2. Omisore’s Bola Ige Baggage
Omisore was never going to fly as the opponent of Aregbesola, although backed by the “federal might” and a cash-awash Kashamu Buruji, he was faintly expected to pull a surprise. But he was never going to be Ayodele Fayose who unseated Fayemi in Ekiti. For one, when Omisore was senator representing Ife constituency in the national assembly, he was not seen as among the best performers. For years, he was the chairman of the appropriation committee ─ generally seen as a plum job ─ but he was accused of not impressing his constituents in terms of bringing development projects to the district or making a positive impact on his people.
However, by far the biggest albatross on the neck of Omisore is the December 2001 murder of Chief Bola Ige, a former governor of the old Oyo State, who was then the minister of justice and attorney general of the federation. Before the murder ─ which remains unresolved ─ Omisore was engaged in a very public spat with Ige, openly insulting the respected politician. Ige was humiliated at the palace of the Ooni of Ife by thugs suspected to be loyal to Omisore. They removed Ige’s cap and threatened to beat him up. When Ige was eventually killed, fingers were pointed at Omisore, who claimed innocence. He was detained in prison, tried and eventually discharged. He even won his senate election in detention.
Even though he was never convicted, the Ige stigma has never left him. It was a handy campaign tool for APC in the Osun poll. Popular musician, Lagbaja, refused to perform at Omisore’s campaign, citing the Ige murder case as his reason.
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9 comments
Ogbeni won…
Congratulations to Mr Rauf Aregbesola, as he won the election am so happy with u baba. May u succeed in it. Any weapons from your opponent will not harm u.congrat once again
The profundity of it all is that dedication to duty as promised in the manifestos should be upheld. The best to offer the general masses is good governance, its dividend is good followership. Good begets good.
True is always True PDP be mindful you have. succeeded in deceiving Nigeria’s in the past but remember you can’t deceive all the peoples all the time .your days are number couple with high level of corruption . insecurity . merger with high level of incompetency in the administration .pack your bag in Osun state and face your business you have no hidden place in Yoruba land .
It’s about time our politicians realised Nigerians-especially the South West- are better enlightened so trumping up the religious or ethnic card is no longer going to work. We will vote for the candidate with the right stuff. Need I add that corn eating in the market doesn’t cut it. Odin people are not fools
I totally agree with Steve Oboh. I am from Osun State. I definitely would not vote for any of the two candidates. Not for Aregbesola because he skillfully brought in religion into Education in a normally peaceful Osun State. Considering the scores, If PDP had a more acceptable candidate, it would have been a walk over for the party. I hope they have learnt their lesson. The future of the Country should be a priority.
Not sure if Aregbesola is a crony and a religious fanatic. but why all the last minutes deal christian apease deals and workers truce, is it not like what Fashola did in re-election bid of 2011. Are we truly practicing democracy or re-electocracy. Any one with a right thinking brain supported with a good memory will understand that the leaders in APC has resorted to unhealthy policy shortchange and Greek gifts to retain power. God will help Nigerians.
i really enjoy the information
I am not a supporter of the two candidates Ogbeni Aregbesola and OmisOre. But for the death of late Chief Bola Ige who gave me free education in d old oyo state and the hand of ……. In his harasment and killing. I fasted and prayed dat d former shud emerge d winner. Ko te aso agba mole nikan o faya otun fi ina si. He did not only step on toes but destroyed the leg. He will never rule not only in Osun state but in his entire life.