Late Prince, right, with President Tinubu in Abuja recently
Akinremi, Tinubu’s “Jagaban,” positioned to Win Oyo in 2027, Dies At 58
Abubakar Hashim
Hon Prince Musiliu Akinremi, representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in Abuja has died and was buried yesterday in his home town in Ibadan. President Tinubu has sent his condolences to the family and loved ones.
Akinremi had a tough start in life. He embarked on self sponsored journey to Monrovia, Liberia, many years ago, where he met with his beloved wife, Adama, who was then working with the Central Bank of Liberia.
Adama was immensely supportive to Akinremi in Monrovia, linking him with the authorities in Liberia under former President Sirleaf in securing government contracts. He blossomed in business, became a household name in Monrovia.
I first met him in Monrovia. He was helpful in my special project assignment by providing useful links to government officials.
When George Weah came to power, Akinremi decided to return home to join politics.
He contested under the ruling APC party and won Ibadan North Federal constituency twice.
Why He Became Closed To Tinubu.
Akinremi became close to Tinubu for 2 strategic reasons:
1. Oyo is currently governed by the opposition PDP, with Seyi Makinde as Governor. Though Seyi threw his weight behind Tinubu in the last Presidential elections, Oyo is still a PDP state. Hence, Akinremi and his political followers are Tinubu’s hopefuls in capturing Oyo in the next elections in 2027.
2. Locally called Jagaban in Ibadan politics, Prince, through his foundation, has penetrated deeply in wooing tremendous follower-ship, particularly the youths in Oyo. Jagaban is a title given to President Tinubu many years ago. Hence, Prince became a likeable choice of President Tinubu as, in Tinubu’s estimation, he can change the political dynamics in Oyo, being an opposition state.
When his death was announced on Monday morning, Oyo politics came to a standstill.
He had just returned from the holy pilgrimage in Mecca.
Akinremi was a loveable and charitable person.
Former President Sirleaf had sent her condolences today to the bereaved family.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
*Abubakar Hashim is the West Africa Bureau Chief for the News Magazine, based in Sierra Leone