•As OGD, TINUBU, OSOBA, V.P OSINBAJO & AWUJALE’s Loyalists Lobby
As Ogun State begins to warm up for the swearing-in of the Governor-elect, Prince Dapo Abiodun, so are his core supporters and elders of the party who were Dapo Abiodun’s backbone during the election.
They are also gearing up for who will make Dapo Abiodun’s cabinet and who will not. As expectations are high, Ogun State Governor-Elect, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has inaugurated Dr Reuben Abati, a former spokesperson to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, among others, as a member of an Economic Transition Committee.
In a statement last Saturday by Dapo Abiodun’s media aide, Remmy Hazzan, the committee is expected to “further articulate his campaign manifesto, ensure robust engagement with stakeholders and develop a Road map to guide its implementation.” Abiodun noted that the “state is blessed with an abundance of human resources in all fields of endeavour”, and commended the members for rendering their time to serve. He also reiterated his commitment “to provide an inclusive Government,” hence the composition of the committee ahead of the May 29 inauguration.
The 23-man team is chaired by a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Tunde Lemo. Others members of the committee include; the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, Mr Gboyega Isiaka; a former Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs Salimot Badru, the former Managing Director of Shell Petroleum and Development Company (SPDC), Mr Mutiu Sunmonu; among others.
City People gathered that what should have been a simple decision to appoint people in the post of commissioners, senior special advisers and special advisers might not be simple as it was during Governor Amosun’s tenure? Recall that, Governor Amosun went on his own term ignoring the list of the likes of Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who fought for him to ensure he became the governor Ogun state, their effort and support brought him to office in 2013.
This is not the case for Dapo Abiodun. Although he has people who played a vital role during his campaign, but the list of his kitchen cabinet will be influenced by elders in the party and royal fathers. An inside source disclosed that he will be dancing to the tune of these people so as to not step on toes as Governor Amosun did.
City People can authoritatively reveal that former Governor, Aremo Osoba, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu & OGD will all play big roles in influencing the list of Dapo Abiodun’s kitchen cabinet due to the fact that they helped in making sure he got the APC gubernatorial ticket that almost tore the party apart, Osoba will be compensated big time in this new government as he has paid his due in the party, though he was not recognized in the outgoing government.
Vice President Osibajo is also among those who will influence the cabinet list, apart from being Dapo Abiodun’s friend, he also played a big role in the last election and he stood solidly behind him when the road became rocky, this is where the Ijebu factor will play in.
Oba Sikirulai Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu, being the royal father of Dapo Abiodun and also one of those who he looks up to will also have an interest in who and who will be on his cabinet.
Even former Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel is said to have a role to play as it was gathered last week that the indigenous road construction company OGROMO that was used during Gbenga Daniel’s administrative will be coming back in Dapo Abiodun’s administrative.
Some of the politicians who stood by him during campaigns are meeting with the elders of the party to have an assurance if they will be on the cabinet of someone they want to put forward will, some of them have been in the cabinet of the present and former governor before and some of them have contested and won an election, most of the likely people who will be on the cabinet of Dapo Abiodun are experienced and seasoned politicians.
Senator Lanre Tejuosho former chairman, SUBEB, had a rough route with Governor Amosun, while they were having their crises he pitched his tent with Dapo Abiodun, he has been a commissioner in Ogun state before, he might also clinch a portfolio during Dapo Abiodun’s administrative. Chief Mufutau Ajibola also. Although Senator Adegbenga Kaka might not be looking into getting a portfolio but he is sure going to have someone who can stand in. Former Speaker of the state, Rt Hon Titi Oseni-Gomez, worked for Dapo Abiodun at the last minute, she might also get something in the cabinet. Chief Kayode Amusan and Dr Femi Majekodunmi might also be on the list. Chief Bode Mustapha is an elder in the party but he might also come up with few names in his interest considering the huge role he played in the last election. Dr Fred Omojole, Otunba Adewale Osinubi (aka Wesco) too. Biyi Otegbeye who came on board on Governor Amosun’s cabinet last two years ago is a close friend of Dapo Abiodun, he is likely to get a portfolio too.
Former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in the state, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru no doubt will be having a portfolio considering the relationship he has with Dapo Abiodun and the Ijebu agenda will also work for him. Senator Gbenga Obadara, Senator Gbolahan Dada, Hon Kayode Oladele, Senator Biyi Durojaiye, Senator Dipo Odujinrin, might also be on the list. Former chairman of Sagamu local government Mrs Funmilayo Efuape will no doubt be on the list, one will not be surprised if she gets the commissioner for women as she played a key role during the campaign and the fact that she is also from Ijebu area will be considered. Two terms Ogun assembly member honourable Adijat Oladapo might also be getting a portfolio in Dapo Abiodun’s administrative. Chief Jide Odekunle’s name has also been mentioned.
