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It was a mix of politics and entertainment at the Lekan Salami
Stadium, Ibadan, on Thursday when the Oyo State governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala,
declared his intention to run for a second term on the platform of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP).

On stand to thrill the audience and the governor’s supporters
were Abass Akande aka Obesere and Abolore Adegbola Akande (aka 9ice) amongst
other popular musicians, who treated the audience to their popular tracks.

The governor was particularly ecstatic by 9ice’s performance,
as he danced round the podium before settling to give his declaration speech.
Titled “I hearken to your wish: I shall run”, Mr Alao-Akala’s speech explained
that he only made up his mind to go for a second term as a result of pressure
mounted on him from the public. “My dear compatriots and good people of Oyo
State, since the beginning of this year, many men of goodwill, comprising
notable citizens, professionals, peasants, market women, academic community,
religious leaders, corporate bodies, artisans and other interest groups have
approached and urged me to declare my interest for a second term in office.

“My standard response was to thank them for their concern, but
that I needed all my concentration to fulfil my promise which I made during the
electioneering campaign of 2007, and upon which our people freely voted for
me,” the governor said. He enumerated his achievements since he assumed office
in 2007 and gave a glimpse of his targets if allowed to run another term.

Opposition parties

Speaking on the opposition parties in the state, the governor
claimed that the parties have “failed in all the tricks used to blackmail his
government and derail it from achieving its objectives”.

As at time of his declaration, Mr Alao-Akala is the only known
candidate running for governorship of the state on the platform of the PDP.

Politicians, who are struggling to get tickets for one elective
post or the other also packed the venue with their crowds and entertainers,
trying to outdo one another. Though there was no record of violence, the
programme, which was a carnival-like event, witnessed the heavy presence of
political thugs, who were openly smoking Indian hemp at the event.

Leaders of the party, who have been campaigning for the governor for a long
time, took turns to pledge their loyalty to him and his ambition. Former
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Richard Akinjide,
and Omololu Olunloyo and Kolapo Ishola, both former governors of the state,
were among the politicians who expressed their support for the governor’s
second term.