Like the Oyo Empire of ancient times, the South-West captures the resilience of a people forged from hassles, tough decisions and blood, sweat and tears. Thus, leadership in the Southwest is not like leadership anywhere else in Nigeria—the same for politics and politicking. After many attempts of grappling between Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde and former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, one party has finally come out on top.
Based on recent reports, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ‘s greatly disputed seat in the South-West has found an occupier. This is the conclusion of a Congress election that witnessed the triumphant candidate (Taofeeq Arapaja) clinching the victory by 13 votes. However, while this development unites all members and affiliates of PDP in the Southwest under one umbrella, folks are already speculating that certain ‘losers’ within the party might soon find somewhere else to hide their heads.
Very few things are secret about politics, governance and PDP in the Southwest. It is known that Makinde and Fayose do not hasten to offer flowers to each other. It is also not unknown that Taofeeq Arapaja is the candidate chosen by Makinde for the South-West PDP chairmanship seat, whereas Eddy Olafeso was under Fayose’s canopy; that Arapaja won and therefore Makinde won, and that Makinde has effectively pummelled Fayose to the ground.
The leadership of PDP in the Southwest has been an alleged source of contention between Makinde and Fayose. According to reports, each does not want the party or region to become the playground for unruly politicking and privileged self-interests.
Unfortunately, they do not seem to agree on pushing both the South-West and PDP up a tier or whose hands should do the pushing. Thus, Fayose has only continued to pit his years of experience and alliance against the young Makinde, whereas the latter resorts to his lineage and erudition to have things go his way. This time, Arapaja’s victory has made it easier for one party to walk on the other’s head figuratively.
Who knows how long the humbling process would last?
