Ladoja-Akala times should be best forgotten - Kola Tubosun

Kola Tubosun, seasoned writer, English language teacher and literary editor has declared the tenures of Rashidi Ladoja and Adebayo Alao Akala as "best forgotten". 

In an exclusive chat with IBPulse.com, the Illinois-based literary expert who born and spent several years in Ibadan said the administrations of both politicians were disgraceful.

"The Akala and Ladoja years are certainly some of the most forgettable. The Ladoja-Akala times should be best forgotten. It was a most disgraceful time," Tubosun said.

He said the popular second term jinx in Oyo state is fascinating and has consequence for continuity.

"The most fascinating is that no governor has ever won a second term in the state. That will surely have consequences for continuity, though I’m also all for removing whomever is not doing well to serve the people of the state," he said.

Concerning the politics of Ibadan, he said the people of the city have a republican mindset.

He said: "I’d like to think that it’s a result of the republican mindset of Ibadan politics. The fact that you have to deserve anything before you get it. And the fact that the populace is politically conscious enough to kick out any non-performing governor."

He mentioned some past administrations that had made positive impacts in the state.

"The Action Group leaders of the eighties did a number of good things, including free education at all levels. We’ve also had some good military administrators, one of which was Adedeji Oresanya who led the state while I was growing up. I have seen a number of good things by the current administration, so you can give him kudos too," Tubosun told IBPulse.com.

Concerning Gov Abiola Ajimobi, he said he has carried out some impressive projects, but needs to focus on some core areas.

"From the little I’ve encountered, he has done a number of good things. Roads, especially. The Ilorin-Ojoo route is an impressive work, as is the Mokola bridge. Now let’s focus on health, education, water, and power," the writer told IBPulse.com.

As the residents and politicians prepare for the forthcoming general elections, Tubosun said he desires a state that is relevant to the lives of the people.

"Not a governor too invested in politics as to spend all his time in Abuja with national politics and Governor’s Forum etc, but one who cares about what the citizens of the state want. Ibadan used to be West Africa’s largest city. It deserves a plan and a governing philosophy that treats its citizens and structures as decent people, with needs for a decent living conditions," Tubosun told IBPulse.com.