By Banji Ayoola
As lobbying for appointment into the vacant seat of Ondo State Deputy Governor intensifies, an association of youths in Owo, the Honorable Social Youth Club, has tipped four prominent indigenes of the town for consideration by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The seat became vacant eight days ago on December 27, 2023, with the passage of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the elevation of the former Deputy Governor, Aiyedatiwa as the substantive governor in line with Nigeria’s constitutional provision. Akeredolu hailed from Owo in the Ondo North Senatorial District.
Those tipped in a letter to the governor are a former commissioner in the state, Dr. (Mrs.) Yemi Mahmoud; the incumbent Majority Leader of the state’s House of Assembly, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi; the chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN Ondo State Chapter, Pathfinder Matthew Ogunmolawa; and a former Special Assistant to the Governor on Mobilization, Mr. Abiola Obanoyen.
The letter was titled “Urgent appeal for youth and women representation in the Deputy Governor position” and signed by the club’s president, Hon. Olugbehunro Ayodele Isola
It said: “I am writing to draw your attention to an important matter that concerns the future of our great state. It is my firm belief that in order to achieve true progress and sustainable development, we must actively promote youth and women representation at all levels of governance.
“Firstly, I recommend you select from the women and youth constituency from Owo as the Deputy Governor of Ondo State.
“Qualifications and dedication to public service make the constituency an excellent choice to support your administration’s agenda for transformative change. As someone who hails from the Southern region of the state, it is only logical that the Deputy Governor’s position rotates to another region, specifically the North since the speaker is from the central.
“However, I would like to highlight the pressing need for the Governor to have a capable and cooperative deputy who can complement his efforts effectively.
“Furthermore it would be an unprecedented record having a woman or youth for the position possess a wealth of talent, skills, and experience that can greatly contribute to the success of your government’s aspirations
“I kindly request that you consider appointing a young individual or a woman from Owo to fill the Deputy Governor position and also for other positions.
“Furthermore, Your Excellency, I appeal to you to seize this opportunity to make history and set a commendable precedent in appointing a young persons and women.
“Your administration has the chance to break the record by appointing a substantial number of young individuals and showing a strong preference for youth and women in prominent positions, such as the Deputy Governor. By doing so, you would not only inspire confidence and hope among the youth and women of Ondo State but also demonstrate your commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation of leaders.
“Youth and women representation in the highest levels of government is more than just an act of inclusivity; it is a strategic decision that brings diverse perspectives, fresh ideas, and innovative approaches to governance. It is a proven approach to ensuring the success of policies and programs that truly address the needs and aspirations of our society. The youth and women constituency also have the voting strength.
“Your Excellency, I implore you to seriously consider this appeal for youth and women representation in the Deputy Governor position.
“By embracing the potential and capabilities of our young people and women, we can collectively build a more prosperous, stable, and progressive Ondo State.
“Below are some names of individuals with verifiable track records of leadership that we are recommending namely: Dr. (Mrs) Yemi Mahmoud, former Commissioner; Hon. Ogunmolasuyi Oluwole Current Majority Leader ODHA; Pathfinder Ogunmolawa Matthew A, the current National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN Ondo State Chapter Chairman; and Comr. Abiola Obanoyen, former Special Assistant to Governor on Mobilization.”
