By Kola Amzat

In six years, Governor Ajibola Ahimobi has changed the face of governance in Oyo State. The footprints are obvious in all the nooks & crannies of the state. The restoration of peace and orderliness would remain evergreen in the memory of the people. Never again would there be politics of brigandage and violence that were the hallmark of previous administrations.

His Excellency has launched the state into comity of states investors, both local and foreign, prefer,  destination. Recent economic data released by Nigerian Bureau of Statistics indicated that Oyo is amongst six states across the federation that attracted foreign capital inflows. Even though about £3.78 million recorded for the state is not substantial enough, the development signals a new dawn for the state economy.

Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN)

On infrastructures, the state administration almost turned Iseyin community into a mini-city with impressive road networks and lightening system. Ogbomoso has also experienced Ajimobi’s midas touch with medium and small scale entrepreneurs springing up everywhere. We expect that this developmental initiative would be replicated in Oyo Kingdom and other communities in the state before your tenure comes to a close in 2019.

Meanwhile, generations yet unborn would forever remember the state administration for the  Mokola overhead bridge that has not only restored normalcy to that part of Ibadan but has added beauty to the area and environs.

The best legacy Ajimobi has bequeathed to Ibadan is the recent installation of  21 Obas with beaded crowns in the state capital, an initiative expected to usher in monumental development into the city in  future. These achievements are a product of deep conviction, remarkable courage, boldness, decisiveness in areas hitherto regarded as no-go areas, futuristic and developmental leadership. As the action-packed tenure of His Excellency winds up in 2019, it is delicate to leave the running of the affairs of the state in the hands of inexperienced administrator who could   easily be bullied by aristocrats as well as someone who doesn’t share Ajimobi’s vision for the state. This is where Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) comes in.

Of all the aspirants for the office of governor in 2019 in Oyo, Akintola has unique attributes that the people of the state are conscious of. Without any iota of doubt, the governor could hand over baton of leadership to him without losing sleep. He is imbued with large dose of courage, boldness, discipline and loyalty. The legal icon is developmental, progressive and has profound knowledge of the state having been one time Deputy Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly. He is entrepreneurial in nature with a flourishing law practice. He is also very versed in international politics and economy. He will bring all these to bear in the administration of the state if he’s lucky to receive the endorsement of His Excellency and the good people of Oyo.

He was a prominent member of the team that claimed victory for progressives in cases of Segun Mimiko, Ibikunle Amosun in Ondo and Ogun states respectively and even in the gubernatorial case that Ajimobi was involved in. He was one of the few lawyers who played significant roles for the progressives to exit the PDP federal government. Akintola had political tutelage under the late Chief Bola Ige, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as the late Chief Abraham Adesanya.

Presiding over the affairs of a politically sophisticated state like Oyo is not for lily-levered, moneybags, inexperienced hands, corrupt individuals and personalities with flair for ostentations. It is for focused, disciplined, loyal, broad-minded, tested & trusted,men of courage and clear vision of what to do as well as individual with helicopter views on issues. Akintola possesses these attributes. Against this backdrop, I encourage His Excellency to support his candidature.

*AMZAT, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), can be reached via 09077509348.