Dr Akeredolu Oluwafemi Nehemiah, popularly called Dr Akeredolu O.N, is a medical doctor, a Surgeon, a Chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State and the Chairman of The Masses For Aiyedatiwa 2024, an amalgamation of over 240 various political groups, rooting for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s continuity in office as Ondo State Governor.

In this interview with AKINRINLOLA OLUMIDE, he speaks on the choice of running mate to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ahead of the Ondo State 2024 governorship election.

So what’s your take on Aiyedatiwa’s choice of running mate?

The running mate of Gov Aiyedatiwa will come from Ondo central, in which Akure people are clamouring for the slot. We have people like Pharma Kehinde Fasoranti, Bar. Olumuyiwa Adu aka Cubana, Hon. Temitayo Oluwatuyi aka Tukana, Mrs Omowumi Edet, Mrs Bunmi Ademosun and Hon. Ademola Adegoroye who have directly or indirectly shown interest.

You are rooting for Pharma Kehinde Fasoranti, why?

Yes, I’m not the only person rooting for Pharma Kehinde Fasoranti, but the entire youths and all the good citizens of Ondo state. It’s time for Pa Fasoranti to be remembered. Pa Reuben Fasoranti was among the five people who fought for the creation of Ondo state. He fought for the current democracy through NADECO. He was asked to be governor in 1999, he rejected it and asked them to give it to his friend from Akoko, the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati.

Pa Fasoranti rejected it in 1999, then, why his son now?

Yes, he rejected it in 1999, but he didn’t stop from helping Ondo state and the Yoruba race at large. He is always on ground to help. Every time there is a problem, he is the first person to think of. When Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu had problem with President Buhari between 2016 and 2019, he wanted to pull out of APC, he first came to Baba Fasoranti. He came twice before his general election of 2023 for prayers. When H.E. lucky Aiyedatiwa was about to be impeached, we ran to him for help. In all these, he didn’t fail as a leader.

Are you then asking for compensation for his efforts?

No, he never asked for anything from anyone in the past. Look at Chief Adebayo Adefarati, his son had been elected as House of Representatives Member. Look at late Chief Adegbonmire, his son has been elected as a Senator. Look at Mrs Jumoke Anifowoshe, the daughter of Ajasin, she was Attorney General, ACN chairman, and also contested for the governorship. Now, Pharma Kehinde Fasoranti, the son of Pa Reuben Fasoranti is showing interest, I think we should all support him.

Are we to serve the Father and son?

No sir, we never served Pa Reuben Fasoranti, infact, he had been serving the state and Nigeria at large, even at old age without reward. His daughter was killed in the course of serving the nation. It’s wrong to say we served Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

Has the Yoruba leader shown interest in his son?

Of course, now that his son has shown interest either directly or indirectly, the Baba Reuben Fasoranti is also interested and the family wants this position.

I heard that Pharma Kehinde Fasoranti is a PDP member.

This is not true, it’s the handwork of mischief-makers. As I said earlier, the family of Fasoranti and Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu are very close. Between 2016 and 2019, Tinubu had problems with President Buhari and the cabals in the presidency, almost pulled out of APC. Mind you, Aketi belonged to Chief Oyegun Cabals. When Pharma Kehinde Fasoranti wanted to contest for house of assembly, he had no option than to contest in PDP, which he resigned after the crisis was settled. He is not the only person who once contested under PDP, e.g Hon. Temitayo Oluwatuyi, Tukana, contested for senate under PDP while Hon. Adu Cubana contested for house of reps in PDP.

People said he is not a home-based person.

It’s a lie, he had all his education in Nigeria, has a pharmaceutical outlet in Akure, he was the chairman of Ondo state association of community pharmacists for many years, which my wife was his member.

How will you describe his personality?

Cool, calm and cerebral, a perfect match for H.E Lucky Aiyedatiwa

You said he is a multi-ethnic conglomerate, what do you mean?

Pa. Reuben Fasoranti’s mother was from Owo, his father was from Akure, who was a chief in Oba-ile, married to Ondo woman. By virtue of this, Pharma Kehinde Fasoranti belongs to Ondo West, Akure South, Akure North, Owo, four local governments of 18.

You seem to be too active about Ondo state, what is your interest?

My interest is the good and prosperous Ondo state, no more, no less.