Central came Chief Olusegun Osoba (1992-1993; 1999-2003) and Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who assumed office in 2011.

    The main bloc in Ogun West , the Yewa, nearly succeeded in breaking the jinx in 2011 when two political parties picked their candidates from the area. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fielded General Adetunji Idowu Olurin and Mr Nasir Gboyega Isiaka was the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) flag bearer. The Yewas blamed the defeat of their sons on split votes and the political rivalry between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Otunba Daniel. They alleged that the two gladiators wrecked havoc on the district by fielding two candidates at a time, instead of cooperating together to secure bloc votes for a consensus candidate.

    A Yewa leader, Chief Ishola Olagunju, observed that the rift between Obasanjo and Daniel has not ended. He warned that, as long as the feud persists, it will be impossible for the Ogun West to actualise its push for power shift.

    Unlike in 2011 when the governorship candidates emerged on the platforms of six political parties, the platforms would be narrowed to three in 2015. They are the All Progressive Congress (APC), the PDP and the Labour Party (LP).

    The APC governor, Senator Amosun, is warming up for a second term. Other aspirants eyeing his job include Isiaka, former Information Commissioner Sina Kawonise, Abiodun Akinlade, former House of Representatives member Kayode Amusan, renowned estate manager Jide Taiwo, former Solid Minerals minister Sarafa Isola, and Anthony Ojesina.

     

    Amosun

     

    The governor is expected to be endorsed for a second term by the APC before the end of this quarter. Even, the PDP leader, former President Obasanjo, is proud of the achievements of the accountant-turned politician. The governor has fought the infrastructure battle across the three districts. He has turned the state into a huge construction site. Amosun has also honed his political skills. Recently, he intiated reconciliation with his leader, Aremo Olusegun Osoba. Peace returned to the party immediately after the truce. The governor is expected to declare for a second term, following the endorsement by the party stakeholders.

     

    Isiaka

     

    He hails from Yewaland. Isiaka contested on the platform of the PPN in 2011. But, he lost to Amosun. He came third in the keenly contested poll. This time, he is likely to run on the platform of the LP because his god father, Daniel, has defected from the PPN, which he single-handedly formed in 2011, for LP. What is working for Isiaka as Daniel’s favourite is his loyalty. Recently, the former governor described him as cool-headed, intelligent and hardworking person.

    In spite of Daniel’s support, analysts are of the opinion that Isiaka may not get the ticket on the platter of gold. There are other candidates in the party. One of them is also a close associate of Daniel. Besides, there are other challenges that would make it difficult for the party to market Isiaka as the flag bearer, if he wins the ticket. His link with Daniel may also be his albatross. Daniel has friends in Ogun State. But, his enemies are also many and they do not want him to bounce back to relevance.

    To analysts, a vote for Isiaka is a vote for Daniel and, by extension, a call for the continuation of Daniel’s style of governance.

    The people of the Ogun State have not forgotten the role Isiaka played as the Managing Director of the Gateway Holdings Limited. It was alleged that public assets were not properly managed. However, the present government had reversed the decision of the Daniel Administration on some of the assets.

     

    Akinlade

     

    Akinlade, a member of the House of Representatives from Yewa (Ogun West), has declared his ambition for the governorship. The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain became a legislator in 2011on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Akinlade unfolded his plan to rule the Gateway State at a time Governor Amosun is seeking re-election.

    However, Akinlade has defected to the LP to realise his ambition. Apart from foot soldiers working for him, he is banking on the goodwill garnered over the years as a federal legislator.

    Analysts have identified impatience, immaturity and inordinate ambition as his major weaknesses. A chieftain of the APC, Chief Adekanmbi Aborode, said that Akinlade is joining the race without sparing a thought for the political developments in the state. He said it will be difficult for him to defeat Amosun, even if he emerges as the LP candidate.

    Also, a youth leader from Yewaland, Yomi Olojeloju, noted that the youths are not unmindful of the fact that Ogun West is yet to produce a governor since the creation. But, he pointed out that the youths have endorsed the governor for a second term. He said, based on his performance, the governor deserves another chance.

    But, Akinlade has objected to this. He said he will perform better than the governor, if elected He explained that he is in the race because the people of the old Egbado Division are agitating for power shift.

    According to observers, Akinlade stands a better chance of becoming the governor, if only he can wait till 2015. Also, he has a better chance if he returns to the APC.

     

    Kawonise

     

    The former Commissioner for Information and Orientation has been mobilising, ahead of 2015.His loyalty to Daniel is not in doubt. He is the Managing Director of Western Publishing owned by the former governor.

    Who will Daniel support? Isiaka or Kawonise? Analysts say that the zoning arrangement may not favour him. The reason why Daniel picked Isiaka in 2011 was that, of all the three senatorial districts, Ogun West has not produced the governor. But, the perception has changed. Despite the clamour for a governor from Yewa, many also agree that the incumbent is constitutionally entitled to seek a fresh mandate.

    Analysts say the odds against Kawonise are many. He is an Ijebu man from Ogun East like Daniel, who left office in 2011. Observers are of the opinion that no political party in Ogun State would tinker with an idea of fielding an Ijebu man as its governorship candidate because it will be difficult to sell him to the electorate in other districts.

     

    Isola

     

    The former Secretary to the Government (SSG) was appointed as the Minister of Solid Minerals by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. The circumstance surrounding his removal from the federal cabinet strained the relationship between him and Daniel. However, Isola had dumped the Obasanjo group and reconciled with Daniel. The Egba-born politician is eyeing the Oke Mosan Government House at a time the Egbas are rooting for a second term for Amosun . He is likely to contest on the platform of the LP.

     

    Amusan

     

    Amusan is a member of the PDP. He has declared his ambition for governorship. The challenges that are likely to confront him are many. The PDP in Ogun State is polarised. Amusan belongs to the Buruji Kashamu camp, which is locked in a battle of supremacy with the Obasanjo camp in the troubled chapter. It was at a meeting in Kashamu’s house in Ijebu-Igbo that Amusan declared his ambition. There are speculations that he has been endorsed by Kashamu. The new PDP strongman said that, if Amusan, who is younger than Olurin, was fielded as the PDP governorship candidate in 2011, the fortune of the party would have improved in Ogun State.

    Observers are of the opinion that Amusan, who hails from Ogun Central, is being groomed to penetrate the Egba axis, the birthplace of Amosun.The goal is to split the votes from Egbaland and weaken the Amosun’s home support.

     

    Taiwo

     

    Taiwo is a household name in estate management. He is being drafted into the race by his Awori kinsmen. The Aworis are the second largest group in Ogun West. He is likely to contest for the PDP governorship ticket. His foot soldiers are already on the field. Analysts say the guru in estate management is a green horn in politics, but the goodwill he has garnered over the years through the estate business across the country may work in his favour.

     

    Ojesina

     

    He is a former Commisioner for Environment. Ojesina has declared his ambition to occupy the Government House in 2015. The platform on which he intends to realise his ambition is unknown. His mission, if elected as the governor, is to harness resources to create job opportunities, enhance the state’s Internally Generate Revenue and improve the healthcare delivery.

    For the aspirants, the fear of incumbency is the beginning of wisdom. Although Amosun has not formally declared his interest, the gale of endorsements by associates, professional bodies, market women, students, religious leaders and traditional rulers point to that direction.

    Amosun is the candidate to beat in 2015, if he seeks re-election. Given his achievement in less than three years in office, the chances of winning the next year’s governorship election is very bright for the Owu-born governor. The roads projects, model schools springing up in every nook and cranny of the state, the financial re-engineering, the clean environment, and the provision of healthcare facilities are unparallel in the history of the state.

    In fact, the first endorsement came from an unexpected quarters. Obasanjo, who was overwhelmed byhis achievements, showered praises on him.

    The Ogun Youth Professional Forum (OYPF) has also endorsed him for a second term, based on his infrastructural development drive, provision of qualitative and affordable education.

    In Ogun West, leaders of thought and traditional rulers, are also rooting for him. The renowned historian, Prof Anthony Asiwaju, and the Olola of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Samuel Alade Adeluyi, have lauded Amosun for opening the area with the construction of a110 km road and provision of model schools for pupils.

     

  • 2015: 15 for governor in Ogun

    2015: 15 for governor in Ogun

    Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the issues and personalities that will shape the 2015 governorship election in Ogun State.

    Ogun State is delineated into three senatorial districts. These are Ogun Central, Ogun East and Ogun West. Of the three districts, only Ogun West has not produce the governor, since the creation of the state 38 years ago.

    Ogun East produced the first civilian governor, the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, who ruled between 1979 and1983, and Otunba Gbenga Daniel (2003-2011). From Ogun Central came Chief Olusegun Osoba (1992-1993; 1999-2003) and Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who assumed office in 2011.

    The main bloc in Ogun West , the Yewa, nearly succeeded in breaking the jinx in 2011 when two political parties picked their candidates from the area. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fielded General Adetunji Idowu Olurin and Mr Nasir Gboyega Isiaka was the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) flag bearer. The Yewas blamed the defeat of their sons on split votes and the political rivalry between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Otunba Daniel. They alleged that the two gladiators wrecked havoc on the district by fielding two candidates at a time, instead of cooperating together to secure bloc votes for a consensus candidate.

    A Yewa leader, Chief Ishola Olagunju, observed that the rift between Obasanjo and Daniel has not ended. He warned thatm, as long as the feud persists, it will be impossible for the Ogun West to actualise its push for power shift.

    Unlike in 2011 when the governorship candidates emerged on the platforms of six political parties, the platforms would be narrowed to three in 2015. They are the All Progressive Congress (APC), the PDP and the Labour Party (LP).

    The APC governor, Senator Amosun, is warming up for a second term. Other spirants eyeing his job include Isiaka, former Information Commissioner Sina Kawonise, Abiodun Akinlade, former House of Representatives member Kayode Amusan, renowned estate manager Jide Taiwo, former Steel Minister Sarafa Isola, and Anthony Ojesina.

    Amosun:

    The governor is expected be endorsed for a second term by the APC before the end of this quarter. Even, the PDP leader, former President Obasanjo, is proud of the achievement of the accountant-turned politician. The governor has fought the infrastructure battle across the three districts. He has turned the state into a huge construction site. Amosun has also honed his political skills. Recently, he intiated reconciliation with his leader, Aremo Olusegun Osoba. Peace returned to the party immediately after the truce. The governor is expected to declare for a second term, following the endorsement by the party stakeholders.

     

    Isiaka

     

    He hails from Yewaland. Isiaka contested on the platform of the PPN in 2011. But, he lost to Amosun. He came third in the keenly contested poll. This time, he is likely to run on the platform of the LP because his god father, Daniel, has defected from the PPN, which he single-handedly formed in 2011, for LP. What is working for Isiaka as Daniel’s favourite is his loyalty. Recently, the former governor described him as cool-headed, intelligent and hardworking person.

    In spite of Daniel’s support, analysts are of the opinion that Isiaka may not get the ticket on the platter of gold . There are other candidates in the party. One of them is also a close associate of Daniel. Besides, there are other challenges that would make it difficult for the party to market Isiaka as the flag bearer, if he wins the ticket. His link with Daniel may also be his albatross. Daniel has friends in Ogun State. But, his enemies are also many and they do not want him to bounce back to relevance.

    To analysts, a vote for Isiaka is a vote for Daniel and, by extension, a call for the continuation of Daniel’s style of governance.

    The people of the Ogun State have not forgotten the role Isiaka played as the Managing Director of the Gateway Holdings Limited. It was alleged that public assets were not properly managed. However, the present government had reversed the decision of the Daniel Administration on some of the assets.

     

    Akinlade

     

    Akinlade, a member of the House of Representatives from Yewa (Ogun West), has declared his ambition for the governorship. The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain became a legislator in 2011on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Akinlade unfolded his plan to rule the Gateway State at a time Governor Amosun is seeking re-election.

    However, Akinlade has defected to the LP to realise his ambition. Apart from foot soldiers working for him, he is banking on the goodwill garnered over the years as a federal legislator.

    Analysts have identified impatience, immaturity and inordinate ambition as his major weaknesses. A chieftain of the APC, Chief Adekanmbi Aborode, said that Akinlade is joining the race without sparing a thought for the political developments in the state. He said it will be difficult for him to defeat Amosun, even if he emerges as the LP candidate.

    Also, a youth leader from Yewaland, Yomi Olojeloju, noted that the youths are not unmindful of the fact that Ogun West is yet to produce a governor since the creation. But, he pointed out that the youths have endorsed the governor for a second term. He said, based on his performance, the governor deserves another chance.

    But, Akinlade has objected to this. He said he will perform better than the governor, if elected He explained that he is in the race because the people of the old Egbado Division are agitating for power shift.

    According to observers, Akinlade stands a better chance of becoming the governor, if only he can wait till 2015. Also, he has a better chance if he returns to the APC.

     

    Sina Kawonise

     

    The former Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Daniel’s administration has been using every opportunity to express his governorship ambition in 2015. His loyalty to Daniel is not in doubt. After Daniel left office, Kawonise is still at the service of his political boss. He is the Managing Director of Western Publishing, publisher of the Nigeria Compass owned by the former governor..

    Apart from Isiaka standing on his way from clinching the LP’s governorship ticket, the zoning arrangement may not favour him. The reason why Daniel picked Isiaka in 2011 was that of all the three senatorial districts, Ogun West is yet to produce a governor and that it is their turn of Ogun West. The situation has not changed. Analysts say the odds against Kawonise are many. He is an Ijebu man from Ogun East like Daniel who left office in 2011. Observers are of the opinion that no political party in Ogun State would tinker with an idea of fielding an Ijebu man as its governorship candidate because such candidate would be difficult to sell to the electorate in other senatorial districts.

     

    Sarafa Isola

     

    He served under Daniel’s administration as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and was later appointed Minister of Solid Minerals by late President Umaru Yar’Adua. The circumstance surrounding his removal from the federal cabinet developed into a strain relationship between him and Daniel. However, Isola had dumped the Obasanjo group and reconciled with Daniel. The Egba -born politician is eyeing the Oke Mosan Government House . He is likely to contest on the platform of the LP.

     

    Kayode Amusan

     

    Amusan is a member of the PDP. He has openly declared his ambition for governorship in 2015. The challenges that are likely to confront him in realizing his ambition are many. PDP in Ogun State is polarized. Amusan belongs to Buruji Kashamu that is locked in battle of supremacy over the control of party structure with the group loyal to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. It was at a gathering in Kashamu’s house in Ijebu-Igbo that Amusan declared his ambition. Kashamu sounded like endorsing Amusan governorship ambition when he said that if Amusan, younger than Olurin, was fielded as PDP governorship candidate in 2011, the fortune of the party would have perhaps, been better at the poll.

    Observers are of the opinion that Amusan who hails from Ogun Central, is being groomed to penetrate the Egbas where the incumbent governor Amosunn also came from. The ultimate goal, according to observers, is to split the votes from Egbaland and weaken the Amosun’s home support.

     

    Jide Taiwo

     

    Taiwo is a household name in estate management. He is being drafted by his Awori kinsmen to give governorship election a shot. The Aworis are the second largest group in Ogun West. He is likely to contest for the PDP governorship ticket.. His foot soldiers are already on the field marketing him. Analysts say the guru in estate management is a green horn in politics but the goodwill he has garnered over the years through estate business across the country may work in his favour.

     

    Anthony Ojesina

     

    He is a former Commisioner for Environment. Ojesina has declared his ambition to occupy the Government House in 2015. The platform on which he intends to realise his ambition is unknown. His mission, if elected governor, he said is to harness the resources to create job opportunities, to enhance the state’s Internally Generate Revenue and improve the healthcare delivery..

     

    Senator Amosun

     

    Although Governor Amosun has not formally declared to run for second term, but the gale of endorsement by party associates, professional bodies, market women, students, religious leaders and traditional rulers point to that direction.

    Amosun is the candidate to beat in 2015, if he seeks re-election. Given his achievement in less than three years in office, the chances of winning the next year’s governorship election is very bright for the Owu-born governor. The roads project cutting across all the senatorial districts, model schools springing up in every nook and cranny of the state, financial re-engineering, clean environment, and provision of healthcare facilities are unparallel in the history of the Gateway state.

    In fact, his endorsement came from unexpected quarters. Former President Obasanjo and a pillar of the opposition party (PDP) who was overwhelmed by the Amosun’s achievements showered praises on him and encouraged him to remain in office beyond 2015.

    The Ogun Youth Professional Forum (OYPF) has also endorsed him for second term based on his administration’s massive infrastructural development drive, and provision of qualitative and affordable education.

    In Ogun West, leaders of thought and traditional rulers in the zone, including the renowned historian, Prof Anthony Asiwaju and the Olola of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Samuel Alade Adeluyi lauded Amosun for opening the area with the 110 km road construction as well as provision of model schools for pupils. They noted that their communities which was almost marooned from each other and from the rest of the state will henceforth be able to inter connect with the road project that stretched over four local government councils in the zone.

    Analysts say the only challenge facing the second term bid of Governor Amosun is the simmering crisis that erupted in he state chapter of the APC recently. The crisis, according to observers, has pitched the supporters of former Governor Osoba against Amosun group. They advised early resolution of the crisis to ensure party cohesion ahead of 2015.

  • Oba Adetona hale and hearty

    Oba Adetona hale and hearty

    Contrary to earlier reports, there was no sign of illness in the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, when Celeb Watch met him on the occasion of Otunba Subomi Balogun’s Annual Prayers of Thanksgiving penultimate Tuesday. Looking hale, hearty and cheerful at the event which took place at the Otunba Tuwase Court, Oba Adetona was seen sharing lively banters with the host.

    The Kabiyesi, who sat beside former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was very active throughout the programme. All the high chiefs present at the event took turns to pay homage to the paramount ruler of Ijebuland, who in turn cheerfully extended royal wishes to them. Even the visually impaired would see that the Kabiyesi was in high spirits.

    There were rumours about a month ago to the effect that Oba Adetona had been under the weather for some time. The rumour mongers even speculated that he had been a guest at a popular hospital on Victoria Island, Lagos, and that his latest trip out of the country was inspired by an urgent need for medical attention.

  • Iyabo Obasanjo lies low

    Iyabo Obasanjo lies low

    That Senator Iyabo Obasanjo lost her bid to return to the upper chamber of the National Assembly in 2011 is no longer news. What seems to be of concern to her admirers is the rate at which the once ubiquitous former Ogun State commissioner for health has rolled back into political oblivion.

    Since the embarrassing loss of her seat in the Senate in 2011, she has been absent from the political and social scenes.

    The veterinary doctor turned politician and eldest daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo was once a recurring feature on the social scene when her father held sway as President. By virtue of her father’s position, she became a well sought after acquaintance of many. Not only was she appointed a commissioner by the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration in Ogun State, she was always on the road attending one inauguration ceremony after the other.

    The ex-senator whose marriage to Jimi Bello crashed many years ago, could not secure a ministerial appointment under President Goodluck Jonathan as earlier rumoured. She then relocated abroad for further studies, hoping to get from academics the certificate she could not get from INEC.

    As 2015 draws closer, it is not yet clear which direction Iyabo Obasanjo will go.