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Makinde crushes political dynasties in Oyo State
Olusesan Laoye
Contrary to the speculations that the Oyo State governorship election would be a neck to neck between the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the incumbent, Engineer Seyi Makinde and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Teslim Folarin, the result was a rude shock to pundits and even the entire people of Oyo State.
Governor Makinde, who was elected for a second term, won with a landslide margin, and and it was a victory that actually saw the fall of notable political dynasties in Oyo State.
Makinde won in 31 out of the 33 local government in the state, while Folarin who came a distant second won in only two Local governments.
According to the returning officer in the governorship election, and the Vice Chancellor Obafemi Awolowo University(OAU), Ile Ife. Professor Adebayo Simeon Banire, Makinde scored a total vote of 563,756 against that of Folarin of 2256, 685. The difference is 307,071.
The result, which could not be believed, also dethroned many political bigwigs in their respective strong holds, where it was believed that the incumbent would not even have any space to breath.
Even Adebayo Adelabu of Accord party, who was rated high did not meet the expectations of the people and followers as he had only 38, 357 votes.
Before the results were announced, the INEC Residents Electoral Commission (REC) in Oyo state, Dr. Tella Adeniran pleaded for 30 minutes break.
What the outcome of the election and the surprise meant in Oyo state now, is that Makinde would now ride higher and capitalised on the victory for a second term. It was also an indication that would for another four years silence his political detractors.
The result has proved those, who ganged-up against him and thought that the coalition would humiliate him, wrong, as no one is sure of what would henceforth, happen to their political career and their parties.
But political analysts, believed that for him to have a smooth ride in his second term he should make friends with some of the people who may have worked against his second term and should not have the attitude of the winners take all, which is synonymous with typical Nigerian politicians.
Although there were moves to challenge, the election at the Tribunal, Makinde has pledged to carry everybody along in his second term in government.
He told journalists in an interview after he was declared winner of the governorship election that, “Right now, I am just overwhelmed. I want to thank the good people of Oyo State for the confidence they reposed in this administration and my ability to lead successfully.
“I also want to say thank you to all our friends and my colleagues throughout the country, through one thing or the other that they did for us to support this administration. For me, I think the reward for hard work is more work.
“So, for this second tenure, we will even work harder for the people of Oyo State more than we did during the first tenure.
“The Omituntun 2.0 is a thing that will be a lot better, sweeter and more effective when compared to Omituntun 1.0. So, I just want to say thank you to my leaders, my elders and my supporters. You have done really well. This victory is dedicated to God and the good people of Oyo State.”
Those who could be said to be highly affected among the political bigwigs in the state, who people believed may have had their dynasties broken or weakened, are those who strongly backed Folarin as they were humiliated in their various polling units and local governments.
Adelabu of the Accord Party, was defeated at his polling unit, Teslim defeated at his polling unit , High Chief Ladoja defeated at his polling unit as well, Omodewu, the APC Chairman from Otu, itesiwaju LG defeated at polling his unit. Ajimobi’s son, the APC assembly candidate in Ibadan south west, who people thought would carry on with the political dynasty of his father, the late governor of the State, Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, was defeated at his polling unit.
Also, Yemi Aderibigbe from Akinyele, who said last Saturday when the election was shifted, that APC will be defeated in 26 LGs also lost his polling unit.
Commenting on the outcome and how the police, curtailed, violence during the election period, the State Commissioner of Police, Adewale William’s told journalists at the INEC office that some hoodlums who wanted to disrupt the election were apprehended. He also said that some people in possession of guns and charms were arrested.
He called on the people of the State to remain calm and should not allow the the euphoria of the victory to be cloud them to cause mayhem in the state.
Also the the commandant of the Civil Defense Corps in Oyo State, Mr. M.A. Adaralewa said that the command was vigilant during the election. He said some trouble makers were arrested and called on all the losers to accept the result in good faith and not resolve to violence.
Meanwhile the polling agent for the PDP and governor Makinde, Prof. Nureni Adeniran said, Makinde’s victory was well deserved.
