As soon as Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as the Executive Governor of Ondo State following the death of Arakunrin Odunayo Akeredolu, the question on many an indigene of Ondo State’s lips and other politically inclined individuals who have been monitoring events in the State was who would be his Deputy.
Two political stalwarts are at the forefront, according to political strategists. This article will hence seek to highlight them and analyze their chances vis-a-vis the most suitable for Aiyedatiwa’s ambitions. They are Razaq Obe and Muyiwa Adu.
Recall that Arakunrin Rotimi Odunayo Akeredolu passed away on Wednesday 27th December, 2023 in a hospital in Germany after a protracted battle with complications from cancer. As the State was thrown into mourning following his death, his deputy would have to continue from where he stopped. Hence Lucky Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as the Ondo State Governor.
As events panned out, several erudite politicians have emerged as worthy candidates and as such, it is not wrong to indicate that Aiyedatiwa is facing a critical decision making situation at this point in his political career. Two of these politicians who appear to be in the forefront of political permutations for the post are Engineer Razaq Obe, the current commissioner for Energy and Mines and a Chief Muyiwa “Cubana” Adu who is a well-known and respected politician.
Razaq Obe
The current Commissioner for Energy, Mines and Mineral Resources, Engineer Razaq Obe is a seasoned engineer and also a politician. Born on February 17, the man is highly intellectual and knowledgeable which had him held several high post in the energy sector of the country’s economy. Before he delved into politics, Engineer Obe was a former Chairman or PENGASSAN. He also worked for several years with ExxonMobil Nigeria. He is vast, versatile and a straight talker.
Engineer Razaq Obe (Credit: Google)
Barrister Muyiwa Adu a former stalwart of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State is another ble candidate to fill the vacant post. Chief Adu, commonly known as Cubana took is a grassroot politician who grew up in central Akure metropolis. Hence, he is known by all and sundry. His decision to dump the PDP for APC last year sent the whole town agog while the APC basked in the euphoria of having such a political heavyweight in their midst.
Barrister Muyiwa Adu (Credit: Google)
Adu Cubana is a known philanthropist as his official residence is always filled with people who have come to seek for one form of assistance or the other. He is known for sponsoring hardworking youths and has empowered them in their numbers. Though he is yet to hold any key political post, Cubana’s influence and figure is a key requirement for most political posts available in the State as we speak.
Muyiwa “Cubana” Adu’s defection to APC, in a glamorous and colourful event held at the MKO Abiola democracy Park, Akure which had in attendance party stalwarts, chieftains, members of the state executive council and supporters of defectors from their various local government areas, is still being spoken of as the last nail on the coffin of any opposition party in the State.
Going by the above, Barrister Muyiwa Adu has a higher chance of becoming the Deputy Governor and by extension, the eventual running mate of Aiyedatiwa in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State. He has the wits, financial wherewithal, influence and political goodwill capable of supporting Aiyedatiwa in his bid to become the Governor come February 2025. He is also from Akure South, the state capital and has warmed himself into the hearts of many with his philanthropic strides and efforts.
