SUPREME COURT FINALLY STOPS SENATOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE'S DANCE TO THE OSUN STATE'S GOVERNMENT HOUSE. SO WHAT NEXT?

Senator Ademola Adeleke 

We are too sure that a new dance step that could have defied description would have been unveiled yesterday had the highest court of the land, that's the Supreme Court ruled in favour of and declared Senator Ademola Adeleke as the legitimate Governor of the State of Osun State.

But alas! Contrary to his fervent expectation and the expectations of his many supporters which includes his nephew, the dream has been quashed, the dance or the steps nipped in the bud and the wild celebrations that had been planned or that was in the offing may be to have been led by music star-Davido, that would have seen an unprecedented crowd from wherever dancing their hearts out as they follow their leader, who is ascribed as the "best dancing lawmaker" in the history of the Federal National Assembly as they match towards the State's Government house or the state assembly to go gleefully accept to become the Governor of Osun State has been cut short.

The highest Court of the land and in fact the final arbiter, the Supreme Court by a margin of 5 to 2 had thrown out his case & confirmed that His Excellency, Gboyega Oyetola, the family member of the former Lagos State Governor and Chieftain of the APC, in the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the winner of that controversial election and therefore remains the legally elected Governor of the state of Osun.

With the declaration of the Supreme Court, it finally brings to an end all the litigation and court cases against the Governor and his Government/administration and therefore clears the way for him to now make true all his electoral promises. So with no court cases hanging on his head, there's now no more excuses not to work and deliver again.

So Governor, hit the ground running and dazzle us all. 

WOULD IT BE OBAFEMI HAMZAT OR HAKEEM MURI-OKUNOLA OR EVEN CHIEF MRS. REMI ADIKWU????

Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat 

Hakeem Olayinka Muri-Okunola

Chief Mrs. Oluremi Adikwu 

So now that the major or should we say the primary ticket has been won by Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu as the APC Governorship flagbearer come 2019, the speculation has been rife as per who would likely be his running mate, that very trusted companion that could further swing things his way very positively.

With the rival PDP's primary also concluded and the winner declared as Jimi 'JK' Agbaje, all hands must now be on deck to make sure that the right running mate chosen/picked, is one that would further add more value to brand BOS and not a choice that would further cause more disaffection or take away from the brand's goodwill.

The battle against Akinwunmi Ambode truth be told caused some disaffections and one of the things that must be done quickly by the APC now is to first heal and to then pursue reconciliation across board, so as to close the gap already opened by the open schism that heralded the choice of Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu.

Now one of the major decisions also that must be taken and that can cause major issues also would be the choice of who becomes the running mate to BOS. To achieve and ensure victory at the primary against the incumbent Governor one of the political calculations that had occurred was when Obafemi Hamzat another of the frontline aspirant in the race for the APC tocket, who though is a prominent member of the Justice Forum, stepped down gallantly and joined hands to ensure BOS's victory at the Primary. Many had immediately assumed then that the duo of Sanwoolu and Hamzat would be a formidable and a winning duo, that would have the winning formula. Apart from the fact that both carries very good qualities into the mix, having fantastic experiences of having worked with at least 2 former Governors, 3 for Sanwoolu; both have strengths that can work to each others good advantage. So it looks like the obvious choice. But would it at the end of the day, be this quite obvious dynamic duo?

Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat was a former commissioner under the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and later on Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN administration too. He is in fact a Special Adviser to the current Minister for Works, Housing and Power, incidentally also BRF! He was 1st appointed Commissioner for Science and Technology in 2005 for 6 years, before he was later redeployed as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructures in 2011 taking over from the now outgoing Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who was a former Commissioner for Works in Lagos then.

A very brilliant 54 year old man  and a prince in Ifo, Father a former prominent politician is a crowned king. He has a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Ibadan and an MSC and PhD from Universities abroad also.

Another very prominent name that has come into the mix, that in fact some already feel is also very well favoured is none other than the impressive Hakeem Muri-Okunola, famously referred to as HMO by most. Those selling his name are of the opinion that he has always been prepared for such a position as this. In fact some are of the opinion and even claims that him becoming a deputy, would only also be in furtherance of his training for the main target itself. The current Permanent Secretary, Youths and Sports is eminently qualified, were he to be chosen.

His trajectory since he came into the limelight years ago has been staggering and swift to say the least, leaving all with mouth agape at the swiftness of his rise and the positions he has held. He came into the state civil service in 2001, that's all of 17 years ago at age 29 years when he was appointed as the company secretary/legal adviser of Ibile Holdings. 2 years afterwards that's in (2003) at age 31 he was appointed as the PA to none other other than Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was then the Executive Governor of Lagos State. Then 2 years afterwards at age 33, the meteoric rise continued as he became the Executive Secretary to the Governor, Land Use and Allocation Committee, a very lucrative postition he had taken over from the now Senator Gbenga Ashafa who had moved on to become the Permanent Secretary Land Bureau; 6 years afterwards in 2011 at age 39, he again took over from the same Gbenga Ashafa, as the Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, under the BRF administration. It was from this position which he held till August 4, 2015, that he was redeployed and transferred to the Youths and Sports Ministry in Lagos State as the Permanent Secretary by the Akinwunmi Ambode administration. Now at age 46 plus, having garnered enough experience as it were he would perfectly fit the position of a deputy aspirant very very well at that and he has a lot going for him.

Hakeem Olayinka Muri-Okunola, was born in January of 1972 as the eldest child (son) of the late Justice Muritala-Okunola. He is an alumni of the University of Lagos where he got his Bachelors (Llb) in law and then also Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, where he got his Masters in Business Law. He passed out of the Nigerian Law School in 1995.

Another prominent name that some have suggested that can feature very well on the list also is that of a formidable female politician, Chief Mrs. Remi Adikwu, 62. The lady born on Valentine day, February 14, 1956, has contested on many occasions, at least 3 times to become the 1st elected female Governor of Lagos State unsuccessfully. Married twice, first to her late husband Major Adikwu and later to a former very good friend of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in the person of Chief Olakunle Bakare of the Oluwalogbon Motors fame. Her choice if ever ratified would be on strictly political reasons. She is a successful businesswoman.

She had served in 2 different Ministries as exemplary Commissioner under the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She later shifted base to the opposition before she recently came back into the fold again.

So which of these trio would be chosen--Hamzat or HMO or Adikwu?????

As an aside though another name sprang up somewhere too, but quite silently though. Person's initials is FC and he is currently doing great in Abuja, could he or would he not? 

AS FAR AS APC IN LAGOS IS CONCERNED, AKINWUNMI AMBODE IS A GONER! IT IS A FAIT ACCOMPLI!!!!

VP, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo flanked by Dr  Obafemi Hamzat & Hon. Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu. 

Hamzat endorsing Sanwoolu 

Speaker LSHA, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa

Signatures of the 36 LSHA Members 

AISHA members at the emergency session 

This poster is very pregnant 

BOS with Iyaloja-General of Lagos, Chief Mrs. Folasade Tinubu-Ojo

BOS with Senator Remi Tinubu 

Owing to all the activities that have occurred in the last few days, it is glaringly obvious that the supports that the incumbent Governor of Lagos State was seeking for, from his own party for him to be able to contest for a 2nd term in office as the Governor of Lagos State is never going to come.

From all the indications/feelers  available it is obvious that the cookies have all crumbled one by one, one after the other and there seems to be no respite in the horizon for Double A and the only thing now left for him to do, is either to dump the party that got him there or just as a loyal party man to the core, just accept his fate and be resigned to the fact that he would officially become the 1st Governor in the history of the state, to be refused the chance or opportunity to do or contest a 2nd term.

We hear though but not confirmed that, if he were to honourably step down which he has refused to do, the Governor would be given a Ministerial position in the next dispensation were the APC to win the next Presidential election.

Just yesterday, the only hope that was remaining for him to get the full support he needed was dashed as the GAC (Governor's Advisory Council), chaired by the National Leader of the ruling APC decided that the primary was it and they also unilaterally gave their support to the ambition of Babajide Olusola SANWOOLU! Not only that, one of those that had been earmarked to contest the primary that has now been shifted again till Monday, October 1, 2018, in the person of Dr. Femi Hamzat, a special adviser to the Works, Housing and Power Minister, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, who had lost to Ambode at this same stage in 2015, in fact resigned his ambition for party loyalty, by stepping down (withdrew) to now do a joint ticket with Babajide Olusola SANWOOLU. Though the joint ticket has not been officially communicated yet. Dr Femi Hamzat on stepping down, immediately endorsed the candidature of BOS!

By the action of Dr. Femi Hamzat, it means the 2 most powerful teams/families in APC Lagos politics have joined arms and hands together as one, to prosecute 1 dream! Not just that alone, at least 36 out of the 40 LSHA (Lagos State House of Assembly) members at an emergency session yesterday under the leadership of the Speaker of the house, Hon. Mubashiru Obasa all appended their signatures in their support of Babajide Olusola SANWOOLU's ambition. Their decision was communicated by the chairman House Committee on information, strategy and security, Hon. Funmilayo Tejuosho (pay back time it seems, as it was her house that the Government under the administration of Akinwunmi Ambode took over and demolished).

It should also be recalled that the Iyaloja General of Lagos, Chief. Mrs. Folasade Tinubu-Ojo had endorsed the candidature of Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu, that's effectively saying that the market men and women in Lagos are solidly behind BOS. Long before the endorsement by the Iyaloja, various other groups, likes of the Waste Management and others have openly indicated their support of Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu.

It is very instructive to know the composition of the GAC that had the meeting yesterday, those at that meeting comprised of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the National Leader of the ruling APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the speaker of the LSHA, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and other stakeholders.

More after the break.

HAJIA AISHA M. BUHARI SAYS HER HUSBAND DESERVES SOME ACCOLADES!

The gorgeous wife of our President, her excellency AISHA Mohammed Buhari on her instagram page about 12 hours ago showed she is in tune with what's current and on the lips of the people.

In giving her husband a pat on the back for doing a good job well done on his current trip to the United States of America, against the backdrop of the many unrelenting ground swell of unprecedented opposition, Hajia Aisha in saying kudos to her husband said,

 "Dear President, You deserve some #accolades 🙌

The above just tells it as it is, that those in the position of power are not impervious to current realities on the ground. So if anything, we must speak out LOUD for them to always hear us. 

GOVERNOR ROCHAS OKOROCHA TURNS GOVERNANCE UPSIDE DOWN NAMES SISTER AS COMMISSIONER FOR HAPPINESS

Chief Rochas Okorocha

Hon. Mrs Ogechi Ololo

He is known as someone that doesn't care what you think of him. He doesn't care whose ox is gored as he just does his thing his own way.

Maybe the Governor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha has listened to that hit by Frank Sinatra (My Way) too much, that all he does now is to do everything his own way, without caring how he is perceived.

He has again defied convention and maybe definition. Not too long ago he sacked all his Commissioners, in order to inject new blood into his administration in her 2nd term. So he has just named and sworn in new Commissioners, 28 of them in total and also 27 transition committee chairmen to man the 27 Local Councils in his state.

Amongst the newly sworn in Commissioners was his own blood sister by name Mrs. Ogechi Ololo nee Okorocha. Agreed, there's nothing wrong in having all one family members as Government officials in the real sense of it, the proviso should be competence, but when the new ministry such a one would be in charge of is called "Ministry of Happiness and Couples' Fulfillment", then it beggars belief! 

Maybe the new spokesperson of the state, Prof Nnamdi Obiaraeri would hit the ground running by letting us know, what this new Ministry is all about! Sharing of Happiness by the Government of Imo then making couples fulfilled! One hope this doesn't just say something about people from Imo State.

There had been hoopla and uproar about the unneccesary statues he was building up and down that had no significance or economic value, now this appointment takes the cake.

Before this new appointment of "Come make we all chop", Madam Ololo was her brother's Deputy Chief of staff and special adviser on domestic and internal affairs and was also the Imo state chairman of Food security, maybe in those positions she had given exemplary service warranting this promotion to do more.  

DYMYSTIFICATION OF DR. MUIZ BANIRE. AS LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT POO-POO'S HIS CLAIM OF 48 HOUR DEMOLITION ORDER

Governor Akin Ambode

Dr Muiz BANIRE

Erstwhile top APC chieftain Dr. Muiz BANIRE, who is a top lawyer and in fact the National Legal Adviser of the ruling party,  is not having it great this time and reason for that is not far-fetched. He had shouted to the world a few days back making certain claims akin to vendetta against himself. His claim was that his Property had been earmarked for demolition and the said demolition might have been via an executive fiat, orchestrated by the Executive Governor of the state, in the person of his excellency, Mr. Akin Ambode and he was given 48 hours to comply.

But contrary to the fact of the matter as stated by Dr. BANIRE, the state government by a statement released just today poo-pooed the alarm raised by the embattled lawyer.

Lagos State Reacts to Dr. Banire's claim

…Says Planning Permit Request Is Routine, Affects Several Other Houses

…No 48-Hour Demolition Notice Served

The attention of Lagos State Government has been drawn to a statement credited to Mr. Muiz Banire over a routine contravention notice served on a property sited at No. 24A, Remi Fani-Kayode Street, Ikeja GRA, in which Mr. Banire alleged a deliberate target on his newly acquired property.

The State Government wishes to state without equivocation that not only is Mr. Banire trying to be clever by half, but is being childish in whipping up sentiments that his dear aged mother is the target of the said demand for development permit and that the said property might be demolished in 48hours.

In a statement signed on Wednesday by the State’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Anifowose Wasiu Abiola, the Government said neither allegation is a sincere reading of the notice served on the property.

The Commissioner clarified that the contravention notices that went out on Wednesday November 15, 2017 were a routine exercise served on properties identified by the state agents as operating without due permits. He said 27 properties were indeed served on that same day, 13 out of which are located on the same Remi Fani-Kayode Street in GRA, Ikeja, where Banire admitted his property was located.

“There is no way Lagos State would have had a pre-knowledge of the owners of the properties in question let alone targeted the one that Banire has identified to be his own”, Anifowose said. He added that aside the 13 houses affected on Fani-Kayode Street, there were a few others in Ikeja GRA and the rest in Ikoyi and Yaba. “The 27 properties served across the state are just the first set of an ongoing exercise embarked upon by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to validate the records and permits of properties that have undergone ownership transfer processes. This is a routine and lawful exercise that ought not to be confusing to a supposedly learned gentleman who has had the privilege of serving in the Lagos State Cabinet for a dozen years”.

More after the break.