By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Ibadan-born businessman and philanthropist, Mogaji Wole Arisekola, has urged Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to consider Ibadanland for a ministerial appointment. Arisekola made this appeal in a letter titled “RE: MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENT FROM OYO STATE: SPECIAL CONSIDERATION FOR IBADANLAND,” dated June 3. The letter was addressed to President Tinubu.
Arisekola heartily congratulated the President on assuming office as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He expressed his hope that President Tinubu’s tenure would bring hope, prosperity, positive governance, and outstanding development to the country.
In the letter, Arisekola raised the concerns and anxieties of the leadership and people of Ibadanland regarding the imminent appointment of ministers into the federal cabinet. He acknowledged that the entire state is President Tinubu’s constituency but felt it necessary to apprise him of the neglect and marginalization suffered by Ibadanland under the previous APC federal leadership.
He recalled instances where President Tinubu had sought his assistance in dealing with political matters in Oyo State. Arisekola mentioned a meeting in 2006 when President Tinubu asked him to bring Dr. Ismail Adewusi, a gubernatorial aspirant from Ibarapa, to meet with Alhaji Lam Adesina and Aare Arisekola Alao. President Tinubu had emphasized the importance of Ibadan elders in the governance of Oyo State.
Arisekola also recounted another occasion when President Tinubu sought his help in securing the APC gubernatorial ticket for Late Isiaka Ajimobi. President Tinubu had directed them to seek the support of Alhaji Lam Adesina, Aare Arisekola, and Baba Koleosho. Subsequently, President Tinubu asked for a letter expressing their support for Isiaka Ajimobi’s candidature.
He further highlighted the ministerial appointments from Oyo State in 2015 and 2019, which did not represent Ibadanland despite its significant population and votes for the APC. Arisekola reminded President Tinubu of his involvement in the appointment of Alhaji Adebayo Shittu and Mr. Sunday Dare.
Arisekola stressed that no Ibadan indigene currently holds any post in federal government parastatals, and with the absence of any legal cases against the incumbent governor, he appealed to President Tinubu to appoint a minister from Ibadanland who possesses integrity and is untainted by any fraud allegations. He assured the President that there are well-educated, accomplished, and honest technocrats, as well as respectable politicians from Ibadan in the APC, from whom he can make an informed choice.
Arisekola concluded the letter by expressing his continued prayers for President Tinubu’s guidance and blessings in steering the affairs of the country. He thanked the President for his attention and conveyed his highest regard and loyalty.
Address: Mogaji Wole Arisekola N4/534 Yemetu Oje Ibadan
