Ex-commissioner accused of failed bid to drag Tunji-Ojo into APC crisis
Maintains Interior Minister respects Aiyedatiwa’s leadership in Ondo
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bode Obanla, has taken a swipe at former Ondo State Commissioner, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, describing him as a “tired politician gasping for breath” following his recent criticism of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Obanla, in a statement made available to Starnews NG on Sunday, was reacting to a press release credited to Oluboyo titled “Respect Aiyedatiwa as Leader, Former Ondo D’Gov Lambasts Tunji-Ojo”.
He accused the former commissioner, who hails from Ondo North Senatorial District, of styling himself as a “senior political adviser on Ondo State politics” to the minister.
According to him, no state or political party would fail to be proud of an illustrious son like Tunji-Ojo, who, as a parliamentarian representing Akoko North-East/North-West Federal Constituency in the 9th Assembly, facilitated development projects that touched lives across his constituency.
He listed the projects to include the construction of several kilometres of roads, distribution of ambulances to state-owned general hospitals and healthcare facilities, donation of patrol vehicles to police formations across Akoko land, construction of classrooms and ICT centres, donation of cars and houses, empowerment of graduates through employment opportunities, sponsorship of students for postgraduate studies abroad, and support for thousands of small and medium-scale business owners.
“These were only part of his accomplishments as a House of Representatives member, and they drew people to him,” Obanla said.
He alleged that Oluboyo benefitted immensely from Tunji-Ojo until recently, when his attempt to pit the minister against Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa failed.
“When it became clear to him that the minister would not fall for his tricks, he became a ‘newsman,’ publishing discordant songs of war against him,” he added.
Obanla claimed Oluboyo’s latest moves were motivated by his failed ambition to secure the APC state chairmanship. According to him, Oluboyo’s attempt to drag the minister into his “balloon and shameful ambition” collapsed, forcing him into staging a loyalty drama towards Governor Aiyedatiwa in a bid to curry favour.
“Oluboyo is only but a tired politician gasping for breath, and I know that he will soon be left in the political cold, just like others before him,” Obanla stated.
He advised the former commissioner to pursue his ambition without dragging the minister into unnecessary political tussles, noting that Tunji-Ojo respects Governor Aiyedatiwa as APC leader in the state and has never contested his leadership.
Obanla also lauded the minister’s performance at the federal level, pointing out reforms across agencies under the Interior Ministry, including the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Fire Service, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
“Even the blind can see that the Ministry of Interior no longer exists just to announce public holidays. BTO has rescued people from political wolves, changed lives, and helped the poor regain economic strength,” he stressed.
He further alleged that Oluboyo and his allies were threatened by Tunji-Ojo’s wide acceptance across the country, particularly in Ondo State, where people gravitate towards him due to his performance as a lawmaker and now as a minister under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Leadership is about service to the people, and respect follows those who prioritise the people’s welfare. That has been the hallmark of BTO’s existence. People like Oluboyo, who cannot show their scorecard in office, lack the moral compass to advise a performing minister,” Obanla argued.
He concluded that Tunji-Ojo, whom he described as “young, energetic and brilliant,” remains deeply connected to Nigerian youths and continues to impact lives positively.
“No amount of propaganda, blackmail, or intimidation can work against such a person. The earlier Oluboyo knows this, the better for him. A word is enough for the wise,” Obanla said.
All attempts to obtain Oluboyo’s reaction were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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