Okò Gbenefa By: Allen Sowore, Esq
0
0
0
0
Okò Gbenefa By: Allen Sowore, Esq
A photograph from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s visit to his hometown during the APC primary election campaign has stayed with me.
The image, distinct and evocative, reflects the lifestyle of the Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGAs. More specifically, it captures a wooden motorized boat called Okò Gbenefa, a prominent mode of transport in Ilaje during the old days.
On August 5th, 2024, as Governor Aiyedatiwa weakened the PDP’s presence in Ondo South, he welcomed hundreds of former PDP members into the APC. The defectors, led by Chief (Mrs.) Esther Ebiwonjumi, the Iyalode of Apoiland and former State Woman Leader, along with Hon. Niyi Adebusoye, former Member of the House of Assembly for Okitipupa Constituency II, shifted their allegiance to the APC.
Mrs. Ebiwonjumi, a 25-year PDP veteran who served as Vice Chairman of Ese-Odo LGA and State Woman Leader, cited her decision to join the APC as driven by a desire to support Aiyedatiwa’s vision and commitment to state development.
When the Governor welcomed the new members, he emphasized grace and opportunity, attributing his ascension to God’s grace rather than personal bragging.
The Governor urged individuals to braze up to the the prevailing economic challenges. We all must think about how to increase food production. We must produce more cassava, yams and cocoa, he said.
Significantly, the Governor ordered immediate action on the access road to Zion Gospellers’ Church in Oke-Igbala, Ayeka Igbodigo, Okitipupa.
Other notable politicians who joined the APC included Mr. Dele Omolaja, Vice Chairman of PDP Ese-Odo LG and King of Zion Igbotu, Mr. Obolo Abilemi, former Councillor Apoi Ward V, Adepetu Robert Arogbo Esq, former Councillor Apoi Ward II, Mr. Elumaro Oladiran, and Mr. Awoete Felix.
Various groups, associations, and unions also defected en masse: 100 women (Iyaloja), 250 artistes, 50 Primates, and the King of Zion led by Primate Akintan Joshua of Okitipupa; Primate Olowa from Irele; Primate Oriola; King of Zion Baba Alakoso Ayodele from Igbokoda; Business Mogul and President of the Palm Oil Dealers Association of Okitipupa and environs, Madam Mode; Senior Apostle Gbenga Olomu; Senior Apostle Adeoye Pius from Apoi Zion; Mr. Adewale Felix; and High Chief Abejoye Samuel.
His Eminence, Dr. Joshua Orogbemi Akintan (Arinnade Mimo), founder of Zion Gospellers’ Church, speaking on behalf of the Council of Primates in Okitipupa LGA and the Zion Gospellers’ Church, appreciated the Governor for engaging with the grassroots and local communities. He pledged full support for the Governor and his administration.
As I witnessed the caliber and number of defectors, I reminisced about the opportunity presented by Okò Gbenefa.
The boat, traveling to the interiors of Ilaje once every market day or the day after, was essential for traders and merchants carrying goods like handmade mats, seafood, and the locally made dry gin called Ogogoro.
Missing Okò Gbenefa’s departure or return meant waiting up to five days for the next trip.
This number is symbolic—Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s tenure is five years. Missing this opportunity could mean waiting another five years.
At the beach, just before Okò Gbenefa sailed off, people would say, “O Similoreyen Okò Gbenefa.”
As Chief Mrs. Esther Ebiwonjumi, a staunch PDP supporter of former Deputy Governor and PDP Governorship Candidate, His Excellency Alfred Agboola Ajayi, and a grassroots mobilizer and confidant of former Special Adviser to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku, moved to receive the broom—the symbol of unity and strength from the Governor—I reflected on the void her exit created in the PDP.
I recalled the last warning before Okò Gbenefa’s departure: “O Similoreyen Okò Gbenefa.” If you’re not from Ondo South, ask your friends about the meaning and implication of Okò Gbenefa. If you know, you’ll thank me later.
Allen Sowore Esq
SSA to the Governor on Strategic Communication
06/08/2024
About The Author
