By Sunday Olugbenga Abire
I was trained never to dissipate energy on other brands while mine suffers visibility. Even the Bible warned against comparison. As a careful observer in the Ondo 2024 race, I am compelled to write this morning about the candidates of the ‘leading’ political parties, jostling to occupy Alagbaka in 2025. This is to whet our collective appetites and adjust our consciousness to the miraculous happenings around us. This is to ensure that we learn and re-learn.
I am not unaware that the people of Ondo State have agreed to be Lucky. Irrespective of political affiliations, the people of Ondo State have settled for purposeful leadership under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. That’s a given. You will hear it from the mouth of sucklings, youth and elders. The women are singing ‘Odirọrun.’ Even traditional rulers are openly chanting ‘O’datiwa’ in such a resonating manner that could deafen one’s eardrum.
The spirit is high. The tune has been set. Governor Aiyedatiwa is the people’s choice, as there is no vacancy in Alagbaka. That’s the will of the people, as orchestrated by God in a miraculous way.
Interestingly, history is made in Ondo State as two unimpeachable former deputy governors to late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu will face each other in an already decided bout. Yes, it has been stamped that the luck of Ondo people should shine beyond 2025 under Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Hon Agboola Ajayi, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, will face Governor Aiyedatiwa. Both of them are from the same federal constituency. While Governor Aiyedatiwa is from Ilaje, Hon. Ajayi is from Ese-Odo.
Love or hate Aketi, he has made history in the politics of Ondo State and Nigeria. Even in death, Aketi remains a tall man. I doubt if this kind of political miracle has ever happened anywhere in Nigeria. So, Ondo State is on the radar in a contest between brothers, who were chosen by the same man to occupy the same position at different times.
However, the exodus of notable people from PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC, is a great pointer to the divine ordination of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s ambition. Before November, when the plebiscite will take place, more PDP stakeholders are moving out to join the people’s governor emplace good governance in Ondo State. It’s Lucky’s time and every political permutation is tailored at landing him in victory.
There is no competition in destiny. The time ahead is filled with foreseeable outcomes. Political pundits know where the pendulum will swing, since Aiyedatiwa is the structure upon which many political structures are built. Governor Aiyedatiwa towers above others in popularity, intelligence, experience and good works. He’s the incumbent whose good works are felt and seen.
The civil servants in Ondo State are comfortable with him. Farmers, market women, students, religious leaders and his party members are united in ensuring that he wins massively in November. The wave of acceptance in the 18 local government areas gives Governor Aiyedatiwa a serious edge over others.
For the records, the next dot of history in our political firmament will be when Governor Aiyedatiwa wins in all the 18 local government areas. We await this total victory as the plebiscite draws near.
•Abire is Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Aiyedatiwa.
