By Banji Ayoola
Four commissioners and two special advisers in the Ondo State Government, who are interested in contesting the forthcoming primaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC, have opted out of the State Eecutive Council, in compliance with the directive of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi, confirmed the development on Sunday in an interview with The Radiance.
He named the six former cabinet members as Commissioners for Agriculture, Otunba Gboyega Adefarati; Commerce and Industry, Mr Timeyin Adelegbe; Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Omowumi Olatunji; and Lands and Housing, Mr Donald Ojogo.
Others are the Special Adviser for Rural Development, Chief Victor Olabimtan and his counterpart for Health, Dr Jibayo Adeyeye.
Olowolabi said that they are leaving the cabinet immediately.
Governor Akeredolu had directed political appointees who have collected nomination forms to aspire for elective offices, to resign their appointments latest by Monday September 17.
When contacted, Ojogo said that he is aspiring to contest the Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives in the forthcoming general elections, on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC.
He told The Radiance: “My desire to run is borne out of the need for a more effective representation at the National Assembly.
Ondo State needs more than ever before, vibrant National Assembly lawmakers who will serve as major drivers of a synergy for the development of the State.”
On his own, Adefarati said that he is aspiring to run for the Akoko South East Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In an interview with The Radiance, he said: “I want to help my people and the state at the federal level, to attract many federal projects to the state. I want to be a voice for our people.
I appreciate Governor Akeredolu, my boss, my mentor, for giving me the opportunity to serve the state and contribute my quota to the development of the state, and raise the value of governance in the state.
This is not my first time. In 2011, I was the candidate of the ACN. Ditto 2014, I contested the primary. So, that has been my dream. It has been long.”
