Bimbo Ashiru

Adejoke Adeleye,Abeokuta

The Ijebu/Remo Governorship Agenda Elders Forum today picked Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru as its concensus candidate for the 2019 gubernatorial race.

Otunba Ashiru is to battle for All Progressive Congress (APC) ticket with aspirants from other zones later in the governorship primaries to be conducted by the party.

Ashiru defeated former Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora and other 5 aspirants who were screened by Chief Olu Okuboyejo-led four-man committee.

He was announced on Wednesday in Ijebu-ode after a tension-soaked meetings of All Progressive Congress (APC) leaders Forum in Ogun East Senatorial District.

The Chairman of the Forum, Dr Gbolade Osinowo disclosed that Ashiru scored 89 points to defeat other aspirants in the exercise which he described as transparent.

Other aspirants are, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Olumuyiwa Oladipo, Abayomi Ogunowo, Dr T Kazeem, Owodunni Opeyemi and Jimi Lawal.

While Mamora scored 88.25 points, Kaka scored 80.25 points, Oladipo 87.5, Adesegun 54 points, Kazeem 58.5 points, Lawal 77 points, Owodunni 42 points and Ogunowo polled 82 points.

Osinowo explained that the exercise was put together to avoid multiplicity of candidates which would likely scuttle chance of producing an Ijebuman as governor in 2019.

He described members of the panel as seasoned administrators and incorruptible.
Osinowo said “This is only the first step. There are still many steps to victory and we are going to take those steps. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that this candidate wins the heart and minds of everybody in Ogun State.

“After this, we are going to launch a massive campaign. We are going to go round the state to ensure our candidate carries the day for 2019.

“I have absolute confidence and trust in them (Panel members). If I didn’t have trust in them, if there was an iota of doubt in my mind, we would not have continued.

“We would not have accepted their report. For those four men, they are integrity personified. I have known them. They are people that have important positions. So, they have seen it all. They are people that money can not buy. They are absolutely incorruptible and we have absolute confidence in them.”

Otunba Ashiru, a strong member of Amosun’s cabinet, described his emergence as victory for all and promised not to betrayed the confidence reposed in him when he emerges as governor.

The Commissioner added that “he would ensure continuation of the mission to rebuild Ogun and turn Ogun to Dubai of this World.”

Ashiru said “I feel humbled. I feel honored and I believe this is a service to mankind. We will want to continue the mission to rebuild Ogun State. The need to continue the rebuilding mission is very key and we need somebody who have passion, vision and the kind of zeal like that of His Execellency. He is somebody I have fine relationship with. He is my friend, my boss and mentor. And it is easy for me to combine all of these and work tirelessly and be able to support what he has done.”

The State Vice Chairman of APC, Ilias Folorunsho presented the candidate to party stakeholders shortly after he was declared winner.