Babatunde Sangobiyi
Leadership, they say resides within the people and it is from such people that the leadership of their community should evolve. This was apparently displayed on 30th October, 2018 when the traditional leaders of Ogun West, displayed their spirit of patriotism by endorsing Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka as their choice for the region against 2019 general elections as the gubernatorial candidate.
The monarchs showcased to the State government, led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun in a well attended gathering of Ogun West Congress, their conviction to support one of their sons, who in their understanding is a grassroot person than the anointed political protege of Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Hon Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade, also known as Triple A.
The choice of the region’s preferred candidate, Prince Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka, popularly known GNI, a former political lieutenant of Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State (2003 – 2011), now the gubernatorial candidate of African Democratic Congress, (ADC), glowingly buttressed the notion that the stooge of Ibikunle’s choice of candidate representing the interest of all Ogun West sons and daughters is non-acceptable to them.
Therefore, no better barometer suffices to measure the rejection and resistance of Amosun’s self-imposed aspirant than this courageous stance of the people, democratically venting their anger against the imposition of an unpopular aspirant in the decoy of helping them on their aged long quest and relentless advocacy of the region, in a very surreptitious manner.
This is democracy, the people have broad choice to make, and no amount of political pranks, intimidation, coercion and or subjugation ever potent in the annal of liberation struggle to dissuade, obstruct, deny, deprive the resolute stance of the people for political freedom through democratisation.
The absolute restraint witnessed by the Obas in Ogun East, especially the Awujale Dynasty of Ijebu and that of Akarigbo from Remo land is eloquent enough to adjudge the support of the decision of the NWC of APC on the primary conducted by the 8-man panel and the eventual outcome .
If nobody talks, His Majesty, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu land who is famous for his eloquence and bluntness against absurdity and illegality would have raised an eyebrow in the face of the prevailing circumstances, not even during the inglorious military brutality
As much as we appreciate the gesture of Governor Ibikunle Amosun, I want to ceaselessly appeal to the National Working Committee (NWC) of APC under Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole to assuage the political ego of the governor on the need for him to sheathe his sword and control his belligerence.
Governor Amosun is to be reminded that a continued altercation is not in the best interest of our party. The party’s constitution, specified precisely what to be done when a prima facie case of anti party, violation of the directives of the legal resolutions of the party is twisted to polarise or balkanise the party.
The success of Ogun APC candidate, Prince Dapo Abiodun should not be pursued in isolation to Ogun State APC machinery hence the need to salvage the drift for immediate restructuring for our anticipated victory.
Babatunde Sangobiyi writes in from Yewa North Local Government, Ogun State.