ANOTHER OYO GOVERNOR DEFIES GODFATHER ADEDIBU

UNCLAS LAGOS 000661

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF/W
STATE FOR INR/AA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV NI DOMESTICPOLITICS
SUBJECT: ANOTHER OYO GOVERNOR DEFIES GODFATHER ADEDIBU


1. SUMMARY: (U) Oyo Governor Alao-Akala's attempt to extend
his tenure through legal action has reignited political
tension in Oyo state. Lamidi Adedibu, Akala's political
godfather, said Akala's action violates an agreement reached
when Akala became governor in January, and has vowed to
resist Akala's move. Adedibu has already proven successful
in removing governors, having engineered the impeachment of
Akala's predecessor. The Akala-Adedibu rift could set the
stage for a power play similar to that which led to the
impeachment creating the opening for Akala. End Summary.


2. (U) On May 11 Oyo State Government filed suit with the
Supreme Court seeking a constitutional interpretation of the
governor's tenure, and the delay of any new gubernatorial
elections until the question is decided. Governor Alao-
Akala became governor in January following the impeachment
of former Governor Rasheed Ladoja by the State House of
Assembly. Akala hopes to exploit the constitutional
ambiguity about gubernatorial terms to extend his tenure
beyond 2007. The constitution stipulates a four-year term
for state governors beginning from the day he/she takes the
oath of office. However, it is silent regarding the tenure
of a governor seated after another governor is impeached.
The Oyo State Government also joined the current governors
of Anambra and Bayelsa states in the suit since they took
office under the same circumstances.


3. (U) Akala's legal action reportedly infuriated his
political patron, Lamidi Adedibu. Adedibu warned Akala when
he became governor in January that he should only serve out
the remaining term of former Governor Rasheed Ladoja, who
was impeached following a disagreement with Adedibu.
Adedibu told Akala not to seek reelection in 2007. Should
Akala succeed in extending his term, the stage would be set
for yet another political feud in Oyo State, with all eyes
watching to see if Adedibu would seek Akala's impeachment,
as he did with Ladoja when their relationship soured. Akala
should not expect much help from the PDP or the Presidency.
According to an Obasanjo insider, the President gave Akala
warning when the latter assumed office. Obasanjo told the
new governor not to cross Adedibu and to make sure he paid
the old man proper respect in accordance with Yoruba
tradition and given that Adedibu is the strongest politician
in the state. It appears that a brief stint in the
governor's chair has caused Akala to suffer a memory lapse.


4. (SBU) Comment: Dramas such as this latest Akala-Adedibu
affair appear to be nothing more than a test of who can pull
the most strings to get their own way. This is only a taste
of what is to come as 2007 approaches and people use any
tool at their disposal to realize their electoral designs.
End comment.

Browne