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As FAROUK Prepares For IBADAN NORTH Bye Election
There are strong indications that some leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan are rooting for Farouk Alao to emerge as the party’s candidate for Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election.
Farouk, who is the son of Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao the late Ibadan business magnate and former Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, , an inside source revealed, enjoys massive support of party leaders including Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, the wife of late former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
The source, who doesn’t want his name in print, also mentioned the Oyo South Senator, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli as one of those backing Farouk’s bid.
“Though none of the leaders has publicly declared their support for Farouk but there are underground consultations going on for him to emerge,” the source added.
Recall that Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat becomes vacant as a result of the demise of the lawmaker representing the zone in the House of Representatives under APC, Hon. (Prince) Olaide Akinremi, a.k.a Jagaban, who passed away at the age of 51 on Wednesday, 10th July, 2024.
Over 20 aspirants have, however, indicated their interest to replace Jagaban in a bye-election slated for Saturday, 18th January, 2025, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Farouk Alao, who is said to be favored by a good number of party leaders in the party, is one the aspirants eyeing the vacant seat.
Farouk’s “endorsement” highlights the importance of traditional political dynasties in the ancient town, as Arisekola Alao was a well-respected and influential figure in Ibadan.
The late Arisekola Alao wasn’t not only prominent but was also a philanthropist of note, and his legacy might sway voters to support his son.
The backing from APC leaders suggests a strategic move to consolidate support within the party and the constituency in other to defeat the major opposition party, PDP in the bye-election.
Apart from being Alhaji Arisekola’s son, Umar Farouk Arisekola-Alao, in his own little way, has done so well for himself.
He’s a thoroughbred son of the soil and a well exposed young man. He’s in his early 40s. Farouk had previously served as the honourable commissioner for Youth and Sports under late former governor Ajimobi.
He had, in 2019 and 2023, aspired to represent Ibadan North in the House of Reps but couldn’t achieve his ambition on the two occasions.
Farouk is the CEO, Euphoric Heritage Group of Companies, and also Motivational Speaker. His business interests cut across Infrastructural Development, Entertainment and Oil & Gas.
He once said that the lessons he learnt while growing up has really shaped his life.
“My upbringing gives me the opportunity to understand a lot about humanity. I got to know that beyond all the certificates, service to humanity is the greatest way to achieve joy.
We are all human beings and no matter what we do, the kind of names we coin for ourselves point to who we are. I lived with a philosopher and a man of wisdom and the opportunity to watch him closely reflected on the way I perceive life today.
My exposure in the course of studying abroad also helped my understanding. Part of his lessons to us is that when good things come our way, we should learn to thank God and share with others. When something unpleasant happens also, we should learn to run to God and find happiness in such a situation.”
Umar attended Methodist Primary School, Bodija, Ibadan. His secondary school education was at both Government College, Ibadan and Bodija International School, Ibadan. He is a 1997 set of Bodija International School.
After his secondary school education, he moved to the United Kingdom and enrolled at Irwin College, where he studied Biomedical Science. He obtained his second degree in Accounting from St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies.
-Dare Adeniran
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