IsaacAdetunji1:


Simple is as easy as finding the answer to two plus two. However, when the whims and caprices of man enter the equation, two plus two can become rocket science. The business of leadership and governance of a society is a serious business. It transcends the usual two plus two or the simple poser optics of Yes and No. It is an effort that only gets rewarded once the service is provided, and only the people on whose kinetic pedestal the position is got can determine that the service was worth the effort.

In November, the people of Ondo State will elect a new governor to officially succeed Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, whom they voted for four years ago. Although the person elected is no longer, the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will need the people’s nod to continue where his former boss left off. So, it is safe to say that either Aiyedatiwa or his other opponents are all first-time contenders for the coveted seat in the Sunshine State.

Since its creation close to half a century ago, the richly blessed state in terms of natural and agricultural endowments has witnessed twists and turns in its development quest. It may have been led by leaders from various parts of the state, all pursuing a vision of development and rapid state transformation. Until he breathed his last, former Governor Akeredolu was a darling to many Nigerians and the International Community for the way he pushed the strength of unity in diversity and regionalism to rally Southwest states to demand peace when insecurity was crippling the system. Undeniably, the state that prides itself as the cocoa hub of the country is desirous of a leader who can competitively throw his hat in the ring for development and positive transformation.

Coming on this pedestal of development vision is a man who seeks to drive the state’s progress map further, Olusola Alexander Oke, who seeks to ride on the UIE mission - Unity, Inclusion, and Equity to move Ondo to the next level. Driving this three-point vision are the 12 cardinal programs ideated to push the state to an enviable height regionally, nationally, and intentionally. These key areas are sustainable educational reforms, attitudinal reorientation, improved healthcare, employment opportunities, and the state's agricultural revolution.

Others are A Safer & Secure Ondo, Infrastructural Development, Human Capital Development, Industrialization & Economic Growth, Transformation Social & Political Empowerment Leadership Initiatives and Ondo Sports Convergence.

The 67-year-old Ilowo-born legal luminary and veteran politician also prides himself as a profoundly knowledgeable man of the Ondo people's principles, politics, and practice after years of carefully studying their needs, development, desires, and aspirations. He is a lover of the people, respecting their development quest. The experience he brings to the table is expansive, attracting all the critical modes of impetus to deliver a mandate on good governance for the citizenry.

The people of Ondo State. The time is here. Time to support your own to become the next Governor of our beloved state. The time is now. APC is the party, Oke is the People’s Favourite.

Together, we can.
Unity. Equity. Inclusion.

Adesuyi Kehinde writes from Akure, Ondo State.