Encomium
– Take case to Olubadan
‘It’s all a waste of time’
– Governor fires back
The battle for 2015 guber race in Oyo, the Pacesetter State has reached a crescendo, as two former governors and arch rivals, Alhaji Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja and Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao Akala have buried their hatchets and united against the incumbent governor, Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi.
An impeccable source informed ENCOMIUM Weekly that the two political gladiators who were hitherto day and night are now back on the same track with a view to dislodging the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s governor.
We were also informed that both Ladoja and Akala have taken their case to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana. They were said to have premised their protest on account of the fact that no one governs the state twice. So, Governor Ajimobi’s situation shouldn’t be an exception.
The source further told us that Ladoja and Akala have also visited some elder
statesmen in the state, including ex-governor, Dr Omololu Olunloyo, legal luminary, Chief Richard Akinjide, amongst others.
“Ladoja and Akala are battle ready to give governor Isiaka Ajimobi the fight of his life in 2015”, the source added.
However, Ladoja and Akala who couldn’t fight the war alone, we were told, have resumed talks with Labour Party leaders within and outside the state. Not only that, they have also formed a formidable committee to that effect, all to ensure that the gap-toothed politician doesn’t return for second term.
Confirming the development, one of the loyalists of Akala and strong member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Oke Ofa Atipe, Ibadan, Oyo State, Alhaji Ganiyu Mukaila described the move as a step in the right direction.
“Yes, Akala and Ladoja are working together now. That’s what we have been anticipating all this while. We don’t want Abiola Ajimobi to return as governor for a second term. It’s against our tradition. Akala wasn’t elected twice, he only came in when his boss then, Ladoja was impeached, and was sacked again by the Supreme Court. But in 2007, he was duely elected. So, no one has ruled the state twice. Even, late Lam Adesina. So, Ajimobi should just forget about coming again. And now that Akala and Ladoja have settled their differences, it will give the fight against Ajimobi more credibility.”
Reacting to this on Friday, November 29, 2013, via his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Festus Adedayo, the astute politician described Akala, Ladoja accord as an empty threat. Not only that, their efforts will also end in futility.
“My brother, that’s a non-issue to us. You don’t need to waste your time on that. Let’s talk another time, please.”
– TADE ASIFAT
