By Ayodele Fagbohun
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With the benefit of hindsight, the screaming headline in the media recently by some aggrieved All Progressives Congress  (APC), Ondo State chapter calling for immediate dissolution of the party executive for a caretaker committee is totally uncalled for; inconsistent and not congruous with the exigencies of time.

It is very disappointing and painful to the marrow to behold leaders who are supposed to play stabilizing force to keep in check the warring groups (if there is any) and those hanker for the perks of office not really out to serve.

Leaders must eschew all forms or vestiges of diversionary tactics and tendencious design to stall the machinery of government; confused the public and thereby put the whole state in a quandary.

All hands must be on deck to rally round the present administration in the state led by the amiable governor, Arakunrin Odunayo Rotimi Akeredolu to increase the momentum of good governance and meeting the expectations and yearning of the public.

Besides, what could have been responsible for this astounding and injudicious call at this crucial phase of presidential electioneering arose from the lingering avuncular political animosity and brickbat that the 2015 governorship party primary engendered.

The needless conflict duly overtaken and overwhelmed by time and event could have been amicably resolved, to enable the party and Ondo State move forward. For All Progressives Congress (APC) has been vindicated by the electorate by practically and fervidly voted Arakunrin Akeredolu led APC administration almost hundred percent without conceding an inch of our soil to interlopers and desperate politicians in other contending parties: PDP and Labour Party (LP) are two of a kind that unashamedly and without any scruples foisted political brigandage on Ondo State, whilst their regime lasted.

Unfortunately, APC Ondo State chapter is also bereft of party discipline and already infiltrate with ideological turncoats, fifth columnists and other political renegades and quislings masquering as authentic progressives which they are not; mere impostors.

For the party is still enmeshed in the quaqmire having court litigations to contend with.

APC as ideologically left wing and disciplined political party, any race for political office no matter how highly rated and the concomitant sumptuous rich perks derive therefore, must be a fight of wits devoid of vitriolics, not for fair weather politicians that would eventually jump ship after provoking rancorous party primaries.

The untoward political trends run contrary to the dictates of a progressive party anchored on rigorous party discipline, commitment to party’s ideals and espousal selfless imperishable service to mankind.

I hasten to say that this must be food for thought for genuine democrats, activists and those who ardently desire parliamentary democracy and rule of law to take firm root and flourish across the country.

On this connection, this writer was shocked and at one’s wit when I read from the media that the pro chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, Dr. Tunji Abayomi’s an accomplished legal luminary, progressive human rights’ activist and political titan of no mean order has resigned from APC on account of being denied senatorial post.

This remains incredible as a story to the marines! Dr. Tunji Abayomi is one of the few leading light as constant as Northern star in the depleted rank of progressives. For some have deserted progressivism in mad rush for filthy lucre and immoral lust for American dollars which of course is not a legal tender in Nigeria.

Without dissipating energy on the insignificant, I sincerely plead with Dr. Abayomi, our revered man of brains and brawn to return to his party that he founded and strives hard to assist his activist colleague the governor, Aketi in the arduous task of government.

“Your position as pro-chancellor of our best known state university is a position of honour;  strategic of greater services to the people of the state than going to Senate/National Assembly  without contributing a jolt to the national economy.”

Let us take a cue from our role model political lodestar, the first civilian governor of old Ondo State, Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin. He actually rose from the rank to become the executive governor having in the first instance conceded his post of minister to his kinsman, Sir Oba Olateru Olagbegi, the Olowo of Owo.

It is God that enthrones kings and assigns position to whoever He so desires. So I earnestly plead with the distinguished and eminent political activist of progressive mould Dr. Abayomi to return to his familiar terrain APC and fight to finish the oligarchy that threatens to destroy the corporate existence of the country.

Again, it beats one hollow, the show of shame and barbaric display of mayhem and violence enacted in the sacred chambers of Ondo Assembly leaves much to be desired.

Aside from being horrified and unspeakable, it calls for great concern and urgent overhauling the type of calibre of men and women to be considered for election into public office.

Besides, it is a blot and grave assault on the integrity of Ondo State as the bastion of progressive politics to see our dear state fast degenerating  and sinking into anarchy due to the subterranean, underhand dealings of some inexperienced and ideologically barren politicians and administrators at the helm. We have never had it so bad.

From this ugly scenario, all grey areas in the public life should be dispassionately and promptly addressed by the leaders of APC and other stakeholders without giving vent to expression of emotions and strong feelings from the political adversaries of Arakunrin Akeredolu led APC administration in Ondo State.

Let no man/group sit idly to pontificate quixotic panacea for nonexistent problems and calling for the heads of certain party officials will further divide and polarize the rank and file of the party and the state.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), His Right Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghem has rightly hit the nail on the head recently by counseling the political class on the need to always endeavour resolving party differences rather than approach court for solution which might not be after all.

Presumably both the governor, Arakunrin Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) and Dr. Segun Abraham are proud and likeable products of the leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu political school of thought. Let us bury the hatchet and sheathe the sword for peace, unity and progress to reign supreme in Ondo State under the leadership of the governor, Arakunrin Akeredolu led APC administration.

This will by the grace of God usher in massive victory for Buhari/Osinbajo ticket come February 21, 2019 presidential polls.

I unhesitatingly identify with the sentiment kindidly expressed by the Lord, Chief Justice of Nigeria. Party mechanism in resolving conflicts especially arising from party primaries must be fully exploited and the outcome be respected by all the aggrieved without option of seeking redress in the law court. This may ensure party discipline; put the parties on sound footing as strong institution to be reckoned with in the annals of party politics in the country.

Au revoir, Pa Olokunboro and Adu.

The sudden transition of two chieftains, Elders Forum, All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. William Akin Olokunboro of Akure and Chief Famuyide Adu, Baba Ijo St. John’s Anglican Church, Ijare in Ifedore local government, Ondo State though at very ripe old age was a tragic blow and irreparable loss to APC family.

In the homily at the funeral mass of the late Hon (Chief) William Akinrinsola Olokunboro (1930-2018) in the Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church, Akure, the Rev. Father Michael Ojo said politics was a major part of Baba Akin Olokunboro’s life.

“His consistency and loyalty to the progressive is legendary. Even when it was appealing to switch party afflictions and cross carpet, typical of Nigerian politicians, Baba refused to be lured into betraying the progressives  and deviating from the Awolowo path. That is, his party affiliations were connectable from Action Group, to UPN to SDP, to AD, to AC, to ACN to APC”.

Akin Olokunboro was a parliamentarian in the second republic comprising the old Akure division in the House of Representatives under the auspices of Chief Obafemi Awolowo led Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN)

Recently, he was an active member (Board of Trustee) of defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Baba Famuyide Adu was a scion of the illustrious and revered High Chief Adu, the late Soade of Ijare.

His elder brother, Dr (Hon) Akerele Adu of evergreen memory was one of the architects and frontline member of Afenifere/Alliance for Democracy (AD); who played a key role in the cabinet of the late governor, Chief Adebayo Adefarati (1999-2003).

Chief Famuyide Adu, an ebullient and humorous having passion for his native Yoruba Culture retired from the public service in Ondo State after a meritorious unblemished record of service. He joined the progressives to contribute his humble quota as a community leader and elederstatesman.

He was however honoured with the prestigious title “Baba Ijo,” St John’s Anglican Church, Ijare.

Adieu! The two political titans of our time served as stabilizing force in the turbulent, warped and venal politics of our contemporary society eventually succumbed to death in their old age.

Hon. Akin Olokunboro and Chief Famuyide Adu were given tumultuous burial like deities on the same day in their respective homesteads. What a coincidence!!

Ayodele Fagbohun writes from Akure.