20 Politicians Jostle To Replace Late Hon. OLAIDE  AKINREMI

• As IBADAN North Federal Constituency @ House Of Reps

Race to replace late Hon. Olaide Akinremi, popularly known as Jagaban in his lifetime, is in full swing. Akinremi, who represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, passed away on Wednesday 10th of July, 2024.

He died at 52. He was a two-term honourable under the umbrella of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was also Chairman, House Committee on Science Research Institutes of the Green Chamber.

Even though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) hasn’t yet fix a date for the bye-election, and the political parties too haven’t announced candidates to represent their respective parties in the poll but the scheming and consultations have since commenced in full force.

The by-election, no doubt, will to be very, very interesting. This is judging by the high number of political bigwigs from the zone. There are also many vested interests, as well as different political scores to be settled. While the ruling PDP will do everything humanly possible to capture the zone, the opposition party APC would also make sure it retains the seat. However, the political war for the forthcoming bye-election would be led from APC by the incumbent senator for Oyo South, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli. Alli, as the most senior public office holder from his party in the state, is already gearing up for the battle ahead.

In this report, City People’s Dare Adeniran (08057639079) presents to you list of 20 popular politicians who have shown interest or whose names have come up as likely replacement for late Jagaban in Ibadan North federal constituency. The list, of course, cuts across the two main political parties in the state, the PDP and APC. Read on……

WASIU EMIOLA

One of those who have shown interest in the forthcoming bye-election to Ibadan North Federal seat is Hon. Wasiu Emiola. Emiola hasn’t only submitted a letter of intent to the Chairman of his party (APC) in the state, he has promised to make a good representation of the zone if given a chance. Emiola is a seasoned grassroots politician with a distinguished public service record. His political experience could be traced to the days of Ibadan Municipal Government, where he served as the pioneer Ward Secretary of Ward 2, comprising present-day Wards 1, 2, and 3. He has also served as a pioneer Education Secretary, Ibadan North Local Government, for a record nine years, demonstrating his openness, honesty, and integrity.

BABATUNDE LAPADE

Also in the race from APC is Babatunde Idris Lapade, a former Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government. Declaring his interest, Lapade described himself as the most qualified aspirant. He says only a competent and experienced candidate who has a history of performance in government can face other parties in the coming bye-election to the House of Representatives in Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

MONSURU AKINTUNDE ADEYEMO

Hon. Monsuru Akintunde Adeyemo, aka Socrates, is the former Vice Chairman, Aare Latosa Local Council in Oyo State. Adeyemo is a vocal and an active member of APC in Oyo State. He’s also a grassroots politician.

REPETE

Engr. Khalil Adegboyega Mustapha, aka Repete, has also joined the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election race. Repete was the 2019 Ibadan North State Assembly candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) before pinching his tent with the APC. He’s the son of late foremost Islamic scholar and former chairman, Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims welfare Board, Sheik Temitope Mustapha.

GRA

Alhaji AdulRasaq AbdulGaneey Adekunle, aka Mr. GRA, has also joined the Ibadan North Federal Constituency race. GRA is a seasoned broadcaster, a great advocate and a tested grassroots politician. His experience has given him the opportunity of holding several leadership positions in the past. He’s presently the National President of the Association of Nigerian Broadcasters (ANBROAD) nationwide.

LAWAL AKINKUNMI MONSURU

Another APC member in Oyo State who has joined the Ibadan North Federal Constituency race is Lawal Akinkunmi Monsur. He’s a former president of the Federation of Ibadan Students Union (FIBSU).

ADEBAYO ADEROGBA

The labour union leader cum politician, Adebayo Aderogba has also declared his intentions to run for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election. “God has being preparing me for this position because I am the most prepared for it when it comes to local, national and international exposure. In the area of education, I attended The Polytechnic Ibadan for my ND, Kwara Polytechnic for my HND, I also attended University of Ibadan for my masters in Industrial Psychology and lastly I bagged PGD from University of Liverpool, in United kingdom,” Adebayo stated recently while speaking about his aspiration.

UMAR FAROUK ARISEKOLA ALAO

He’s the son of late Ibadan-born business magnate and philanthropist, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao. Arisekola was also the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland. Meanwhile, Farouk had previously served under late former governor Abiola Ajimobi as Commissioner for Youth and Sports. All these are the reasons why there have been enormous supports for Farouk since he joined Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election race.

Meanwhile, there has been speculations within PDP as to who the party is likely chosen to fly its flag in the bye-election. Among those whose names have been mentioned are:

OLUFUNKE COMFORTER

Hon. Olufunke Comforter is the House of Assembly member representing Ibadan North Constituency 1. Many believe she is suitable for the job. She is very prominent and respected in Oyo PDP.

BIBIRE

Hon. Adeniyi Kazim Bibire is a prominent member of Oyo PDP. He’s the former Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters. He’s a great grassroots mobilizer and party man to the core. This explains why his decision to join Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election race has been applauded by many within his party.

LANRE SARUMI

Hon. Lanre Sarumi is the PDP candidate for Ibadan North Federal Constituency election in 2023. He contested against the now deceased APC Honourable, Jagaban. Now he’s back in the race, trying to make his previous efforts count in the coming bye-election.

OYEKUNLE FAJIMI

Hon. Oyekunle Folajimi, aka Don, is the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde. Many see him as another strong contender for the bye-election race.

ABIODUN OWOLEYE

Hon. Abiodun Awoleye is a two-term honourable, who represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency between 2011-2015 and 2015-2019. Late Jagaban succeeded him in 2019. Awoleye is now plotting a come back with his declaration for the bye-election under PDP. He’s presently the Chairman of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board.

ADEBAYO BABAJIDE GABRIEL

That his name came up among those who may contest the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election is not a surprise at all. He has all it takes to lead the people of his constituency at the Green Chamber if given a chance. He’s the Oyo State House of Assembly, representing Ibadan North Constituency 2. He’s a two-term honourable of the State’s House.

TOYIN BALOGUN

Hon. Toyin Balogun is another prominent member of Governor Seyi Makinde’s cabinet. She’s the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion. Her performance of commissioner and commitments to PDP have been commended by many party loyalists. They believe she can deliver even more by representing her constituency at the Lower Chamber.