…Adu, Abitogun predict overwhelming victory for Governor
By Jubril Bada & Adedotun Ajayi
The Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has given his royal blessing to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ahead of the November 16 governorship election.
Aiyedatiwa, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the off-cycle election, visited the palace with his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, and senior party members, led by the State Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, to pay homage as part of efforts to woo voters in Akure South Local Government Area.
In his address, Aladelusi described Governor Aiyedatiwa as a man with a strong pedigree who respects traditional rulers and institutions in the state.
The monarch said Aiyedatiwa had consistently demonstrated humility and supported the development of Akure kingdom and its people.
While noting that the governor deserved support in his bid to retain his seat, the traditional ruler urged Aiyedatiwa to continue his infrastructural projects, particularly in road construction and the provision of solar street lights in Akure.
He also asked the governor to ensure that roads leading to the Oba’s market in the state capital are constructed to ease trade for the market men and women.
The monarch said, “The governor is performing well, and he needs to be supported in his ambition. Here in Akure, we have been benefiting from his infrastructural support.
“However, we plead with the governor to help us with internal roads in Akure and prioritise the roads leading to our markets and Igbatoro Road, as this axis leads to Benin in Edo State, and its development will ease transportation.”
He urged the people to shun violence and come out en masse on election day to exercise their right to vote without fear.
Addressing the traditional rulers from Akure South Local Government, led by the Deji of Akure, Aiyedatiwa promised to initiate more infrastructural projects, especially road construction, across the kingdom if re-elected.
The governor, noting that Akure had been a peaceful city, said his government was ready to enhance its beautification, making the town more attractive as the state capital.
The governor said, “Akure remains one of the most peaceful cities in Nigeria. If any positive development is to happen in the state, it must start from Akure. We have been fulfilling your requests, and we will continue to do more. I haven’t even started governing fully yet.”
Disclosing plans to restructure the state budget to align with his development agenda, Aiyedatiwa urged the people to turn out in large numbers on November 16 to vote for him.
He said, “I am so pleased with what I see here. What the Obas prophesied last time is the same message they are conveying today. I am not new to governance. I am not here to make empty promises.
“You have seen my work and know my capabilities. Since my time as Deputy Governor, I have been managing issues related to the Obas. The voice of the kings is akin to the voice of God. This is why I was able to secure the party’s ticket. We have seen sitting governors lose primary elections.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Director-General of the Aiyedatiwa/Adelami Governorship Election Campaign Committee for the Central Senatorial District, Dr. Olumuyiwa Adu, and the Director-General for Akure South Local Government, Mr. Stephen Abitogun, have declared that Aiyedatiwa’s chances of winning the November 16 governorship election are very high, considering the support he has received, especially from Akure.
They made this assertion in separate interviews with The Hope during the campaign tour of Governor Aiyedatiwa and the APC candidate at the Deji of Akure’s palace in Akure South Local Government.
Abitogun said the campaign was overwhelming, with party members and supporters turning out en masse to welcome the governor and his team to the palace.
He noted that the governor’s performance over the last 10 months had been remarkable and encouraging, which would lead to his re-election.
According to him, “The governor’s performance has eased our campaign efforts and is an indication that there will be a massive turnout on election day.
“The chances of Aiyedatiwa winning the November 16 governorship election are very high, considering the support of the people.”
He added, “The governor has been fulfilling his promises to the people. He is a pragmatic leader, and Akure would love to return him to office.”
Adu also said that key political figures who will determine the APC’s victory were actively involved in the campaign to the Oba’s palace and across the state.
He pointed out that a scientifically conducted survey predicted an 80 percent victory for Aiyedatiwa, with only 10 percent of voters still undecided.
“Akure residents will give their votes to Aiyedatiwa,” Adu said.
He further explained that the governor possesses the attributes expected of a good leader, and there is no doubt that voters from all 18 local governments will support his re-election.