18th August, 2011
The crisis of confidence between Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko and erstwhile chairman of Ondo State Labour Party (LP), Dr. Olaiya Oni may have revved the tempo of politics in the state.
The Ondo State Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure has in the past couple of days been a beehive of activities, as various groups and interests in the state have gone there to show solidarity with the governor.
Placard-carrying supporters of the governor from Akoko South-West Local Government, on Wednesday, stormed the complex, chanting his praises and nudging him to seek a second term in office.
Notable among the crowd of supporters were the deputy Speaker, Hon. Dare Emiola, Lady Ope Adefarati, party bigwigs and defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the local government.
Similarly, monarchs from Dr. Olaiya Oni’s home town of Ise-Akoko, alongside other monarchs from Akoko in Akoko North-east Local Government had also called at the governor’s office to show solidarity with the governor.
In his response, Governor Mimiko thanked them and affirmed his commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Meanwhile, the prospect that the aggrieved former chairman, Dr. Olaiya Oni may sheathe his sword dims by the day. It is speculated that Oni may have defected to the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN), a move that has been denied by Oni’s close aides.
Oni resigned his position as chairman of the LP last week. The resignation has sparked various reactions in Ondo State.
By Fola Ademosu