June 07, (THEWILL) – Kolapo Kola-Daisi an inlaw to Abiola Ajimobi, the late Oyo State governor is currently in the eye of the storm over his political ambition. No sooner had Kolapo, the son of Chief Kola Daisi, an elder-statesman and industrialist declared his intention to represent the people of Oyo South Senatorial district in the hallowed chambers, that some youth groups in the state allegedly began to agitate against his ambition. But of course their concerns fell on deaf ears and Kolapo went ahead to participate in the primary where he supposedly ’emerged winner,’ trouncing five other contenders including a former Oyo State Secretary to the State Government, Sharafadeen Alli and Kola Balogun, a younger brother to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun.
His winning further infuriated these various groups. One of the groups, Oyo Youth Vanguard allegedly kicked against the All Progressive Party giving him the party ticket. They told party chiefs how he was the least suitable person to represent the people of Oyo South in the Senate because of an alleged pending financial matter. The group stated that his getting the ticket was discouraging and unlawful and advised the APC to be careful as it might cost the party a lot at the general election. Fortunately for the youths and unfortunately for Kolapo, the election got cancelled due to over voting and in accordance with the amended electoral act. Only 200 delegates were accredited to cast their votes but 270 ended up casting their votes. How that happened is what still beats everyone’s imagination. The election was rescheduled and held under tight security in Ibadan and Alli emerged winner with 185 votes followed by Kolapo with 145 votes and the incumbent, Kola Balogun who polled 84 votes.
While the majority of Oyo people rejoiced at the development, Kolapo has been seething with anger and has distanced himself from and rejected the result of the rerun. He claimed not to have participated in the rescheduled primary because he already won the first election on May 29th, the day the party slated and conducted the election, adding that the manner with which the initial election was cancelled and the arbitrary way a rerun was scheduled within 24hours without a petition does not suggest fairness. But the result of the rerun has since been ratified and Kolapo would have no choice but to take his loss and move on.
About the Author
