lolzzzzzzzzzzz Osun’s ‘tricky’ ministerial slot

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Lanre Adewole

WHOEVER emerges Osun ministerial nominee has immediate, short and long term implications for the politics of Governor Rauf Aregbesola now and later. What was considered a two-way race is now three-horse battle, with the governor right in the middle of the triangular war. There are now three viable candidates with three powerful supporting blocs.

Even if Aregbesola withdrew his support for Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola today in deference to his leader, Senator Bola Tinubu who is backing his rumoured blood and Aregbesola’s Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, former President Olusegun Obasanjo will certainly not dump the Okuku prince. While the governor was still weighing his options between the nominees of two huge forces who incidentally have not secured any state nomination in the South-West, his Ijesa stock has weighed in, putting him under intense pressure with futuristic political calculation that could deny Ijesa, political visibility if one of its own didn’t make it as minister now. This is the arithmetic.

 Unless providential, Ijesa won’t have a shot at governorship until 40 years. If one is not made a minister now, there would be no representation for the race when the governor steps down in 2018. Osun West is expected to have the governor, at least by APC’s arrangement. PDP can’t even in good conscience present an Ijesa candidate. Whatever is zoned to East, Ife is expected to have it. Both Oyinlola and Oyetola are from Osun Central where Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf Lasun is from. In 2018, Central will have either of deputy governor or state assembly Speaker, though Lasun and Oyetola are reportedly eyeing the governor’s seat. The political realities are the driving force of Ijesa leaders and elders. Two seasoned professionals from Ijesa axis have been put forward. Subtle reminder of “ile labo sinmi oko” (one’s home is real place of rest after service) keeps ringing in Ogbeni’s ears. Interpretations will surely differ but isn’t politics about planning ahead.