Owo and Akeredolu’s victory
How is Owo relishing the electoral victory of its son, Akeredolu? Dr. Obanoyen Ademola, the Ogwadogbon of Igboroko Owo, averred that, “Generally, we are very happy that the next governor of Ondo State will come from Owo. Our joy knows no bounds because the last time we had the experience was over 33 years ago, during the time of the late Adekunle Ajasin. So, we are very happy that, this time around, one of us is becoming the governor of the state.”
Ademola described Akeredolu as a pride to the town, adding that the legal luminary would bring his rich experience to help the people with the provision of responsible and responsive governance in Ondo State.
Is Akeredolu a chief of Owo? Chief Ademola said no. But he quickly explained that a process was on to confer a chieftaincy title on the legal luminary.
“When the NBA held a programme in Owo, our Kabiyesi, Oba Olagbegi III, who is a lawyer, promised to install the governor-elect as chief. But we have not actually celebrated the installation.
“I am sure at any time, Kabiyesi can install him. It may not be likely that he will be installed before the inauguration. He is a son of Owo. We don’t want people to see us as capitalising on his recent election. He has been elected to govern the whole state, not just Owo. He is an achiever, a well-recognised son of the soil. So, we are not in haste to install him.”
During the governorship election in 2012, Akeredolu managed to get barely 33,000 votes and Mimiko defeated the lawyer even in his polling unit in Owo.
What happened then? Did it suggest that Akeredolu was not popular at home? Ademola asserted that it couldn’t be true. “Those who said he’s not popular in Owo are being economical with the truth. Politicians can say whatever they like. This is somebody who has been Attorney-General of Ondo State a long time ago. He has so many friends in Owo. We love him. He is well known in Owo.”
A word for the Governor-elect
Owo is very rich in culture and tradition. Many people told the reporter that the town would witness the display of songs and dances on the day Aketi, as the incoming governor is also known, is handed the mantle to lead the Sunshine State.
“We are just praying and hopeful that there will be peace and everybody will be happy that day. The whole town will be clothed in bright colours on that day. Owo will definitely exhibit the rich cultural heritage that we are known for. We are all going to celebrate on that day of inauguration,” Chief Ademola said.
He also has a word of advice for the incoming governor.
“From what we are reading, we know he is up to the task. He said he would not dig into the past, he has been elected to govern the state, and we know he is going to concentrate on that. So, all we will say is that he should avoid sycophants. They are very common in politics.
“As much as possible, he should not give sycophants unnecessary attention. He should encourage constructive criticism, which will help his government a lot. He should know that he could always make improvements,” he said.

Aketi to Alagbaka oti sure ju.....