Why Odu´a Chairman, Ashiru Is Touted As Very Likely To Be Minister

Emerging details claim Bimbo Ashiru, the Chairman of Odu´a Investment Company Limited, the strategic investment and management firmed owned by Oyo, Ogun, Osun,  Ekiti and Ondo states is in consideration for a ministerial slot.

Ashiru, a former banker is from Ogun State.

He served as a two-term commissioner in the the administration of former Governor Ibikunle and was the leading contender to become the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate for the 2019 election, before the ´powers that be´ prevailed on him to step down for new comer, Dapo Abiodun.

Ashiru who deployed his contacts and influence as a former top level banker –  Corporate Social Investment and Country Director among others – to tremendously impact Ogun state revenue as the commissioner for commerce, trade and industry shifted his ground swell support to Abiodun and joined ranks with others to make him Governor in 2019.

He did the same in 2023 to get the Governor a second term in office despite ´machinations´ that took him out of mainstream political appointments -despite the significant help rendered in 2019 as well as the sacrifice of stepping down his gubernatorial ambition same year Now.Ng gathered.

¨Ashiru has remained committed to the party all these years, continuing to stay true to the APC despite different promises and propositions that were made to reward his loyalty but not kept, and lures from powerful groups trying to hijack the party structure¨ according to those in the know.

The top banker-turned-politician was touted as Secretary to the State Government in 2019 but it did not materialize, he was also pushed as possible Senatorial candidate in 2023 but it did not happen.

He remained sidelined from mainstream political appointments with his position first as director at Oduá Investment Company Limited, and elevation to Chairman.

 ¨It is those that believe in the propriety of rewarding him with higher office that are pushing for his ministerial position¨ SocietyNow.Ng learned.

Added information revealed that the familiar face at the palace of revered Awujale of Ijebu – Ode (informally known as Awujale of Ijebu), Oba Sikiru Adetona is said to also have the backing of those campaigning for the spread of national appointments across different political groups in the state.

Known as a very good friend of Segun Awolowo, jr – son of the late legendary Yoruba leader, Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo -, Ashiru´s ministerial ambition is also reportedly being pushed by influential associates outside politics.