The people of Owo town in Ondo State, the home town of the late ex-Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, have asked Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to choose his deputy from among them.
The people, who belong to a socio-cultural group called the Imade Development Association, IDA, said that by doing so, Aiyedatiwa would pay tribute to his deceased predecessor.
The group said that choosing a deputy from Owo would be a consolation for the early death of their illustrious son, Akeredolu, who passed away in Germany a few days ago after a long fight with prostate cancer.
The group, which lamented the loss of Akeredolu, stated that if the demand is ignored, the state might witness more division along ethnic and political lines.
At a press conference, the IDA Chairman, Segun Ogunbadeniyi, the Secretary, Femi Fadaisi, and the Publicity Secretary, Julius Adesola, insisted that the town would not give up until Aiyedatiwa picks an Owo man as deputy.
Ogunbadeniyi, who read the group's statement, emphasised that with the death of Akeredolu, who was from Owo, it was important to protect the town's interests and goals.
"In our opinion, the joint ticket that expires in February 2025 is Owo/Ilaje. We do not recognise any other arrangement.
"Whoever picks the ticket of the APC or PDP next year can then determine which zone to produce the Deputy Governor.
"Any attempt to remove Owo from the equation until February 2025 by Aiyedatiwa, in our opinion, is unjust, inequitable, and can create conflict in body politics," he said.
The group affirmed that there were notable Owo indigenes who were qualified to be deputy governors.
The names they mentioned that should be considered for the role include Hon. Niran-Sule Akinsuyi, who the group said was with Akeredolu during the 2016 elections; the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly; Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi; Mr. Zach Adetula; and Chief Jamiu Ekungba.
"Picking from this list will be a fair deal for all parties. The current situation is a joint ticket between Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa, which they worked hard for," he added.