Even though the Ondo State gubernatorial election is less than ten months away, the lack of political activity and the uneasy calm throughout the region have grown to be serious issues that require urgent attention.

In contrast to the situation in the Edo States, where the political climate is already fraught with a flurry of different strategic maneuvers, the aspirants’ adoption of other countermoves was directed toward broadening and solidifying the base of support for their brand.

 

The reverse is the case in Ondo State which was alluded to the present state of health of the Executive Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as the reason for the lull and the slow pace of activities as the political climate remains moody and uncertain.

 

And despite the recent intervention of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the imbroglio between the Deputy Governor, Honourable Lucky Ayedatiwa, some cabinet members and the Members of the State House of Assembly the situation remains stagnant.

 

Though this intervention has received widespread commendations from some quarters applauding the maturity adopted by the APC leaders to achieve a peaceful resolution over the unending five-month crisis, this is not the same with the opposition.

 

The opposition has been throwing tantrums and negatively attacking the leaders of the APC in Abuja alleging them of tinkering with the people’s feelings by meddling with the affairs of an independent federating entity.

 

But many political watchers and analysts have described the uncertainty that enveloped Ondo State Political atmosphere as a dangerous signal ahead of the 2024 guber poll that needed critical attention based on the past political antecedents of the state.
The intervention that was supposed to ignite political excitement and razzmatazz rather it had eventually further deepened the political apathy towards the 2024 poll.

 

However, taking a cursory look from the historical perspective dated back to the days of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to the birth of APC, the Ondo State people have distinguished themselves into political albatross resisting all forms of impostors or impositions.

 

And over the years the Ondo State democratic-minded politicians have constantly maintained and proven to be driven by their strong passion for progressive ideology and have continued to sacrifice or stake out their necks to defend and uphold their political integrity.

 

An overview of the present political situation in the state has clearly shown that the political radar and compass are already pointing Southward meaning the Southern Senatorial District as the most favoured to produce the next governor.

 

This can be ascertained by the legions of gubernatorial aspirants springing up from the Southern Senatorial District that has already signified their intentions to fly APC party ticket and the body language of political leaders from other zones.

 

The fact behind this is not farfetched from a common clause concerning that “unwritten rotational agreement” amongst the three Ondo State Senatorial Districts.

 

And currently in Ondo State, it is like a reenactment of that popular Tinubu 2023 Campaign slogan, “Emi lokan”, “It is my turn” which is a new version coined by the Southern Politicians as “Awa l’okan” literally meaning, “it is our turn” that has now dominated Ondo State political airwaves.

 

Periscoping into the Southern Senatorial District since the APC Compass is already directed Southward, then it must navigate to locate Barrister Moráyò Lebi.

 

Taking cognizance of the “Awalokan” maxim and the mantra of the able and able that out of the legion of Aspirants that has shown keen interest in the guber race, Barr. Moráyò Lebi’ remains the most eligible to be the next governor of Ondo State.

 

If past antecedent and demonstrable courageous dispositions should be the major yardsticks and criteria to pick the party ticket this is the best moment to compensate Lébí as the “Most Persecuted Politician” from Ondo South.

 

Though Lébí has not only distinguished himself as a brilliant, stable and balanced democrat of the highest repute but also as a consummate party loyalist.

 

Apart from his intimidating but convincing corporate attainments, Lébí is a cosmopolitan lawyer with over 30 years of successful robust practice.

 

It is on record that Lébí has been a major financier of the Progressives Politics from ACN to the formation and sustenance of APC in the Southern Senatorial Districts.

 

It is also a known fact that amongst all the Aspirants, Lébí has a history of longest, unbroken trust, mutual, and cordial relations with the APC Progressive leadership cadre.

 

While the national leadership can boldly attest to this fact that despite all persecutions melted to Lébí, he has been unwavering and resolutely committed to the sustainability of the party in the Southern Senatorial Districts and Ondo State with all his resources.

 

Lébí has risked his life and survived various attacks playing dangerous routes than any politician from the Southern zone for his political involvement in leading the emancipation struggle in the District.

 

In conclusion, I believe if the party leaders are genuinely committed to fairness, justice, and equity the real Progressives must be fully compensated for their steadfastness in 2024.

 

Some politicians are favoured by political alignment, some by timing others by zoning but Lébí is most favoured by God to fly APC Ondo 2024 ticket to victory.