Ekiti’s slot in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has been vacant since the middle of the year and may not be filled until the end of the term of President Muhammadu Buhari – no thanks to infighting among leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Findings by our correspondent showed that when incumbent governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, resigned as a minister to contest the July 14 governorship election, the slot was initially planned to be given to former Governor Olusegun Oni to pacify him after losing the APC primary election to Fayemi.
But Oni’s insistence to legally challenge the eligibility of Fayemi to take part in the primary election while still serving as a minister stalled the plan.
A Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti recently dismissed the case.
Another person touted to take over the position, Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele refused to forgo his senatorial ambition, as he defeated Senator Fatima Raji-Rasaki to clinch APC’s ticket for Ekiti Central Senatorial District.
Former Governor Adeniyi Adebayo, who some also tipped for the ministerial position, is seen as the political godfather of Fayemi and he probably considers it demeaning for him to go and occupy a position vacated by the political godson.
Adebayo is now the Deputy National Chairman, South of the APC, a post vacated by Oni to contest the party’s primary election.
From the look of things, the position may only be filled if Buhari wins another term and may probably be filled by somebody who loses out in the coming general election.
