Political gladiators have started beaming their searchlight on the possible successor of Governor Seyi Makinde in 2027.
The Chairman, Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Engr Dotun Sanusi had been earlier tipped to succeed Makinde but declined the offer as he submitted that his priority for now is the growth of his business.
But one of the gladiators, an Ibadan chief, Adesola Owolabi in an interview disclosed that pressure is being mounted on Sanusi to reconsider his step.
Owolabi said he didn’t have the authority of Dotun Sanusi to speak to the press but nevertheless wished the businessman had considered the option himself but if he feels otherwise, there are other great citizens of the State that he could support to occupy the seat.
According to Owolabi, “Chief Dotun Sanusi is well positioned for the job because of his welfare and philosophic activities which have earned him accolades from far and near.
“Without taking the government’s appointment, he has touched lives of millions of our people positively even beyond the shore of Ibadan and Oyo State in general.
“He has assisted many communities and individuals to change their narratives and he is not looking back. And the people who Sanusi said are pressuring him, might have been doing so because they feel if he becomes the governor, he would turn the state of affairs around for better service delivery and greater good of the citizenry.
“Should he decide to become the Governor as people are increasingly interested in him, he could become one. But if for reasons he adduced he didn’t want to go for the contest, a number of other citizens across the State could be considered by him for support.
“Remember he gave similar support to the incumbent Governor during his first and second-term electoral campaigns. Though he was more involved in the recent re-election of the State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde and that of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Yonubu as a major stakeholder in the State.
“I wish to suggest the following names to the billionaire businessman should he feel obliged to support another candidate for the contest in 2027.
“The likely names of potential gubernatorial candidates include but not limited to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alhaji Ahmed Raji from Oke Ogun area of the State; a Senator representing Oyo North, Alhaji Fatai Buhari from Ogbomoso or an Ibadan-born Oyo South Senator Sharafadeen Alli and a former Senator and close ally of the incumbent, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu.
“And if it is about the younger Turks in politics, Dotun Sanusi may go for the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji (also from Ogbomosoland) or the incumbent Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin,” Owolabi hinted.
He however was quick to add that Dotun Sanusi would be doing the State a great service if he could reconsider his stand, but if on the contrary, any of the aforementioned people could be supported to be the next occupant of the Agodi Government House.
