Social media has been abuzz with rumblings lately, and it’s no surprise given the current state of affairs. It’s like saying there’s trouble in the house of Ayemafuge (Ilaje), you’d be spot on! Recently, Banji Okunomo has been vocal about his grievances and regrets, seemingly concerned about the direction of our party. His pains seemed deliberate but it’s genuiness is in doubt. However, many, including Ojekhoa, have been left perplexed by Okunomo’s outbursts. I, too, was confused until I watched Bode Obanla’s video, which shed light on the root of Okunomo’s anger and gave meaning to his rants.
Banji’s videos tell a different story when viewed through a discerning lens. It’s clear he’s either been drafted into someone else’s agenda or is trying to prove his worth to the Alagbaka gods – but either way, his actions seem driven by ulterior motives.
His approach to leadership, loyalty, and ambition management raises questions about his personal values, given his history of switching parties and allegiances in pursuit of power and influence. To be honest, it’s hard to resonate with his demands when he has so freely moved between parties, unlike many of us who have remained loyal to our parties since the beginning of this democratic process. His cross-party journey seems more opportunistic than principled. The question is, can anyone blame the likes of Banji? I do not think so. He has his own agenda and he has as usual found a place where it could fester. Hence, he has to look for fall guys or opportunities. Make no mistake, he has found a place inside Alagbaka.
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has a penchant for narrating how God saved him from his political enemies. According to him, God used the judiciary as a divine instrument to deliver him from the brink of disaster, enabling him to ascend to the governor’s seat and become a leader in the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, this narrative only tells half the story.
In reality, the governor’s rise to power was marred by controversy. As Deputy Governor or Acting Governor, he allegedly employed underhand tactics to undermine his principal. He collaborated with known political enemies, hired hack writers, and mobilized social media activists to destroy his boss’s reputation. This was a particularly low blow, given his boss’s fragile health at the time. The governor’s actions were akin to kicking a man when he’s down.
Even after his boss’s demise, the governor’s vindictiveness knew no bounds. He continued to undermine his legacy, demolishing infrastructure and conspiring against his memory. The Cenotaph built in honor of those massacred in Owo was a particular point of contention. This pattern of behavior has created a toxic environment in the party, with many wondering if the governor’s actions are driven by a desire for power or a thirst for revenge.
The same tactics are being employed against perceived enemies today. The governor’s leadership style is characterized by vengefulness and a desire for control. This has led to a situation where party members are either for him or against him, with no room for dissent. The party’s interests are being sacrificed on the altar of personal agendas by the likes of Banji Okunomo. This tendency must be challenged lest he being the attributes of his many missionary political journeys to our party.
In Ola Rotimi’s book, “The Gods Are Not to Blame” we see how leadership derails and put society in trouble. Just like Oedipus, the governor’s actions will have consequences. His hubris and refusal to engage and embrace perceived political opponents who contested with him is providing opportunities for people to look at alternatives. The gods may not be to blame, but the people of Ondo State will surely hold him accountable when the time comes.
The governor’s allies, like Banji Okunomo, are already positioning themselves for favors. However, their loyalty is suspect, and it’s clear that they are more interested in personal gain than serving the party. The people of Ondo State deserve better. They deserve leaders who will serve the greater good, not just their personal interests.
In conclusion, the governor’s actions will have far-reaching consequences. While the party’s survival does not depend on him alone his ability to introspect and reform will affect our party. While he sits in Alagbaka listening to yes-men, singing to him who to engage or ostracise from the party there are leaders across the State who have moved on through the support of the Minister of Interiors under the agies of various Support groups working day and night to build a momentum for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If the governor and the likes of Banji find this unsettling, we are sorry we can’t help him.
If the governor does not change his mindset and decided to recruit the likes of Okunomo the people will not forget the governor’s transgressions, and history will judge him harshly if he fails to change course.
I have said once referencing Chairman Mao of China who says ” let a thousand ideas flourish like flowers”. Let the Support Groups be and let BTO breathe.
Sola Ajisafe is a lawyer, journalist and farmer. He is a member of the APC and practices law in Akure.
