By Ayodele Fagbohun

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From time immemorial, the old Ondo state comprising Ekiti State otherwise and popularly referred to as “ara ilu oke” i.e people on the hills or mountainous area ever remain daring and bold, consistent and constant as Northern star as the flagship and bastion of radical progressive politics in Nigeria.

To the chagrin of the people, the progressive beat is lately assailed by wanton political vicissitudes and reverses that depletes the rank and file of true progressive elite class.

With the sudden transition of the two redoubtable arrowheads, pathfinders and protagonists of progressive politics in Nigeria, the late sage, Awo and the illustrious late Michael Adekunle Ajasin, former governor of old Ondo state though at very old age, the door of political administration of the country especially in the South West is flung wide open to brazen political gangsterism and naked self interest which erode solid foundation well laid by the welfarism programmes of action of the two elder statesmen and their lieutenants to develop their spheres of influence.

Surprisingly, by stealth or furtively, Lagos State just in a jiffy assumed and taken away the role of frontline state, championing the cause of good governance and radical politics.

All this socio-political feat and accomplishment as a result of the successive and impactful people oriented administrations led by former governor and president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

This brilliant and non pareil feat is the cynosure which provokes without relent, the envy, rabid jealously and cynicism of the opposition largely bereft of competence, comprehension and spiritual depth to deliver the rich dividends of democracy to their constituents.

With the massive and fervid turnout of voter in old Ondo state including Ekiti was electric.  It was overwhelming and resounding victory for the president-elect and other National Assembly members under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

The coast is now clear more than hitherto, for the people of Ondo/Ekiti to regain the lost ground and glory as the true vanguard of democracy.

On the eve of the presidential polls, the campaign trail of APC standard bearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was accorded a rousing tumultuous welcome and reception by the crème de la crème that constitute Yoruba progressive elite at the residence of former Afenifere leader and Yoruba political stalwart in defunct Action Group/UPN; and former state leader, Alliance for Democracy/Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti (OFR).

At the historic meeting, Chief R.F. Fasoranti prayed for Bola Ahmed Tinubu success at the poll.  Doubtless, the undying spirit of the late sage and leader Awo loomed large presumably concurred in harmony with the fallen heroes viz. Ajasin, Ayo Fasanmi, Wumi Adegbonmire aka Omo-Ekun and other veterans either dead or alive.

They all forsaw a record breaking victory at the polls for the candidature of APC whose echoes would reverberate with great echoes across the globe!

Prophetically, the outcome of the just concluded presidential poll was a foregone conclusion.  It was indeed exhilarating Ondo State APC polled 369,925 to wallop the conservatives in the PDP to garner comparatively negligible few votes 89,554.

It was even forecast in some responsible and enlightened quarters that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State Wing would have suffered more lethal, unmitigated calamitous electoral waterloo in the hands of rival APC and eventually go into political oblivion or limbo if the quick professional expertise ingeniously offered the Federal Government and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by APC standard bearer Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu at the climax of electioneering’s over the lingering crisis of fuel, naira scarcity which was aggravating the sufferings of the people, was anything to go by.

Only Bola Tinubu of APC preferred a reasonable short-term solution out of the crisis to alleviate the hardship of the toiling masses on the queue endlessly in the banks and PoS for their unavailable cash trapped in the banks.

Atiku Abubakar of PDP and Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP) looked forlorn at sixes and sevens; not even proactive enough to address immediate problem.  Rather, Atiku and his political next-of-kin Peter Obi resorted to malicious attack Tinubu of wanting to bring down President Buhari’s administration.  What a reckless and inane politicking!

And in the second place, the spanners and artificial hindrances cruelly and cowardly thrown to derail the electoral process with a view to making Tinubu candidacy at presidency unpopular.  All Progressives’ Congress (APC) Ondo State chapter still confirms its domineering leadership and preponderant numerical strength and superiority over and above the right wing which the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) represents in Nigeria’s political space.

This unassailable feat amply demonstrates that the loyalty and tenacity of purpose remarkable amongst our people towards progressive ideals of governance regardless of some inherent weaknesses in the government.

The bottom line is this.  It assuredly by words and in action uphold Ondo State as the true vanguard of democracy.

The people, indeed the electorate that trooped out in their thousands deserve all kudos and credit to have not capitulated this time around to the stratagem and fibs of religious bigotry, tribal hatred, politics of venality, youthful exuberance and rank cajolery which stultify our electioneerings to greatness.

On this note and to cap it all, glowing tribute and encomiums must be showered on our amiable governor of Ondo State,  Arakunrin Odunayo Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, CON, SAN; As leader of Southern Governors’ Forum, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi stood his ground firmly like the rock of Gilbraltar for canvassing for southern president in the spirit of justice, equity and fairness.  That power must shift to the South is an article of faith.  It has paid off handsomely on the election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the South, as president-elect.

Thanks be to God Almighty, Arakunrin Akeredolu has made pivotal and impactful contribution to humanity as former students’ activist, two term president of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and elected governor.  All the landmark innovative ground breaking achievements which have earned him national merit award, Commander, Order of Nigeria (CON).

Sky is the limit for Mr. Governor and those working strenuously hard to build a prosperous and united country where no man will be oppressed. 

For the glowing deed of returning to the progressives’ fold the people of Ondo/Ekiti states deserve eternal credit and will not be forgotten to have jolly well reversed the imminent untoward trend of dark days, by electing Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president-elect and National Assembly members-elect.

The president-elect and others will be guided by right ideological framework and commitment buoyed by party supremacy to transform the polity to the Eldorado our dream.