2027: Hazy Future for Wasiu Olatunbosun in PDP -By Toheeb Babalola

The current Commissioner of Culture and Tourism in Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun is my benefactor – he once granted me an internship which made me explore the then Ministry of information, Culture and Tourism during Omituntun 1.0. And we are both from Ibadan North West Local Government. However, I must be candid to him about his cloudy future in 2027.

Olatunbosun’s political journey is similar to a story of a “Slave-owner and his Olori-eru” in the Pre-colonial era. The Slave-owner had many slaves at his compound, he was hijacked with many activities in the village and was not able to supervise his slaves. So, he decided to select an honest and dependable slave among the rest to be his “Olori-eru” (Head of Slaves).

Olori-eru emerged and commenced his duty with immediate effect. He (Olori-eru) did not only overseer the entire slaves but also gave his Master pieces of advice whenever any matter arises. With his sustainable advice to his Master, Olori-eru adorned with expensive attires and accompanied his boss to prestigious events and dined with Kings. At many times, the Slave-owner had ordered Olori-eru to represent and speak on his behalf, which resulted to silent-agitation among other slaves.

However, the kind gesture showered on him by his Master had blocked Olori-eru’s eyes to the extent he forgot to appeal for his freedom. Olori-eru did not think about life after slavery, he stayed in his comfort zone. Yoruba elders once said, “No matter how Olori-eru (Head of Slave) gathers wealth, he is still a Slave (eru)”.

Wasiu Olatunbosun is a household name in Oyo politics. He has been in politics for almost two decades. He was a key progressive in a defunct political party, Action Congress of Nigeria (A.C.N) which earned him Caretaker chairmanship appointment at Ibadan North West Local Government secretariat at Onireke, Ibadan between 2011 and 2018 during the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi administrations.

Many progressive members often referred to him, “Ajimobi boy” due to the fact he maintained a tight relationship with the former Governor. Olatunbosun had once chaired a campaign committee in the Ajumose government. This shows that he is not a novice in Oyo politics.

Prior to the 2019 general election, there was a conflict of interest among leaders of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Oyo State – where the incumbent Governor Abiola Ajimobi and other Chieftains were alleged to dictate for the party during the party’s primaries. And this led Wasiu Olatunbosun, Senator Femi Lanlehin and other members fleeing to Action Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord party respectively. Olatunbosun contested for House of Representative for Ibadan North West and South West Constituencies under ADC party, while Senator Lanlehin vied for Gubernatorial under Accord party just to counter their immediate party, APC.

A die-minute call by the former Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja to all the leaders (including Olatunbosun) of the opposition parties (PDP, SDP, Labour and ADC) which resulted to an agreed coalition to dethrone the undisputable party, All Progressive Congress (APC). This coalition made the current Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde a Gubernatorial flagbearer of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general election.

Seyi Makinde emerged as Governor of Oyo State after securing 56.24% of the total votes cast ahead of the current Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu representing All progressive Congress (APC) scored 39.04%. And Makinde, fulfilling the promises of the agreed coalition, appointed Wasiu Olatunbosun (ADC) as Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism.

Olatunbosun, a member of Action Democratic Congress (ADC) under the PDP government, seemed difficult; he might not be exposed to some secrets during or after State Executive meetings. The Omituntun government had to compel him to be a full member of the People Democratic Party (PDP), one could interpret his facial expression in his official broadcast.

Fast forward, Makinde keeps pampering Olatunbosun in his government and he (Olatunbosun) nurtures his loyalty for his Master (Makinde). He fought for Makinde everywhere and debunked rumours or allegations against the Omituntun government on radio and television. Also, before the 2023 general election, he was filmed in Saudi Arabia praying for the success of Makinde in the gubernatorial election. This shows how loyal he is to his Master.

Makinde, as a good leader to Olatunbosun, divided the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism into two Ministries – which are now the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Ministry of information and Orientation, after winning the 2023 Gubernatorial Election. He reappointed Olatunbosun but to the new Ministry, Ministry of Culture and Tourism at Agodi.

Nevertheless, Makinde will not return as a Governor in 2027 due to the fact that he has won two constitutional terms in office. Where will Olatunbosun go? If PDP won the 2027 Gubernatorial Election, would he still fight for the commissioner appointment?

My former local government Caretaker Chairman has gone far in Politics, he would not vie for a seat at State Assembly. Olatunbosun has an ambition to represent Ibadan Northwest and Southwest Federal Constituency at the Green Chambers in Abuja. But, will Odidi Omo let go of the party’s ticket in 2027?

Honourable Adedeji Stanley Olajide politically known as Odidi Omo is currently running for the second term at the House of Representative in Abuja representing Ibadan Northwest and Southwest federal constituency after defeating the two-term former federal lawmaker, Hon. Saheed Fijabi of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election. And it would be difficult for Olatubosun to drag the party’s ticket or win him at the primary in 2027.

Constitution allows the lawmakers to run for their seats as many as they like, which simply means that Odidi Omo might contest for the third term in 2027. It is feasible for Olatunbosun to defect to any political party for him to realise his ambition, if PDP handed the ticket to Odidi Omo once again.

Olatunbosun might be helpless in PDP in 2027, his Master (Makinde) would also be fighting for Senatorial ticket. Yoo wa di olori dori e mu (everyone faces his or her own challenges). The feasible scenario would lead him to seek refuge at any strong party, but I am not sure if APC might welcome him back.

Hence, Mr. Commissioner should be prepared and stack up all his monthly allowances under Makinde-led administrations ahead of 2027 for him to secure his ambition or restore himself in the political field.

I wish my Egbon Adugbo well in his endeavours.

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