For Olamiju Alao-Akala, construction of roads, drilling of boreholes and others are not things a council chairman should boast of as achievements.
In a chat with OYOINSIGHT.COM, the young Alao-Akala, who was chairman of Ogbomoso North local government like his late dad, said that those things local government do are what they are entitled to do as enshrined in the constitution.
He explained that since those functions are in the concurrent list, those things should be on the ‘to-do’ list of anybody in the saddle.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain, who is aspiring to represent Ogbomoso North/South/Oriire in the house of representatives said that his love for politics was influenced late his late dad.
”He influenced me but was definitely not compelled. My father didn’t drag me into politics. I don’t think there is something exceptional about me going into politics because my dad was into politics. It is just what it is. You have seen dads influencing the sons indirectly and mums influencing the daughters…”
Asked why he wants to represent Ogbomoso federal constituency, Olamiju who said he is prepared for the task, explained that
According to him ”I didn’t just start this race. I started 8 years ago. I was meant to run in PDP in the last 8 years but I didn’t because Otunba was still very much involved, and also the last election but I was a local government chairman.
“I’m preparing but I know we will still go through the rigorous process of campaigning, primary election and fund raising. I pray God should give the strength.”
He added ”I have laid precedent as a local government chairman. When I was the chairman, I brought in Bank of Industry and I facilitated empowerment for the people. I also set up a cattle market which generated money for the local government. Even though, I built roads and drilled boreholes, I don’t count them as achievements because they are the primary responsibilities of government.”
Expressing confidence about his chances, Olamiju said it would have been easier and less stressful if his father was alive.
“Okay, for example, I would not make the mistakes that I might make because he will always be there to guide me because he understood his game. Contesting without him is like taking out a shark raised in the pool into the ocean. But don’t forget one thing, he is still a shark.”
