A former Commissioner for Information and Culture in Oyo State and Chairman of the PDP Elders Council in Ibarapa East Local Government, Hon. Moses Ojoawo, has thrown his weight behind the governorship ambition of the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin.
Ojoawo in an interview with newsmen described the Speaker as a courageous and forward-looking leader whose political character reflects that of his late father, noting that he possesses the resilience and boldness required to lead the state.
He made this known while reacting to ongoing discussions surrounding Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin’s aspiration, particularly concerns raised in some quarters about his emergence from Ibarapa, often described as a minority zone in the state’s political configuration.
Dismissing such concerns, Ojoawo said the argument was neither new nor sufficient to undermine the Speaker’s chances, stressing that leadership should not be determined by geographical considerations alone.
“From the angle of Ibarapa being a minority, it takes a brave person to come up with this kind of ambition. Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin reflects that courage, much like his late father, someone who never shied away from challenges,” he said.
According to him, the Speaker has, over time, demonstrated the qualities required for higher responsibility, adding that his leadership style and political maturity distinguish him among his peers.
“The Speaker has shown with clear evidence all the characteristics of a worthy political son deserving of greater responsibility. Like a lion, he is courageous and fearless, just like his father, and prepared for the tasks ahead,” Ojoawo stated.
He further recalled that the debate around majority and minority zones has long been part of the state’s political evolution, noting that similar dynamics affected the political journey of Ogundoyin’s father.
“Even as far back as 1983, his father contested the primaries but lost largely due to the same majority-minority considerations. Since then, aspirants from different zones have continued to contest across the state,” he added.
Ojoawo maintained that there is nothing unusual about aspirants from outside the traditionally dominant axis seeking the governorship, emphasizing that inclusivity, fairness, and competence should guide political decisions.
“For years, leadership has come from a particular axis, and there is nothing wrong with others aspiring in the spirit of fairness and unity. The majority, in many cases, have shown acceptance of candidates from minority areas, so Oyo should not be different,” he said.
He also revealed that the Speaker has continued to gain acceptance across the state, especially among younger political actors, citing positive feedback from consultations and engagements.
“We have moved around with him, and from what we have seen, he has been well received across various zones. People speak highly of him, which shows a growing level of acceptance,” Ojoawo noted.
On suggestions that the Speaker might be urged to step down in the interest of political balancing, Ojoawo dismissed such calls, insisting that they would not be supported by his camp.
“We will not support any call for him to step down. At the appropriate time, the party leadership will take a position, and we will abide by whatever decision is reached,” he said.
He added that the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state is already engaging in consultations and has assured members of an inclusive decision-making process.
“Beyond that, I do not entertain any call urging anyone, including the Speaker, to withdraw from the race. The party is consulting widely, and we believe the right decision will be made at the right time,” Ojoawo concluded.
