- Oyegbola-Sodipo, Others Make List
LAGOS – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has submitted the names of its 20 chairmanship candidates for the November 16, 2024 Local Government elections to the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC).
Top on the list is Hon. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo as the party’s chairmanship candidate for Abeokuta North Local Government, while Hon. Afeez Balogun is the chairmanship candidate for Abeokuta South Local Government.
Other names submitted include Hon. Sikiru Adesina (Ewekoro), Hon. Olalekan Kushimo (Ifo), Hon. Adesina Ogunsola (Obafemi-Owode), Hon. Folashade Adeyemo (Odeda), Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde (Ijebu East), Hon. Bolaji Odusanya (Ijebu North), Hon. Foluso Badejo (Ijebu North-East), Hon. Dare Alebiosu (Ijebu Ode), and Hon. Jamiu Ashimi (Ikenne).
Also on the list are Hon. Babatunde Diya (Odogbolu), Hon. Ganiyu Odunnaki (Ogun Waterside), Hon. Muyiwa Sodade (Remo North), Hon. Afolabi Odulate (Sagamu), Hon. Wasiu Lawal (Ado Odo-Ota), Hon. Theophilus Aremu Olorode (Imeko Afon), Hon. Avoseh Johnson (Ipokia), Dr. Akinbode Olusola (Yewa North), and Barr. Tunde Ogunsola (Yewa South).
Our correspondent gathered that the candidates’ list was forwarded to OGSIEC over the weekend, following its ratification by the APC State Executive Committee, during a meeting attended by Prince Dapo Olumide, the state governor.
It was learnt further that the successful candidates were picked through nomination and affirmation in accordance with the APC constitution and the provisions of the electoral law.
Our correspondent gathered that among the parameters used for determining the suitability of the successful candidates were good knowledge of the grassroots, leadership skills, track record of community service and loyalty and support for the APC.
A source close to the meeting who didn’t want his name in print told our correspondent that: “Personally, I am not surprised at the choice of Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo as the APC chairmanship candidate for Abeokuta North LGA. Lanre is a round peg in a round hole. He possesses a unique blend of grassroots knowledge and understanding, leadership skills, and a track record of community service.
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“He demonstrates the ability of someone who understands the challenges and needs of local communities, and he will be able to effectively represent and serve the people at the grassroots. He is also a loyal party man to the core,’’ affirmed a party chieftain, who begged for anonymity because he was not authorised to speak.”
Oyegbola-Sodipo, in his acceptance speech over the weekend, dedicated his emergence as the chairmanship candidate as a win for all, promising to replicate the good work of Governor Abiodun’s administration in the local government.
He maintained that the cardinal programmes of his administration would include transformational leadership, economic empowerment, improved infrastructure, quality education, enhanced healthcare, growth and development, agriculture and rural development, and improved well-being for the people of the local government.
Oyegbola-Sodipo further expressed appreciation to Abiodun, party leaders and fellow contestants for the confidence reposed in him by unanimously entrusting him with the party’s ticket for the chairmanship position, assuring them that he would represent the party well and offer excellent service delivery.
He said: “My nomination as the APC standard-bearer and flag-bearer is an enormous responsibility which I have accepted with every sense of gratitude and responsibility. Thank you all for your trust that you have placed in me. Your confidence in my ability to lead and serve our great party is a responsibility I take seriously, and I pledge to work tirelessly to justify this trust.’’
He further thanked his fellow contestants for demonstrating good sportsmanship, while calling for the cooperation of all and sundry to team up with him in delivering value to the people of the local government.
Oyegbola-Sodipo, an erudite marketing communications practitioner, hails from the famous Sodipo Dynasty of Oke Ona, Egbaland, and he is a stalwart of the APC in Ward 1 in the local government area of the state.
He has served the APC in various capacities, including member, Strategic Communications Committee of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) for the 2023 Presidential Election; Member, Support Group Coordination of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) for the 2023 Presidential Election; and Member, Support Group Coordination for the Independent Campaign Council (ICC) for the 2023 Presidential Election.
Others include Co-Chairman, Media & Publicity Sub-Committee of the Youth Presidential Campaign Council (Jagaban Army); Ogun State Coordinator, Tinubu Support Organisation (TSO); Chairman, Press and Media Committee of the Progressive Young Leaders Summit Steering Committee, as well as a member of the South West Committee of the National Youth Lobby Group set up by the APC National Youth Leader to advocate for the appointment of youths into positions.
