KUSO: ‘I’VE WAITED LONG ENOUGH, IT’S MY TURN’ — IBARAPA EAST CHAIRMANSHIP CONTEST DEEPENS
Birthday meeting with Ogundoyin, Ibarapa East leaders exposes fresh tension over zoning, succession
The battle for the chairmanship ticket of Ibarapa East Local Government has taken a fresh and dramatic turn, with Hon. Abdul Akeem Akintola Kuso making a strong case for his ambition and insisting that the long-standing zoning arrangement must be respected.
Kuso made the position known on Tuesday, August 25, when Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, joined other Ibarapa East political leaders to celebrate his birthday at Abikef Hotel and Suites, Oroye Bus Stop, off Bako, Ibadan.
The gathering, which was attended by Hon. Yemi Taiwo, Hon. Irekuleyin, Hon. Tolani and immediate past chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Hon. Obalowo, became more than a birthday celebration as the contentious issue of the forthcoming chairmanship election took centre stage.
Kuso, who spoke openly during the meeting, maintained that he has never taken any political position, financial benefit or personal advantage from anyone, stressing that he has repeatedly been told to exercise patience and wait for his time.
According to him, that time has now come.
The chairmanship hopeful questioned why he should continue to wait when the political arrangement, as he understands it, has reached his zone.
In a direct exchange with Speaker Ogundoyin, Kuso asked whether he had ever approached him to demand money, a political slot or any personal benefit.
The answer was no.
Kuso used the response to underline his argument that his ambition is driven by the desire to serve and the conviction that the zoning principle should be allowed to guide the selection of the next chairmanship candidate.
He urged political leaders in Ibarapa East to respect the arrangement, warning against political manoeuvring that could once again push his ambition aside.
Kuso also expressed concern over what he described as “hide-and-seek politics,” stressing that political leaders should be clear and straightforward about their positions.
He said he did not expect those who have repeatedly asked him to remain patient to turn around and deny him the opportunity when he believes his turn has finally arrived.
ZONING CONTROVERSY TAKES CENTRE STAGE
The zoning issue received further backing from former Ibarapa East chairman, Hon. Obalowo, who recalled how the principle had influenced previous political contests in the local government.
Obalowo said zoning was not a new political arrangement in Ibarapa East, recalling that when he sought a second term, Hon. Wale Atanda Alase had strongly advocated the zoning principle and opposed his return.
He said he eventually stepped aside in respect of the arrangement.
Obalowo therefore questioned why the situation appears different today, particularly with claims that efforts are being made to retain the incumbent chairman despite the argument that another zone, from which Kuso hails, is due.
TAIWO BACKS KUSO’S CALL
Also speaking at the gathering, Hon. Yemi Taiwo urged the political leadership to do what is right and preserve fairness in the local government.
Taiwo appealed to Speaker Ogundoyin, whom he described as the senior political leader in Ibarapa East by virtue of his office, to provide leadership and ensure that the controversy is resolved.
He specifically called on Ogundoyin to speak directly with Wale Atanda Alase and discourage any political move capable of frustrating Kuso’s chances of securing the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) chairmanship ticket.
OGUNDOYIN’S POSITION
Responding to the issues raised, Speaker Debo Ogundoyin said he was not against Kuso’s ambition to become the party’s flag bearer.
He explained that his visit was partly intended to celebrate Kuso’s birthday and also to clear the air over perceptions surrounding his position.
Ogundoyin maintained that he was not biased or partial in the matter.
His statement, however, does not appear to have ended the broader debate over zoning and succession, as Kuso’s supporters continue to insist that the political arrangement in Ibarapa East should be respected.
The unfolding contest is therefore becoming increasingly significant, with the chairmanship ticket emerging as a major test of political loyalty, fairness and adherence to the zoning principle.
For Kuso, the argument is simple and direct: he has waited, he has exercised patience, and he believes Ibarapa East has reached the point where it is his turn to lead.
As political consultations intensify ahead of the December election, the question now confronting stakeholders is whether the zoning arrangement will ultimately determine who gets the APM ticket in Ibarapa East.