Okupe: Tinubu’s influence is diminishing but don’t cry for him

Doyin Okupe, former senior special assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on public affairs, says the influence of Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos state, in the south-west is diminishing.

Reacting to the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Ondo state, Okupe said the emerging political crisis in the region should be a source of concern.

He congratulated Rotimi Akeredolu, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who beat Olusegun Abraham, the candidate endorsed by Tinubu, for the primary.

“With the seeming diminishing influence of Tinubu in south-west APC, and absolute lack of credible leadership in south-west PDP, our politics in the south-west may soon be described by that popular adage ko si olori ni aganyin, gbogbo nwon ni o nru ikoko ewa meaning, because there is no leader in the Aganyin community, beans porridge sellers, (young &old) carry the beans pot on their heads to sell,” he wrote on Facebook.

“Indeed Akeredolu won a deserved victory in the APC primary in Ondo state. I salute the SAN’s courage and sagacity and I actually wish him well.

“However, media wise, the juicy news seems to be that Akeredolu defeats Tinubu’s candidate. I have also read pieces insinuating that Aso Rock and some other elements of south-west extraction had ‘hands and legs’ in this historic victory and ‘embarrassing’ loss by the APC leader.

“Well, the Yorubas say ‘ote awo, ote ogberi’ that is, when the master is disgraced, the disciples are also shamed.

“I do not support imposition in any form. Politics must be based on collective and inclusive decision making process. Perhaps more importantly are issues relating to Justice, fairness and equity, with respect for one another and readiness for bargaining and institutionalising well-laid out orderly and dependable compensatory party mechanism.

“Having said that, I make bold to say that there is still a place for strong leadership in our politics in the south-west. I want to admonish that we in the south-west do not cry for or deride Tinubu but, rather we should pause and ponder on the emerging political leadership crisis in the south-west.”