By Tajudeen Sanusi
Even though the last general election was just a year ago, the race to occupy the Oke-Mosan Governor’s office of Ogun State has begun in an unprecedented pace. In what seems like a planned move, potential contenders have started composing campaign teams and many already mapping out strategies on how to clinch the available party’s ticket.
In an atmosphere of fanfare last year, Governor Ibikunle Amosun was overwhelming re-elected into office for a second term after what many tagged as an impressive performance in the first tenure. One of his numerous strides which got him accolades was the urban renewal programme where major roads across the state were expanded to accommodate more traffic and give the state a face-lift. In 2019, the state will be looking out for an individual who possesses the technical acumen to not only continue the works of the present administration but also to develop a framework which will make Ogun State benefit immensely from the large economic potentials of Lagos state.
In the midst of the early tussles lies a booming doctrine that if not checked has the capacity to mortgage the future of the state and the generations unborn. The sudden influx of capitalists into the political scene of Ogun State is disturbing. While it is important that the private sector and investors play a prominent role in the development of the state, leaving such societal designed duties to control the instrument of governance threatens not just the independent of such public office but also create an avenue for manipulation of government policies for self-seeking ventures at the detriment of the people.
On the side of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) is Senator Olamilekan Adeola, the 47 year-old politician representing Lagos West Senatorial district. The Senator who as at last general election was shuttling between representing his ancestral lineage of Ogun and new home of Lagos but fell out of place with Governor Amosun is a known stooge of the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Tinubu. Senator Adeola is believed to have a large pocket and his ambition well-funded by powerful businessmen in Ogun West notably the renowned philanthropist, Alhaji Ibahim Egungbohun alias IB Dende amongst other political associates of Asiwaju Tinubu. The unprecedented level of display of opulence and waste at every of his visits with distribution of gifts worth billions of naira leaves the mind in total shock.
But if that leaves the mouth grasping, the entry of the Lottery magnate, Chief Kessignton Adebutu’s son, Honourable Ladi Adebutu into the arena throws tantrum into any form of sanity left in the political play, especially in the People’s Democratic Party which he belongs to.
While the Adebutu’s family possesses enough financial muscle to support any candidate, the move to push him as the governorship candidate of his party in 2019 will further dent the already battered image of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). As 2019 draws near, the onus lays on the electoral body to ensure decency and check on money bags and political merchants who are hell-bent on hijacking the state.
Tajudeen Sanusi is a Surveyor in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State
Culled from: Vanguard
