Deputy Governor of Ekiti State and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the July 14 governorship election, Prof. Kolapo Olusola has expressed pride in being regarded as Governor Ayo Fayose’s boy.
He said this in an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday, adding that there was nothing wrong to have a political godfather.
Explaining his point, he said that former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole helped his successor Godwin Obaseki become the governor and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu also helped his successors.
Responding to a question on whether he was handpicked by Fayose, Olusola said:
“Well, you called it an appellation but remember that we have example of people in this country and beyond the shores of Nigeria, who have been supported by their leaders and mentors to become governors, deputies and other positions. Look at Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, will you call him Oshiomhole’s boy?
“Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is doing well in Lagos, our leader, Senator Bola Tinubu supported him. So, it is not a crime for my governor and leader, Fayose, under whom I have served for close to four years now and has mentored me in the act of governance and coupled with the exposure from where I am coming from.
“It is not a crime for him to support me having seen the unique qualities in me. So, if I am Fayose’s boy, good. The most important thing is that Ekiti State comes first and my performance is what matters.
“I have a political father who is Peter Ayodele Fayose and I am proud of him.
“But remember, the issue at stake is Ekiti State and the buck stops at my table when I become governor, I have a name to protect. So, it is not a crime to have learned from someone or wrong to have been supported by your leader or governor. Let us watch and see whether this young man called Kolapo Olushola will perform as governor.”
Asked if he has the political structure to win the election, Olusola said:
“I have a political structure. Don’t forget that political structure starts from somewhere. I am already part of a structure, We have a base and a virile structure on the ground. I am proud to say that I belong to Ayodele Fayose political family. Go to Lagos State, you can’t become governor there without belonging to the Tinubu political family.
“What we are saying is this, we are talking about continuity agenda; continuity of good governance, excellent performance in education. Don’t forget that I have been the deputy governor of Ekiti State for the past three years six month now and by the grace of God I have been asked to oversee the Ministry of Education.
“Today, we have made history, Ekiti State came first, back to back in 2016 and 2017 NECO examination. Before it has always been 18th, 29th, 34th positions and poor percentage pass in WAEC. As at the last WAEC exam in 2017, Ekiti State recorded 73.86 per cent pass. Beyond that, I have been able to do well in other areas assigned by my governor definitely I am well-prepared for this task. Also, the structure is intact.”