ODIMAYO SUPPORTERS MADE U-TURN, RALLY BEHIND GOV AIYEDATIWA.
In a significant development within Ondo State’s political landscape, fervent supporters of Hon. Jimi Odimayo, a gubernatorial aspirant, have officially thrown their weight behind Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s bid for reelection. This announcement emerged during a pivotal gathering at the Royal Guest Hotel in Ajagba, Irele Local Government Area of Ondo state, where supporters unanimously shifted their allegiance from Odimayo to Aiyedatiwa ahead of the APC primary election.
The decision underscores a pragmatic assessment of the political terrain, with supporters acknowledging the challenges Odimayo faces in securing the APC gubernatorial ticket. Instead, they chose to align with what they perceive as the stronger candidate, citing Governor Aiyedatiwa’s proven track record and leadership qualities as decisive factors.
Key figures within the group, such as Prince Obatan Awotale, Hon Omotunde Lawson, Chief Femi Moyegun, and Hon Yemi Otutu, among others, praised Aiyedatiwa’s achievements, citing them as evidence of his dedication to improving the lives of Ondo State residents. Their endorsement serves as a rallying call for party unity and a strategic move to consolidate support behind Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy.
Moreover, the group urges all well-meaning people of Irele Local Government to rally behind Governor Aiyedatiwa to maximize their collective strength. This call for unity resonates with a broader sentiment among party members, emphasizing the importance of cohesion in achieving electoral success.
Barrister Femi Okunjemiruwa, a former chairman of Irele Local Government and a former senior special assistant (SSA) on political matters to late Governor Akeredolu, who was the Director-General of The APC Progressives group, which is the political group of Jimi Odimayo in Irele Local Government, is now a prominent supporter of Aiyedatiwa. Okunjemiruwa welcomed the endorsement, recognizing its significance in bolstering the governor’s chances in the primary election. “Today marks a milestone in my political journey, as divine intervention has enabled some of us to guide our members from political obscurity to prominence. We are now moving in the right direction,” Okunjemiruwa said. The display of solidarity from former supporters of Odimayo is regarded as a substantial boost to Aiyedatiwa’s campaign efforts.
Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan, the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, who was present at the meeting, expressed his delight at the endorsement, emphasizing its positive impact on Aiyedatiwa’s victory prospects. Pastor Igbasan highlighted Aiyedatiwa’s exemplary performance during his initial 100 days in office, stressing the need to allow him to continue his commendable work in advancing the infrastructural development of Ondo State.
During a telephone conversation with Barrister Adekunle Ayegbe, one of the founding leaders of the Jimi Odimayo Progressives Group, opined that the group’s decision to support Governor Lucky Orimisan is long overdue. Ayegbe emphasized Governor Aiyedatiwa’s widely acknowledged commitment to good governance, highlighting his administration’s prioritization of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. He noted the governor’s proactive stance in spearheading initiatives to foster economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance social welfare programs for the benefit of the people of Ondo State. Ayegbe further praised Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to effective governance, acknowledging that it has earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his position as a formidable leader poised to drive the state toward greater development and prosperity.
In his own address at the meeting, the Honourable member representing Irele Local Government State Constituency at the Ondo State House of Assembly, Dr. Christopher Ogunlana, enjoined the former supporters of Jimi Odimayo to deploy the same zeal that they displayed for their former boss for Governor Aiyedatiwa. Ogunlana urged party leaders to champion the cause of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s continuity. Stressing the necessity for development, dividends of democracy, and the welfare of the people, Dr. Ogunlana called on leaders to propagate this message in their respective wards.
