Rauf Olaniyan, the impeached former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, candidly discussed the circumstances that led to his removal from office, his relationship with Governor Seyi Makinde, and his political aspirations. He attributed the impeachment to “irreconcilable differences,” maintaining a respectful stance towards Makinde despite the events. Olaniyan denied allegations of disloyalty and disrespect, emphasizing his long experience in government and his understanding of the role of a deputy governor. He highlighted his proactive approach, regularly seeking assignments from the governor, and contrasted it with the alleged backbiting and negative influence of those around Makinde. Regarding the claim of financial recklessness concerning renovations at the deputy governor’s lodge, Olaniyan dismissed it as a fabricated pretext for his impeachment.
Olaniyan revealed that Makinde had actively sought him out as a running mate for the 2019 election, and numerous party leaders were involved in persuading him to accept. He suggested that his acceptance was crucial to the election outcome, but that certain individuals within the government felt threatened by his presence and actively worked against him. He refuted accusations of over-ambition and a desire to usurp the governorship, stating that he wouldn’t have accepted the deputy governor position if that were his intention. He also dismissed suggestions that he could have used the deputy governorship as a stepping stone, pointing to his long-standing familiarity with the workings of government.
Olaniyan maintained that, aside from the impeachment proceedings, his relationship with Makinde was normal, acknowledging that backroom maneuvering was beyond his control. He highlighted subsequent meetings with Makinde, indicating a cordial and respectful ongoing interaction, and even revealed an encounter with an individual who claimed to have been involved in orchestrating the impeachment. Olaniyan expressed a philosophical view of their parting of ways, suggesting it was ultimately for his own good. He emphasized his lack of animosity towards Makinde and his continued respect for him.
Following his impeachment, Olaniyan quickly joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), explaining that remaining politically inactive would have been self-destructive. He denied receiving any promises from the APC for joining, pointing to his significant role as the Oyo State Coordinator for the Asiwaju/Shettima presidential campaign as evidence of his standing within the party. He also refuted claims of lobbying for a ministerial position and receiving the chairmanship of a university governing council as compensation, stating he had never visited the Presidential Villa or sent any requests to the President.
Olaniyan addressed the Oke-Ogun agenda for the 2027 governorship election, affirming the region’s legitimate aspiration to produce a governor. He argued that Oke-Ogun, comprising 10 out of 33 local governments in Oyo State, deserved consideration after Ibadan holding the governorship for 24 years and Ogbomoso for four by 2027. He challenged the notion of Ibadan’s numerical dominance, arguing that their numbers were inflated by non-indigenes, including people from other states and regions. He expressed confidence that many in Ibadan would support an Oke-Ogun candidate, recognizing their capabilities and right to govern. Olaniyan affirmed his belonging to the APC faction and hinted at ongoing efforts to unite the party, using a Yoruba proverb to suggest that reconciliation would happen when the time was right.
Finally, Olaniyan commented on national issues. He expressed his support for Governor Makinde’s potential presidential bid in 2027, acknowledging his right to contest. He refrained from speculating on Makinde’s chances against a potential second term bid by President Tinubu, stating he wasn’t privy to Makinde’s strategies. He remained non-committal about his own gubernatorial aspirations for 2027, leaving it to divine will. He addressed the question of his age in relation to Makinde’s preference for a younger successor by referencing Islamic scripture, emphasizing God’s ultimate authority in determining leadership. He expressed a positive outlook on the Tinubu administration’s performance despite the current economic hardship, calling for patience and endurance while highlighting recent progress in reviving the nation’s refineries. He also endorsed the controversial tax reform bill, viewing it as a necessary step towards innovative solutions for the country’s economic challenges.
