I have been following, with interest, several reports about the fresh tempest brewing between Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state and Alhaji Bisi Olopoeyan.
Though, both of them have not publicly spoken about or admitted any skirmishes between them, the signs are too clear to be ignored.
It is not that I would be surprised to learn that Governor Makinde is having issues with Olopoeyan. In fact, no one should. It’s just a question of when not why.
I am also sure that Alhaji Olopoeyan himself must have been dealing with the Governor, bearing his mind on his experience during Omi Tuntun 1.0 and I am sure that the Governor himself must have seen through the thoughts of Alhaji Olopoeyan.
It’s cat and mouse game and I’m sure both sides know what they are after. Those that I pity most in this political chess game are those that are tropping to Olopoeyan’s house, thinking that they have found a Messiah.
I am sure Alhaji Olopoeyan couldn’t have ignored the fact that whatever he has been doing for the Governor recently, most especially, in terms of recruiting disgruntled politicians into the Governor’s side, some people have done more in the recent past and they are now forgotten.
He must have been aware of a particular Ibadan High Chief, who was captured in a voice notes, asking someone to cross over to Makinde’s side, with a promise of a reward of between five and ten thousand dollars.
He must have taken note of the fact that both the High Chief and his son who was also cajoled to join Makinde with an Ad-hoc appointment and perhaps, promises of him being the anointed successor to Makinde, appears to have been dumped in the cooler.
I am sure, that, having these scenarios and other unpleasant episodes of those who have been used and dumped by Governor Makinde in the past seven years in mind, Alhaji Olopoeyan must have prepared well against any attempts to be used and dumped by the Governor this time around.
According to reports which have neither been confirmed or denied by both sides, the Governor is trying to sideline the loyalists of Olopoeyan in the selection of Chairmanship candidates for the Local Government election slated for later this year.
Talking of the Local Government election, I wonder why those who are scrambling to be this or that under the present arrangements have chosen to be wasting their resources, time and emotions on a project that is doomed to fail, but I reserve my bullet for now.
Now, back to Olopoeyan and Seyi Makinde. It was reported that the former and his Group decided to hold a parallel Primary election across Oyo state where parallel candidates have emerged and that Governor Makinde has been telling him to calm down until he returns from Abuja.
It was also reported that the APM gubernatorial candidate, Bimbo Adekambi has been having sleepless nights over the tense situation between his two Leaders. Why won’t he? The APM has been bleeding since his choice as the gubernatorial candidate was announced.
I have a feeling that the Governor would for once humble himself and find a way to pacify Olopoeyan. I would be shocked if he doesn’t.
I do not think he can afford to lose him at this critical point, but, what exactly could the Governor offer him that would be enough for his supporters across the state?
Perhaps, the Governor would offer him one or two Vice Chairmanship and Councilorship slots and promise to give his Group, Local Government Secretaryship and Supervisory Councilorship slots, but I can say it unequivocally that those promises would never materialize, head or tails.
In the very unlikely events that Governor Makinde is able to get away with the Local Government election or, the most likely event that he couldn’t, the promise would never materialize.
There is only one way for Alhaji Olopoeyan to benefit from the current arrangement and I’m sure he knows that without being told.
At this point, it is crystal clear that Governor Seyi Makinde is not being wicked about his inability to sustain a relationship. It is just a weakness he couldn’t correct. Unfortunately for him, this kind of character is often interpreted as a betrayal and that is exactly what it is.
If it is not that he just couldn’t tame the urge to betray others, how could someone in his shoes still fail to manage the situation at hand?
Someone said that the Governor dislikes being disrespected and Olopoeyan is not known for adding the prefix, “His Excellency” or ” Oga wa” to the name of the Governor.
He just refer to him simply as ” Seyi” or ” Seyi Makinde”. Could that have angered the Governor who many have alleged that he enjoys being worshipped even, by men and women who are far older than him?
I am glad that this is happening at this very point in time. It should serve as a warning to those who might be contemplating leaving where they are for Governor Makinde’s APM.
The fate that awaits them is better imagined than experienced. If you leave your comfort zone to join Seyi Makinde and Adekambi, make sure you inform your medical Doctor ahead. What awaits you is nothing but heartache.
A nii rogun heart attack o.
Sola Abegunde.
