As the 2024 gubernatorial election in Ondo State approaches, the political arena is abuzz with forthcoming Guber Election in the State. The leading candidate is undoubtedly the current governor from APC stable, Gov. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa,
Many things are going well for the Governor like the interpretation of his three names.
And he is getting everything right, for one like his strategic cabinet appointments. True to his fortuitous name, Aiyedatiwa has proven himself a remarkably lucky, astute and adept politician, assembling a team that not only builds upon the successes of his predecessor, the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, but also boasts a surprising and high-profile cadre of additions.
At the forefront of this exceptional ensemble stands Dr. Olayide Adelami, mni, (Member of the National Institute) a seasoned administrator who’s his Deputy Governor and tipped to be the Deputy Governorship candidate. Hailing from Owo, the hometown of the late Governor Akeredolu, Adelami’s wealth of experience, as an administrator, philanthropist, and politician, lends an invaluable depth of institutional knowledge to the cabinet.
Complementing Aiyedatiwa team is Tayo Oluwatuyi, an esteemed aristocrat from Akure, the state capital, who assumes the pivotal role of Secretary to the State Government. He served as Akeredolu, SSG in his first term and has been a council boss and Commissioner of Natural Resources.
Also in Gov Aiyedatiwa’s team are Rasaq Obe, a former Students Union leader, business savvy Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan, grass root mobilizer Saka Yusuf, United Kingdom accountant, Isaac Omowunmi, Professor Simi Odimayo, women leader, Lola Fagbemi, gender activist Olamide Falana, erudite Dr Ilawole, Comrade Ganny Mohammed, Dr Awolowo Ajaka, Akogun Akin Sowore, innovative Dr Sanmi Smart, Dr Seun Osamaye and other young vibrant aides including the Vocal Allen Sowore, former House of Assembly member, Tomide Akinribido, Olufemi Lawson, a protege of late Spokesman of Yoruba Sociopolitical organization Afenifere, Isijola Kike among others.
However, the crown jewel of Aiyedatiwa’s cabinet masterstroke is undoubtedly the appointment of Dr Olukayode Ajulo, as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Ajulo, a renowned lawyer with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is the founder of the prestigious Castle of Law, a high-end law firm with a formidable presence in Abuja and several other countries.
Ajulo’s client list reads like a veritable who’s who of Nigeria’s elite. His deep-rooted connections span not only the governmental agencies but also the business, political and traditional institutions, a testament to his remarkable influence and reach.
But Ajulo’s pedigree extends far beyond his legal prowess and influential connections. The young man is also a seasoned but silent political operative, having served as the legal advisor to former Governor Olusegun Mimiko and the National Secretary of the Labour Party over a decade ago. Ajulo’s reputation as the “Mr. Fix-It” in Abuja’s political circles, having represented various political parties and played a prominent role in the National Intra-Party Advisory Council, further solidifies his status as a versatile and well-connected powerbroker, it’s on note that without holding a public office, President Buhari conferred one on the highest National honours , Officer of the Order of the Niger , OON on him.
By securing the services of such a luminous but unassuming figure as Ajulo, whom many believe will reject such offer of leaving his opulence for Ondo State, Gov. Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated a masterful stroke of political acumen. Ajulo’s presence in the cabinet not only bolsters the team’s legal expertise but also provides invaluable insights and connections that could prove instrumental in the upcoming election and could be the key to a resounding electoral victory, making this a case of “buying one and getting one free” for the governor.
With this star-studded cabinet, Gov. Aiyedatiwa has positioned himself as a savvy political maestro, unafraid to leverage the brightest and most influential minds to secure a successful term.
As the election draws closer, the people of Ondo State can be ûrest assured that their next governor has assembled a formidable team to lead them into a future of prosperity and progress.