Its been five months since the people of Ondo State trooped out enmasse, armed with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and spoke with an reverberating voice of change. The election that ushered in Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, was a watershed in history of election in the sunshine state. His victory, was one too few, considering the circumstances that surrounded him.
Against all odds, Akeredolu’s case could be likened to a palm tree which grows into a beautiful sight amidst thorns. The story that enveloped his victory and the pre-election storm has become a permanent testimony that the governor can not forget in a hurry.
The count had began since February 24th, 2017 when Akeredolu took the batton of leadership from the outgone Olusegun Mimiko administration. Although, there are hues and cries about his late appointments, but Akeredolu has shown that slow and steady will always produce the best result. So far, Akeredolu’s appointments have been adjudged fair and just.
However, tongues are still wagging on some of his foot soldiers who people believed took active part in his campaign and subsequent victory.
Engr Ade Adetimehin
He served under the late Adebayo Adefarati as a Special Assistant. Adetimehin has skills in politics and political relations, his political acumen is wizardry and his followership is second to none. Adetimehin, who is currently the state Deputy chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, was the brain behind team Aketi. He respects Governor Akeredolu and was ready to sacrifice his political carrer for him. It was evident when a national leader of the APC in the South West kicked against the ambition of Akeredolu, Adetimehin, being one of the mentees of the national leader, stuck to Akeredolu and began to take active part as the leader of the team Aketi.
His strength is his political acumen which helped Akeredolu dealt with the intra party crisis that arose before, during and after the primary election. Adetimehin became the arrowhead of Akeredolu’s project, as both his office and home were always bombarded with series of political actors.
Adetimehin does not just possess political acumen, his leadership trait is also not in doubt. He is the rallying point for all members of the APC Team Aketi family. Many believed that Adetimehin was supposed to have been fixed in the first round of appointment made by governor Akeredolu.
Dele Ologun
Like a rising star, Dele Ologun emerged through the light of the build up to the November 26 governorship election, coming huge with all his resources, Ologun did not hide his passion for youth development and involvement in the scheme of things. Before he was appointed the Deputy director of Akeredolu campaign Platform, Ologun has contributed immensely to the aspiration of govenor Akeredolu.
Ologun, who hails from Itaogbolu in Akure North local government was the first person to donate two buses to the campaign of Akeredolu. In his bid to promote the image of the party and Akeredolu, Ologun contracted a bakery to produce loaves of bread with the label of Akeredolu. The bread went through the nooks and crannies of Ondo state.
Ologun became a shining light among the political circle in Akure North as he financially sponsored both political campaigns and meeting in his local government. He’s not a neophyte in the political sphere, with his contributions in the last election, Ologun has come to stay in the politics of the sunshine state.
Ologun’s passion for youth development is evident in his contributions towards the growth of youths around him. He believe in encouraging the youths to make something out of life as he had sponsored many through schools, a gesture he continues unabated.
Being a youth himself, Ologun concerned himself with issues of the youths. Just recently, he gave out One hundred JAMB forms to students in Itaogbolu to help them further their education to higher institution.
His foundation, Dele Ologun Foundation is an independent private organization that is committed to assisting the less privileged in Capacity Building and Economic Development.
Established in 2010, the foundation which provides support for Primary and Secondary education, Health, Educational Institution and render Community/Social Service among the young and old, male and female, students and artisans, widows and widowers, have recorded feat in the area of human development.
While distributing JAMB form for 100 students in his local government, Ologun said ” distribution of 100 JAMB forms and grants for 3 outstanding students from this Local Government is borne out of our desire to make education accessible to some of our students that may find it difficult to obtain JAMB forms.
“This will enable them gain admission into higher institution and also alleviate the financial challenges experienced due to the current economic recession
“Education remains the best and only legacy anyone can give to children or wards, but more importantly this is a fulfilment of some of our campaign promises during the last gubernatorial election. Ologun’s passion for development of youths can not be over emphasised.
Youths in the state believed that such individual must be engaged in the present government, especially in the area of youth development.
It is believed that, if saddled with the responsibilities of youth development, Ologun will spread his limited tentacles across the state and bring out the best for the good of the sunshine state.
Currently, he owns a football club, Dele Ologun FC, where 35 youths are engaged. His passion for sports development has earned him a place in almost all primary and secondary schools in the state. He has participated in many interhouse sports competition as Chairman and sponsor across the state.
It is believed that Ologun is the right choice in the areas of youths and sports in the Akeredolu’s administration.
Sola Amodeni
Amodeni, a former Commissioner in the state is another big root in the project Aketi. Amodeni passion for Akeredolu is beyond politics, in fact, When Amodeni gave out his daughter in marriage three years ago, Akeredolu was the chairman on the occasion. It shows the extent of respect and honor he attached to Akeredolu’s personality.
In late 2014, when there were rumours everywhere that Amodeni may likely join the governorship race, he told reporters that his support and ambition is for Akeredolu. He was one of the early apostles of the Akeredolu’s project.
In fact, the former Commissioner sacrificed his long time friendship with Osun state governor, Rauf Aregbesola for the Akeredolu’s project. He was one of the frontliners who kicked against Aregbesola for supporting Olusola Oke of the Alliance for Democracy during the last election.
Amodeni’s support for Akeredolu severe his relationship with Rauf Aregbesola. Political observers also believed that Amodeni is one of those who should be vested with huge responsibility in the Akeredolu’s administration.
Gboyega Adefarati
He is the son of the former governor of the state, his simplicity and loyalty are the two working factors for him. Despite that he sees Asiwaju Bola Ahmed as a father, he was loyal to Akeredolu, even when it seems the former Lagos state governor was not in support of Akeredolu’s ambitions. Gboyega is known for his political sagacity especially in Akungba Akoko where he hails from.
Since the death of his father, politicians in the area see him as their leader in place of his father. Political observers also believed that he is one of those who should occupy juicy position in the Akeredolu’s administration.
Wale Akinterinwa
Born with a silver spoon, he has also done well for himself. Wale Akinterinwa, former Commissioner of finance in the state is another foot soldier and unrepentant follower of Akeredolu. Akinterinwa who hails from Ile Oluji is a silent strategist. His contribution to the success of Akeredolu in the last election can not be pushed aside. He’s also one of the team Aketi member which political observers believed will be powerful in the government.
However, party members, supporters and leaders of the party in the state are still busy scheming and lobbying for appointment in the government.
It is hoped that before the end of this month, Governor Akeredolu would have put his Commissioners in place. Political observers have also expressed confidence in the performances of the Governor so far.
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