Ondo 2024: Aiyedatiwa and APC South-West Assembly’s Endorsement in Lagos

By Comrade Allen Sowore

For the second time this year, Ondo State stood out in Lagos. The first instance was during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference, where the state's homegrown security network was lauded as a model for national policing and security reform.

The second occasion was on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-West Assembly at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Following the recitation of the National Anthem, it became necessary to recite the O'Dua Anthem, given the Yoruba States’ focus. With no volunteer forthcoming, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa confidently whispered to the Master of Ceremonies, took the microphone, and led the recitation with a commanding voice, akin to a choir master leading a hymn. The delegates were thoroughly impressed.

Coincidentally, the National Vice Chairman (South-West), Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, who chaired the assembly, hails from Ondo State. He delivered an eloquent and well-structured welcome address. Glancing through the event’s programme, I noticed that the chairman of the Organizing Committee was none other than the indefatigable APC Chairman of the Ondo State chapter, Engr Ade Adetimehin. The Committee’s efforts in organizing the event were highly commendable and event was flawless. 

The 2024 APC South-West Assembly convened to review the party’s performance at the national, zonal, and state levels. In his welcome address, Hon. Kekemeke emphasized that the purpose of the Assembly was to evaluate the party's progress, challenges, and, most importantly, the welfare of its members. The event aimed to strategize ways to strengthen the APC in the region.

The President was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. Also present were the APC governors of the South-West: Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Prince Adedapo Abiodun of Ogun, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti. The Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, the Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Olamide Oladiji and former Secretary to Ondo state government, Ifedayo Sunday Abegunde. 

Prominent party leaders in the zone attended, including former National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, National Secretary, Senator Ajibola, former National Vice Chairman, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Pastor Bankole Oluwajana, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Akinwumi Ambode, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Ambassador Sola Iji, Chief Olusola Oke, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, and Senator Ajayi Borrofice.

National Assembly members were also present, including Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, and House Representatives Hon. Okunjimi Odimayo, Timilehin Adelegbe, Ifedayo Ehindero and Donald Ojogo.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, delivered a well-researched and insightful keynote address.

The highlight of the event came when former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, delivered his goodwill message. In a move reminiscent of parliamentary voice voting, he asked the Assembly if they would endorse Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the November 16th gubernatorial election. The Assembly responded with a resounding "Yes."

From Engr. Ade Adetimehin, the effective chairman of the Planning Committee, to Governor Aiyedatiwa's stirring rendition of the O'Dua Anthem, to Hon. Isaac Kekemeke’s dynamic welcome address, and Chief Olusegun Osoba's enthusiastic endorsement, the event was a significant success for Ondo State. It was truly another proud moment for the Sunshine State in Lagos—a beautiful day indeed!