Group Wants Former Ondo Assembly Speaker To Succeed Jimoh Ibrahim

The Ondo Professionals Association in Lagos State has thrown its weight behind a former speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele, to succeed Sen Jimoh Ibrahim, who is now an ambassador-designate.

The group also said the All Progressives Congress (APC) would be making another giant stride if it allows Akindele, a female, as successor for Ibrahim (APC-Ondo South).

It urged the senator, who is a non-career ambassadorial nominee, recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu, to nominate Akindele as the female successor.

In a statement jointly signed by its president, Dr Wale Ajayi and the secretary, Ms Ronke Ojetimi, the group said that as indigenes of Ondo State, they are interested in the politics of the state and the Southwest in general.

“Akindele remains a remarkable figure in Ondo State’s political history, a woman of exceptional capability, eloquence and unwavering intellect.

“As the first female speaker of the Ondo state House of Assembly, Akindele broke historic barriers with competence and an uncommon grasp of governance.

“Her tenure was marked by excellence. She commanded issues with clarity, navigated political complexities with strategic brilliance, and carried the dignity of the Assembly with poise and purpose.
“For Akindele, leadership was never about occupying a seat but about elevating the institution entrusted to her. Records speak for themselves. Akindele is the best Speaker Ondo State has produced; a trailblazer whose impact continues to inspire women in politics and young people across the state.
“Her legacy is one of brilliance, courage, and exceptional capacity, proving that excellence knows no gender,” the group said.

The group pointed out that there is no female senator in almost all the Southwest states except Lagos, and Ondo State should use this opportunity to set the pace yet again.

“APC has often prided itself on giving women opportunities in politics. There is no better time than now to do so.

“Akindele outshone her male counterparts and had proven that she could do it better.”
The group lauded President Bola Tinubu for his giant strides and urged him to ensure that more women are given leadership roles in the country.

The group pointed out that in choosing a successor for Ibrahim, Ikale and more specifically, Okitipupa, has the right of first refusal after Ibrahim.

“Ondo state must continue to inspire women to take on more leadership roles and this is another great opportunity for the state and APC to do so,” the group added.