A chieftain of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Dr. Kayode Oloruntoba has commended the influence and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo during the last gubernatorial election in the state and his pivotal role in advancing the ideals of progressivism in the Country.
In an Exclusive interview with The City Online, Dr. Kayode, The Akoko born licensed Architect and educationist emphasized the need for a stable party with a well-structured reward system and members loyal to the ideology of such party.
ON BUNMI TUNJI-OJO’S PERFORMANCE AS INTERIOR MINISTER
Oloruntoba praised Tunji-Ojo’s immediate impact in the Ministry of Interior — clearing passport backlogs, reforming the correctional centers and introducing digital border management.
He however noted that it was not surprising to see the minister excelling beyond expectations as he has always been exceptional whenever he is trusted with positions.
“Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is a leader who has earned his position as the rallying point for many of us in the state. His immediate impact as the minister of interior is exceptional but I am not surprised. When he was representing us at the Green Chamber, we enjoyed quality representation for the first time and with several other positions he was trusted with later, he delivered excellently.
“For me and many others, he has earned his position as our leader and a rallying point for many young leaders across the country. He is bold and purposeful in his dealings.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proven himself to be a visionary leader who recognizes talent and gives them opportunity. We appreciate him for giving us Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.”
ONDO 2024 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION
The incumbent Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa defeated his closest opponent in the off-season Guber election in Ondo State by polling 366,781 votes in November, winning in all the 18 local government areas of the state.
Dr. Oloruntoba Kayode explained that the role of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo before, during and after the election can only be likened to the role of a leader who loves his party and the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
“Before the primary episode of the party that produced our Governor and the leader of our party in the state, the talk and do Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo was working round the clock to ensure that the stability and unity of the party was not jeopardized.
“This was what was missing in the other party as they have no leader who could help them ensure unity and stability. As such, many of the Governorship aspirants who lost at the primaries dumped the party and joined a stable APC.
“During the election, he was all over the place and provided leadership to ensure we won all units and wards in Akoko. This is the leadership we have always craved in Akoko. The post-election peace we enjoy in Akoko, especially in Akoko North West local government is because of him and other APC leaders in the local government.
POLITICAL CRISIS IN AKOKO NORTH WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
There has been reports of a political crisis in the Akoko North West local government area. Oloruntoba however dismissed this claim by tagging it mere noise caused by parochial interest of some few persons.
According to Oloruntoba, “I don’t believe that there’s political crisis in Akoko north west local government area of the state. Agitation for political offices and position is a normal occurrence in power play and politics. As a person, I don’t subscribe to issue you raised about crisis within the party.
“Human being is very dynamic. We practice democracy in Nigeria and it is normal for any group to come up within a party to advance interests. However, when such interest does not align with the ideals of the party, we must disagree to agree. Hence, there is no crisis in the party in Akoko north west local government, and that shouldn’t be an issue.
“Leaders of the party in the local government have been working to achieve and sustained peace which has reflected in the previous federal and state elections victory scoresheet since 2017 till date.
“Thus, the APC local government party chairman (Hon. Kehinde Obanla) should as well be commended for his leadership in the party. It’s not easy to lead, and of a truth, he has been one of the major bridges that connects the several interests of party members in the local government area. I personally envy and celebrate his sagacity.
“To achieve a sustainable political victory, members and leaders of the party must be determine, unit, tolerant, and loyal to the party supremacy and objectives. The success scoresheet electoral victory of APC in our local government and Akoko at large is huge and need to be celebrate. The aforementioned was achieved with the immense support of our party leaders and the Government of Ondo state.
“Importantly, we can’t but appreciate Governor Aiyedatiwa who also ensured peaceful political atmosphere and support for the people of Ondo state.
“The Governor has started so well and shown glimpse of a brighter future. We are so happy to call him ois ur leader and Governor.” He concluded.
