POLITICS: THE EMERGING FACTORS THAT WILL DETERMINE WHO BECOMES THE NEW DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE BY ADEOLA SHITTU

POLITICS: THE EMERGING FACTORS THAT WILL DETERMINE WHO BECOMES THE NEW DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE 

... As Gov. Aiyedatiwa Prepares to Choose From the Central or North Senatorial District

Following the unfortunate passing of Former Governor Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, the political landscape in Ondo State is undergoing significant changes. The governor's deputy, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has been sworn in as the 7th civilian Governor of Ondo State. With this transition, the search for a new deputy governor has commenced. In this article, we will delve into the dynamics surrounding the selection process, focusing on the political zoning of the positions and the potential candidates from the Central and North senatorial districts.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF POLITICAL ZONING:

In a bid to ensure fairness, equity, and inclusivity, political zoning plays a crucial role in Ondo State politics. It dictates the distribution of political positions among the three senatorial districts: South, Central, and North. Traditionally, when a governor emerges from the South senatorial district, the deputy governor is selected from either the Central or North senatorial district. Additionally, the Speaker of the House is typically chosen from the third senatorial district to maintain balance and foster unity.

THE CURRENT POLITICAL CONFIGURATION:

Under the late Governor Akeredolu's tenure, he was from the North senatorial district, while his deputy, Aiyedatiwa, hailed from the South senatorial district. Furthermore, the Speaker of the House represented the Central Senatorial District. However, with the transition of power, Governor Aiyedatiwa now hails from the South senatorial district, and the Speaker remains from the Central district. Consequently, the deputy governor position is likely to be filled by a candidate from the North senatorial district to uphold the principle of political zoning.

THE POSSIBILITY OF CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT:

Despite the aforementioned political zoning principle, some analysts speculate that Governor Aiyedatiwa might choose his deputy from the Central senatorial district instead. This approach would result in the Speaker of the House reverting to the Northern District since both the South and North have previously provided deputy governors in the last 15 years. This deviation from tradition is not unprecedented, as political leaders often prioritize other factors, such as competence and experience, in selecting their deputies.

THE GROWING CALLS FOR GENDER AND RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY:

In addition to the political zoning considerations, there are growing calls for more diversity in the selection process. Some stakeholders and interest groups advocate for the appointment of a female deputy governor, aiming to enhance gender representation in Ondo State politics. On the other hand, certain factions are pushing for the selection of a Muslim deputy governor to ensure religious inclusivity and accommodate the state's diverse population.

As Governor Aiyedatiwa prepares to select a new deputy governor for Ondo State, several factors must be considered to maintain fairness and unity. The principles of political zoning, which have guided previous appointments, point to a candidate emerging from the North senatorial district. However, the possibility of choosing from the Central district cannot be entirely discounted. Moreover, there are calls for gender and religious diversity in the selection process. Ultimately, the decision should prioritize competence, experience, and the cohesive development of the state, ensuring that the chosen deputy governor aligns with the vision and goals of the Aiyedatiwa administration.

Adeola Shittu