…Says state lacks unifying leader
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Hon. Bode Obanla, has urged former governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, to take up the responsibility of uniting political leaders across party lines, describing him as the most qualified statesman to restore harmony to the state’s political landscape.
According to sources privileged to attend the meeting with the former governor at his Asokoro residence in Abuja on Sunday, Obanla said Ondo State was currently being run without a unifying political figure, adding that Mimiko’s pedigree, achievements and consistent commitment to good governance had earned him the respect of political stakeholders across divides.
Obanla who recently resigned from the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described Mimiko as an exceptional political figure whose influence extended beyond partisan boundaries.
He said, “Dr Mimiko, with his pedigree and experience in politics, should act as a rallying point for all politicians in Ondo State. The state is currently being run without a clear leader to guide its political direction, and that is why someone like him must take charge.
“His political stance has always reflected maturity, fairness and genuine concern for the people. No politician, dead or alive, ranks as high as him in the state. He is the Jagaban of Ondo politics.”
He added that Mimiko’s leadership style, which emphasised inclusiveness and dialogue, remained a model for political actors in the state to emulate.
According to him, the former governor’s deep understanding of the people and his knack for building consensus were qualities that Ondo’s current political environment desperately needed.
Obanla further stressed that Mimiko’s intervention would go a long way in bridging the growing divide among political leaders and fostering collaboration towards the state’s development.
He said, “Ondo needs a respected voice that can bring everyone to the table, irrespective of political affiliation. Dr Mimiko is that voice. Our politics must move beyond bitterness and ego; it must return to the days of ideology and people-oriented governance.”
While commending Mimiko’s long-standing record of performance in office, Obanla appealed to politicians in both the ruling and opposition parties to rally around the former governor for the peace and progress of the state.
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