Date Published: 01/31/11

Oyo Central: Senator Teslim Folarin's Re-Run Victory, An abberation?

Alao Akala

Teslim Folarin

On January 3 , 2011, the Oyo State Police Command arraigned the Senate Leader Senator Teslim Folarin before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrate’s Court for his alleged role in the murder of the factional chairman of the state's chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lateef Salako (a.k.a. Eleweomo). The court then ordered for his remand at the Agodi Prison.

Shortly after Eleweomo was allegedly murdered by some thugs and policemen attached to Folarin, he went into hiding. The Police later urged him to turn himself in or be declared wanted. He later honored the invitation.

Folarin, who complied with the invitation extended to him to appear at the Eleyele Police Headquarters at 9.00 a.m. , was quizzed for the whole day both at Eleyele and Iyaganku Criminal Investigation Department. He was held till he was arraigned that Tuesday .

Salako was killed during the local government congress of the PDP held at Olunloyo area of Ibadan in the Ona Ara local government area. He was shot and stabbed allegedly on the orders of Folarin.

The leader of the Folarin flank , Senator Lekan Balogun, who had been unsparing in his criticisms of the police command’s perceived partisanship in the whole matter, said the Folarin’s parley with the police provided an opportunity for both parties to understand one another’s position. “The meeting promoted mutual understanding, I guess confidence will follow after a time.”

He added that part of the issues discussed included political developments in the state and the ill-fated party congress.

He reiterated his call for Bolanta’s redeployment, saying nothing had changed in regard to the police boss alleged bias against his group.

Curiously, few hours before the PDP convention, Folarin was released from the Agodi prison and flown to Abuja as a delegate. The Oyo State police boss, Adisa bolanta, had filed an application before the magistrate court that the charge against Folarin be withdrawn. He said however that his release would not hamper investigations.

Folarin returned to Ibadan and picked up the Oyo Central senatorial ticket of the PDP under extremely controversial circumstances. While Folarin was still facing murder charges, Jumoke Akinjide had won the primaries beating Gen.Raji Rasaki, Gbola Olatunji and Gbenga Olaofe.

But with his influence at the National Secretariat in Abuja, Folarin arm twisted the party to void Akinjide’s victory and order a re-run.

Folarin subsequently defeated daughter of former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Richard Akinjide, to clinch the ticket . Akinjide’s daughter is believed to be supported by the state governor, Mr. Adebayo Alao-Akala.

Folarin polled 1,327 votes against Jumoke Akinjide’s 556 votes, while Gbenga Olaofe had 14 votes. 19 votes of the 1,916 accredited delegates were voided.

Former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Brig. Gen. Raji Rasaki (rtd.) boycotted the primaries which was held at Ladigbolu Grammar School, Oyo.

Members of the Independent National Electoral Commission {INEC} from Abuja, who observed the primaries, were led by Prince Ibrahim Yakubu (Chairman), Mr Olobo Onesmus Idu (Secretary), Mr Nwachukwu E. Robert, Dr. Kayode Ogunsalu and Joseph Duke were part of the team.

But, Akinjide’s daughter described the conduct of the primary that produced Folarin as fraudulent and illegal.

Jumoke explained that a Federal High Court had issued an injunction restraining the PDP from conducting re-run in the Oyo Central Senatorial District and that any primary done would not be recognized by members of the party.

Jumoke in company of the state governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala, his deputy, Taofeek Arapaja, the Secretary to Oyo State Government ( SSG), the state PDP factional Chairman, Chief Dejo Afolabi, PDP delegates and other senior officials of the government had gathered at Durban Stadium, Oyo as early as 8am yesterday with the copies of the court injunction to the PDP national officials that there should be no primary in line with the court order.

But, to their surprise, nobody, including the Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin showed up at the venue.

However, while the governor and members of his group were stationed at Durba Stadium, Oyo, the Senate Leader , PDP national officials and PDP delegates from the senatorial district were already holding the re-run primary at Ladigbolu Grammar School, Oyo.

"What Folarin and members of his group did, it is disgraceful. We had the Federal High Court injunction restraining the party from holding re-run primary in Oyo Central Senatorial District and we all went to the recognised venue where the district holds its primary.

"But Folarin did not show up. He is afraid of a woman. We have contacted the PDP National Chairman and he was horrified with what Folarin did and he has told us that the party is not going to recognise the fraud.

"Everybody knows and the National Chairman has said it that only the Dejo Afolabi led exco is the recognised group and there are no factions in Oyo PDP. "

Senator Folarin, who described the primaries as peaceful, added that his victory was a pointer to his acceptability by his people.

Govenor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State, later described embattled senate leader Teslim Folarin, as a curse to the state.

Akinjide had cried foul about the order for a rerun, accusing Folarin of using his influence in the Presidency to impose himself against the wishes of the people in Oyo Central. But in dramatic turn of event, the National Working Committe of the party, on Saturday, confirmed Akinjide as the winner of the primary and the senatorial candidate for the April election.

Speaking after receiving Akinjide, who had gone to Abuja to pick the party’s nomination form, Akala, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja, declared that the eight years of Folarin in the National Assembly was a waste and that the state had not derived any benefit since he became a senator.

The governor further added that Folarin had betrayed his root and that his present predicament was the beginning of his misfortune.

Party sources maintain that the opposition to Akala is currently in disarray as the front men, Yekeen Adeojo, Lekan Balogun, Rasheed Ladoja, are having their own differences concerning who picks the ticket. Said a source “ they all have their own agenda. They want Folarin because they know they can manipulate him, but will not dare try that with Jumoke Akinjide”

Also the Action Congress led by Ex Governor, Lam Adeshina is also in disarray, as he is being accused of imposing candidates. His son is also a beneficiary.

Sources also likened the emergence of Folarin to Iyiola Omisore in Osun few years ago. He grabbed the PDP ticket despite allegation of murder hanging over his head.

Said a source “ this is an aberration. Just like what happened with Omisore. How can you be in prison for murder, did not participate in the primary, only for you to be released under very controversial circumstances, go to Abuja, attend the convention, use your influence to annul the victory of Jumoke Akinjide. You ensured a re-run was ordered and you are now claiming victory”

According to our source “ This Folarin did not merit the ticket that took him there in the first place. Go and check his records in the senate. He was imposed on the people by his God fathers. Eight years after he has nothing to show for it. They have tried to rubbish the achievement of the Governor, and resorted to violence. Folarin is supposed to be facing murder charges but today he wants to return to the senate. This will not happen”