A group of Ikales in Lagos under the aegis of Ikale Heritage Development Association has thrown its weight behind Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s second term bid in Ondo State.
Chairman of the group, Otunba Sola Olatunji unfolded the agenda of the association to make this dream a reality in a press conference held in Lagos on Thursday revealing that members have resolved to storm Ondo State for a mega rally in support of Akeredolu and also embark on house–to-house campaign to sensitize the people.
Otunba Olatunji revealed that the political calculation in the state makes it imperative for the Southern Senatorial Zone to support the incumbent governor for another four years for the zone to fight, legitimately, for the slot in 2024.
Olatunji said: “Since the inception of civilian administration in 1999, there has been an unwritten political understanding among the political leaders across the three zones, I mean three senatorial zones in Ondo State. It was put in place in order to guarantee equity, justice and fair play. It was resolved that governorship position should rotate among the senatorial zones.
“This unwritten understanding has been sustained in the last 21 years. So, in the politics of Ondo State it’s mandatory on the part of Southern Senatorial Zone of the State to vote overwhelmingly for Aketi so that he can complete his second term, while the change of baton will come to South Senatorial Zone, where I hail from, in 2024.
“We are therefore soliciting for the support and understanding of our people to come out on October 10, 2020 and cast their votes in favour of our party — All Progressives Congress (APC) and our candidate, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN”
Highlighting the achievements of the governor in the Southern zone in the last three years, the chairman reiterates: “Akeredolu has brought back the dream of the late Olusegun Agagu to develop Ondo South. openly expressed concern on why he hasn’t won elections in 2 previous attempts particularly in Okitipupa
“Dr Olusegun Agagu set up a University in our land, formerly Ondo State University of Science and Technology and now Dr Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology.
“This University was abandoned by Dr Olusegun Mimiko for 8 years without any physical development. The place was more of a glorified secondary school but since the emergence of Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, the place has turned to a citadel of world standard and the society should be proud of this.
“Bitumen exploration projects has gone beyond rhetoric and now a reality under the Aketi administration.
“Ondo Ports which was first conceived by Dr Olusegun Agagu as Olokola Ports if realised, will be the economic catalysts needed to change the fortunes of the citizens and Okitipupa will be the major beneficiary.
“The road from Araromi to Epe will no doubt facilitate trade between Lagos and Ondo State and consequently bring prosperity to Okitipupa and Ondo State in general.
“ It’s therefore in the best interest of Okitipupa people to support Aketi this time and ensure his victory at the polls.
“ We are appealing to our brothers and sisters both home and abroad to plead with our families at home that our candidate for the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State on October 10, 2020 is Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.
“We must also mention here the role of the governor in securing lives and properties in the Southwest after the wanton killings of our people by bandits and herdsmen. The establishment of the Southwest security architecture popularly called Amotekun is laudable.
“Arakunrin Aketedolu, as the leader of the Southwest governors has stoically fought against killing the dream by those who can’t understand the motive behind the move. Akeredolu has severally reiterated that Amotekun has come to stay and ready to prove this in the Supreme Court. This shows a governor who encapsulates the yearnings and aspirations of his people.”
