I want to contest for second term and I will win, whatever anybody may say. We have made a mark in the development of Oyo State. I think I’m serving to the best of my ability, because we’re serving as if we’re running our private businesses. We have succeeded in Oyo State. We know our opponents can’t hail us because it will be unfair to them.
These were the words of Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, while addressing the 33 newly sworn in local government caretaker chairmen, at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Ibadan.
Correcting the wrong impression that nobody has ever ruled the state twice from the time of regional government, Ajmobi advised his political opponents using that as basis for next year’s election to cross-check their history and be ready for his re-election in 2015.
According to Senator Ajimobi “those who are saying they don’t do two terms in Oyo State don’t really know what they are saying. Chief Obafemi Awolowo did it twice. From 1952 to 56, he was the leader of government and minister of local government, while he returned again as Premier between 1956 and 59 and resigned of his own to go to the federal level.
“Also, Chief Ladoke Akintola was in charge between 1959 and 62 and 1963 and 1966. Who says they don’t do it twice, let them go and read their history books, where did they even write it?
“They said Ibadan will not allow anybody to serve for two terms, but we’re controlling Oyo State and not Ibadan alone. Well, they are not wrong, they said Ibadan don’t serve anyone twice, you will recall that when you ascend the throne of Olubadan, it is till you die before another person comes up. If they are saying such, they might be right, because you can only become Olubadan once. We’re not running Ibadan but Oyo State.
“If I may ask those contesting with us, are they coming for second time or what? Sometimes, people just talk without cross-checking their facts. I want to charge you to face your business and ignore comments, Oyo State people can talk, so, you have to concentrate on your job and avoid distraction,” he said.
The state governor charged the newly sworn in caretaker chairmen to fear God, be fair to their subjects and demonstrate element of integrity as well as maintain their office allegiance and be law-abiding, adding that the main reason he was in government is to serve humanity.