By Oluwakemi Ishola
Former governor of Oyo state, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala has declared that he would not subject himself for any elective position again. He stated that his only ambition is to ensure true reconciliation within the party and also reposition the party for victories in 2023.
The Ogbomoso-born politician made this known on Saturday when the Oyo APC Reconciliation Committee met with aggrieved groups, individuals and party stakeholders in his Ibadan residence.
Akala while giving his welcome address said his decision to jettison future elective aspiration was for him to carry out the reconciliation mandate given to him by the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi without fear or favor.
“Late Ajimobi knew I was experienced and I could bring all aggrieved members together. I have spoken with all the blocs in the APC and they are ready to return to the party. I let them realise that everyone is stakeholder in APC; the party is not a private company”.
“Some elements are complaining that I left APC and later returned; yes it is true because it is normal to get angry and when they begged you, I have to return to the party. Those complaining are not competent enough, if they are, they should hold their respective areas. They should win their polling unit, wards, and even local government because we are all stakeholders in the party. Everybody should know their worth” he stressed.
“I am no more interested in governorship race again in 2023, therefore, I am competent to talk to all the aspirants. All our aspirants are very competent but they should continue to build the party instead of dividing.”
Senator Teslim Folarin while reacting to the call by some party chieftains to dissolve the current executives of the party, said there was no need for that. “We should leave the Excos for now. The issue is that we are at a crossroad and no one owns the party” he said.
According to Folarin: “I have been in the party for a year, I don’t have a representative in the Exco. Senator Buhari does not have a representative in his 13 local governments. I don’t even have a councillors hip slot then but we have to put that aside.
“APC is an hybrid. The challenge is that how would we work together but luckily in the leadership of Akala we have someone who can lead us.
“You all know my history with him but the truth is that a leader is a leader. He is my leader. In fairness, Otunba Akala was reluctant to lead the reconciliation committee of the party but he is the only one qualified to lead”.
However, the immediate past Minister of Communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu was absent at the meeting but his representatives were in attendance. According to the Saki-born politician in a telephone conversation with the Pacesetter News, he was officially invited to the meeting but could not attend in person because he was in Abuja.
In attendance at the meeting were Senators Teslim Folarin and Fatai Buhari. Others include Chief Bayo Adelabu, Engr. Joseph Tegbe, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Dr. Olusola Ayandele, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, Owolabi Babalola and elected council chairmen led by Prince Abass Aleshinloye.
Other legislators present included Hon. Olusegun Odebunmi Bunvic, Hon. Musiliu Akinremi, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, Hon. Shina Peller, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, Hon. Simeon Oyeleke, Hon. Wumi Oladeji and Hon. Isiaka Kazeem.
Also present were Dr Fola Akinosun; former Honourable Saheed Akinade-Fijabi; former Secretary to the state government, Mr Olalekan Alli, Gboyega Adegoke, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela and among others.
