Ibadan-born legal luminary, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) has become the first to formally show interest in Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s job, as the senior advocate attended the ward meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his local government.
The former deputy speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, who has identified with the progressives, attended the meeting of the APC in ward 9 (Omi-Adio) area of Iddo local government.
Last Sunday, after a closed door meeting with the Elders Council of the party in the council, the legal icon was led into the ward meeting by APC leaders which included Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe, Pa Olayiwola Lakundoro, Alhaji Basiru Babalola, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela, the state commissioner for education, science and technology; Hon. Wahab Oladejo, caretaker committee chairman of Ido Local Government; Barrister Niyi Oyekunle, caretaker committee chairman, Omi -Apata LCDA; and a younger brother of the governor, Hon. Teslim Ajimobi, caretaker committee chairman, Ibadan South East local government.
Akintola commended Governor Ajimobi for what he described as a superlative performance, promising to serve selflessly if elected.
Suing for peace within the party, he called all members of the ruling party to bury their differences and resolve conflicting interests. “We need to sheath our swords and embrace peace. We must work together and speak with one voice.
At the palace of the Olomi of Omi-Adio where he was received by Olomi-in-council, he was commended for always identifying with his kinsmen.
According to the Balogun of Omi-Adio, Chief Mukaila Olasunmade, who spoke on behalf of the chiefs, it is important for them to support their son,noting that “the endorsement became necessary at this critical period due to his antecedents and track record. He has contributed immensely to the well-being, growth and development of the council and by extension Oyo State.”
Olasunmade explained that Akintola had,on several ocassion, extended support to the less privileged “by offering scholarships to the indigent, providing job opportunities, community support, financial assistance to Churches and Mosques within the council and beyond. Irrespective of our political parties, we are all proud to be association with him and his ambition.
“During the boundary dispute between Oyo and Ogun States at Bakatari, Akintola responded promptly to our call,and our land was reclaimed after many months of legal battles. We are standing by him. This is the time for us to show appreciation to Akintola for a life full of service and support to his people. The fact that he has accepted to contest the governorship election in 2019, we feel that God Almighty has given us an opportunity to pay him back for all he has done for us, by supporting his election bid”.
He was, however, advised against compromising standard, while reiterating their unflinching support.
Apart from two national leaders of APC who are said to have given him the go-ahead, he is said to be enjoying the support of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and many notable Ibadan elites.
Not long ago, he was said to have met Ajimobi who was said to have directed him to top chieftains of the party, for ‘political blessing’.
