Mimiko’s Mom, Osemawe Knew I Helped Him —Tinubu

Former Governor of Lagos State, and national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu disclosed yesterday at a campaign rally in Ondo town how Alhaja Muinat Mimiko, mother of Governor Olusegun Mimiko prayed for him when her son became governor.

He said the paramount ruler in the state, Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo, also prayed for him in appreciation of his contribution to the actualisation of Mimiko’s mandate in 2009.

The campaign, which held at AK field along Adegboyega Ademulegun Road, Ondo (Mimiko’s town), Ondo State, was in support of the governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for the 20 October governorship election.

Tinubu buttressed his repeated claim that Governor Mimiko reneged on his promise that he would defect to the ACN 30 days after his inauguration.

He said: “His mother and the Osemawe of Ondo prayed fervently for me at his inauguration, thanking me for what I did.

“He cried to me and my team and we spent our personal money to pursue his cause because we believed we were fighting injustice. He promised he would join the ACN after 30 days of his inauguration.”

He added that the Yoruba race know the implication of a betrayal and those who betrayed the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo knew the repercussion.

Governor, State of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, echoed what Tinubu said and enjoined the people to take their destinies in their own hands by voting for Akeredolu.

He said: “what we need in the southwest is cooperation, but Mimiko is ostracizing himself. Heavens help those who help themselves.”

Bola Ilori, Special Adviser to Aregbesola on the Environment, told the gathering of the party’s immense support for Ondo State and its indigenes.

Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Ajibayo Adeyeye, another indigene, corroborated Ilori, asking the electorate to reward the party’s kindness by voting Akeredolu.

Speaking at the rally, Akeredolu reiterated his commitment to ensure further development in the state, provide jobs, economic empowerment and health care service among other things, if voted into office. He promised to complete ongoing projects across the state if he became governor and said  elderly people would receive monthly stipends for their upkeep.

Other speakers at the rally included deputy governors of Osun, Lagos and Oyo states, Titilayo Tomori-Laoye, Adejoke Adefulire and Moses Adeyemo respectively.

Others included the ACN National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ajayi Borrofice.

—Fola Ademosu\Akure