By Our Reporter
Owo, the hometown of the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, was agog on Tuesday as the campaign train of the prominent governorship aspirant, Wale Akinterinwa, visited the ancient town.
The major streets of Owo were teeming with members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as residents, lined the streets to show their support for the aspirant and his credibility in the town.
Akinterinwa was received by close and trusted allies of the late Governor Akeredolu, including former Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr. Dare Aragbiaye; former Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, Engr. Raimi Aminu; former Special Assistant to the late Governor on Natural Resources, Fatai Lawal Olushina, among other prominent leaders.
The entire political structure of the late Governor Akeredolu, from the unit, ward, and local government levels, gathered at the Aruwajoye hall, to welcome Akinterinwa’s campaign train.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the APC in Owo, Mr. Samuel Balogun, described the governorship aspirant as a loyal supporter and follower of the late Governor Akeredolu.
He said:” We greet our incoming Governor and welcome him to Owo. Akinterinwa is a core progressive, loyal Aketi follower. I remember during our campaign for Aketi in 2016, we ate and drank at his house in Ile Oluji. Throughout his time with the late Governor, he never betrayed Aketi or Owo.”
“During the trying times, he didn’t abandon Aketi. He stood by him till the end. He has done well, and it’s time for us to reciprocate. We must stand by him, just as he stood with Owo by supporting Aketi all through. Akinterinwa is a good man.”
The coordinator of the Wale Akinterinwa Campaign Organization in Owo, Fatai Lawal Olushina, expressed gratitude to Akinterinwa for his unwavering support for Aketi during challenging times.
He assured that the people of Owo and the political family of the late Governor would stand by Akinterinwa always.
Addressing the large crowd, Akinterinwa, who led a minute of silence in honor of the late Governor Akeredolu, described his late principal as a dependable and trustworthy leader.
He sought the support of party members and leaders in the local government, assuring them that he would continue the good work of the late Akeredolu if given the party’s ticket.
“It’s without any doubt that I’m home here in Owo and that you have truly accepted me as your son. I am grateful for this rousing welcome that I have received today. If I say I am not overwhelmed by it, I’m lying. It also demonstrates the true nature of the Owo people. They are grateful people.
“You know I was very, very loyal and deeply committed to our former Governor, your son. Today, you have shown me that you appreciate our support for the administration. I won’t forget it.” Akinterinwa emphasised.
Responding to the people’s complaints about the abandoned road projects in Owo, the governorship aspirant lamented that it was unfair to halt the ongoing projects of the late Akeredolu in his hometown.
During the meeting, the residents expressed their dissatisfaction over the abandoned projects in the town. They disclosed that all the contractors’ equipment for the ongoing Owo township road project had been removed, and the project was left unfinished.
In response, Akinterinwa stated:” I have heard here that the contractors’ equipment has been taken away. I will continue where Aketi stopped in Owo. Whatever Aketi wanted to do for Owo but couldn’t, we will accomplish it.
“When a great leader has passed away, the only way to honour him is to continue the work he was doing for his people. It’s unfair for someone who claimed to be loyal to him and took over from him to come and halt all projects in Owo.”
Akinterinwa expressed his gratitude to the people for the massive turnout, assuring them that if elected into office, he would ensure that Ondo State is taken to a new height.
“We will ensure that Ondo State becomes industrialised. It won’t be solely about white-collar jobs. I will personally woo investors and attract investments to Ondo State.
“We will take Ondo State to the next level and prioritise women and youth development. Our people will enjoy the dividends of good governance under our leadership.” he declared.
Akinterinwa said he led the economic team of the late Governor Akeredolu to successfully clear the seven-month salary arrears inherited from the previous administration.
He revealed that the clearance of the January 2017 arrears, which was recently paid, had been approved by the late former Governor before his demise.
“We are here to seek your support. However, it’s evident that even before we expressed our intention, you were ready and had already expressed your support for our project. The entire Owo is for Wale. Thank you so much” he said.
On the campaign train were; member of the House of Representatives, representing Oluji Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency, Festus Ayodele Adefiranye; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly in Odigbo 1, 2, and Ile-oluji/ Okeigbo, Hon. Tunji Fabiyi; Hon. Fasonu Oluwarotimi Babatunde; and Hon. Akinsuroju Akindolanii Nelson; former deputy speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Fatai Olotu; former member of the House of Assembly, Hon.Olugbenga Araoyinbo, and his colleague, Hon. Abiodun Ogunbo (O ni Reason).
Others are; the former Commissioner for information under the late Akeredolu, Chief Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju; former Special Adviser on Transportation, Mr. Tobi Ogunleye, Esq; Mrs. Adu from Ijare; and director of the Youth directorate of the campaign organization, Prince Dapo Adepoju; Princess Ojomo; among other prominent leaders.