The traditional head of Ona Ara Local Government, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola (Otun Balogun Ibadanland) alongside Mogajis, Baales, market men and women have reacted to a Monday’s publication titled: “What Does Dotun Sanusi Want in Tinubu, Makinde Governments?”.
Oba Ajibola, now traditional head of Ona Ara Local Government, was one of the former High Chiefs crowned last week by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun at a colourful ceremony attended by the State’s Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde and other notable people from across the land and neighboring states.
Multiple sources in Ibadanland on Wednesday said Oba Ajibola and other notable traditional chiefs met billionaire businessman, who is also a Mogaji in Ibadanland, Engr Dotun Sanusi to appreciate his contributions to Ibadanland and the country at large especially while the recent coronation ceremony lasted.
They were said to have impressed it upon Sanusi to join the Federal Government as a potential Minister from the State, or throw his hat into the ring for the 2027 gubernatorial contest, as a pay back for his efforts during the 2023 general elections.
A source at the meeting said the visitors lauded the writer for aptly situating the roles of Dotun Sanusi in national development and more importantly, his supports and mobilization for the electoral victories of both the President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the re-election of Governor Seyi Makinde.
They were said to have however disagreed with the journalist that the billionaire businessman did not need anything from the Federal and State Governments.
One of the Mogajis was quoted as saying “while it is true that Engr. Mogaji Dotun Sanusi is a patriot, nationalist and philanthropist of note, the conclusion that all he wanted from the leaders was good governance and nothing more, could not possibly mean that his business interests should not be patronized.”
A source disclosed to newsmen that “The chief in question who spoke first at the meeting disagreed with the writer’s conclusion that notwithstanding Sanusi’s supports for the leaders, all he wanted was good governance.”
It would be recalled that Sanusi reportedly said he didn’t want anything personal from President Tinubu and Governor Makinde especially that "They have started well and should continue to lead well and make us proud always. Good governance is the hallmark of democracy and our leaders should be guided, accordingly.”
The source continued that another Baale though agreed with the writer’s submission based on his discussion he (journalist) had with Engr Dotun Sanusi “but if he doesn’t want anything from the Federal and State Governments, we (the people around him) are appealing to the Federal and State authorities to always remember his multi-billion Naira hospitality haven, Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort at Akanran in Ona Ara Local Government of Oyo State that can accommodate any national or State functions of wide magnitude for patronage.
“Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, it would be recalled, hosted 16 African nations to a mini-football tournament two years ago. This investment is so huge and should be supported by the Government,” he said.
Another Chief from Egbeda Local Government was quoted as saying: “Let me use this medium to also appreciate our Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for the ongoing road network from Olorunsogo to Akanran which will make tourists to Ilaji Hotels and Sports Report enjoy best of facilities that are of global standard provided therein.
“Oyo State, Ibadanland, Egbeda and Ona Ara council areas yearn for federal and more state’s presence. And we trust Mr President and our Governor would remember us for good.
“Let me also add that Mogaji Dotun Sanusi may not need Federal or State appointment, but his followers need government appointments and patronages. He should therefore be given the opportunity to nominate people of high intellect and proven integrity with technical know-how to both the State and Federal Governments in order for them to contribute their quotas to their fatherland,” he stressed.
Oba Ajibola also maintained that, “Doing all these great things in return for Dotun Sanusi’s commitments to our nation building, would mean that his labour of love has been rewarded one way or the other. May God bless our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our dear Governor Seyi Makinde to excel in the tasks at their disposals.”