Top 5 Political Players in Ondo State

At Forty-Seven years, Ondo state has produced some key political players. While some have been domiciled in the state, others have spread their tentacle to the federal level, and they have now been part of the major political players in the country.

Here is a look at five political players in the state. Right now, these men play key roles in the state political system and perhaps, in years to come. They are arranged from five to one.

5. Abiola Makinde: ‘Osha pra pra’ has fondly called presently holds sway in Ondo City. From being a caretaker chairman of Ondo West local government to now being a second-term member of Ondo East and West federal constituency at the green chamber, Hon. Makinde has repeatedly shown that he is not a pushover in Ondo State politics. It will be recalled that his former party African Democratic Party (ADC) was one of the two nonmajor parties that came victorious in the 2019 election in Ondo State.
6. Babajide Akeredolu: A graduate of Queen’s University, Canada, Babajide Akeredolu currently ranks as a kingmaker in Ondo State politics. The son of the incumbent governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, has been involved in some laudable initiatives within the state. While he might not look or behave like the conventional Nigerian politician, Babajide has been able to gradually make his mark within the system. The chairman of Progressive Youth stakeholders will definitely play a key role in who succeeds his father next year.
7. Tola Awosika: A descendant of the popular Awosika family from Ondo City. The serial entrepreneur is one of the new entrants to the political scene. An aspirant under the All Progressive Congress for the Ondo Central senatorial district in the 2023 general election. Tola Awosika who is now with People Democratic Party (PDP) is rumoured to be considering throwing his hat in the 2024 gubernatorial race. Whatever becomes of this rumour is difficult to state however, it is glaring that he has some role to play in the state politics in years to come.
8. Kennedy Peretei: A journalist by profession, a politician by act of service. Kennedy Peretei is the present Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State. Via his role as the mouthpiece of his party, he has been able to check and balance the Ondo State government led by Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu. The former Ese Odo local government chairman’s years in journalism seem to be put to good use.
9. Stephen Adewale: In the last year, Stephen Adewale has repositioned the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to an enviable height. Stephen, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has effortlessly made SDP a cynosure of everyone in the state. The days of lukewarm opposition parties in the state seem to be over as the State government is now on its toes. Stephen Adewale, who is also one of the General Managers at Kaftan Television (a continental television station) has already made his mark in broadcasting, he is now making waves in politics. What the future holds for the Akure city-raised journalist turned politician might be difficult to state nevertheless, it is noticeable that he is on the right path.