Dr Rotimi Adelola is the longest-serving Secretary to the State Government in the history of Ondo State. He served creditably for two terms under the Mimiko administration. In this interview with Ademola Akinbola, Dr Adelola reviews the forthcoming Ondo State Gubernatorial election and posits that the odds favour the incumbent, Govenor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Recently, you endorsed the candidature of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the forthcoming governorship election in November. Do you still stand by your endorsement?
Of course, l still stand by my previous endorsement because Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is the candidate to beat in the election. He has demonstrated a strong enthusiasm, commitment, and drive to inspire others to achieve specific and relevant goals. In addition to having a clear understanding of his purpose and vision as demonstrated during the governorship election debate on 3rd November, he possesses an infectious energy and a capacity to persevere through challenges, maintaining his humility, positive mental attitude and intrinsic motivation.
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Within his current short tenure as a substantive Governor, one could observe his authenticity as he connects with his team members, and inspires innovative thinking, teamwork, collaboration, and performance as well as loyalty and commitment. Without any shade of doubt, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa comes across as a leader who will not abandon the people-centric projects initiated by his predecessors.
Do you think his performance after barely 10 months in office is enough justification for his re-election?
Governor Aiyedatiwa is barely 10 months old as substantive Governor. During this period he has been spearheading transformative initiates in community engagement, infrastructure development, empowerment programmes, investment promotion, and improvement in the business environment. The Civil servants are the wheels of programme implementation in any government. He has been able to cultivate and gain the support and collaboration of the civil service, which explains his ability to get things done smoothly and the peaceful industrial relations environment in Ondo State. All these are strong impetuses for his re-election, and foundational to his readiness to hit the ground running when he is inaugurated in February 2025.
Looking at the other gubernatorial candidates, would you say they have any serious chance of causing an upset?
Every candidate has a chance to emerge victorious in the election. However, l don’t think any of the other gubernatorial candidates can catch up with Governor Aiyedatiwa as he runs fastest and closest to the finishing line.
What is your message to all political actors and stakeholders in Ondo State in respect of the coming election?
Election shouldn’t be a do-or-die affair. Candidates and their supporters should, therefore, desist from any behaviour that could pollute the peaceful atmosphere of Ondo State. I wish to appeal to all the candidates, as proponents of civil democracy, to accept the outcome of the election. And if, for any reason, any candidate disagrees with the outcome, he shouldn’t resort to self-help but approach the election tribunal for adjudication. I implore all the candidates to cooperate with whoever emerges the winner. I am sure that what all the candidates want is the development of Ondo State in an environment of peace and conviviality. This will be better guaranteed when they accommodate their temporary setback at this election cycle as sport men and genuine democrats.
