On trial for alleged N11.6 billion fraud, Alao-Akala’s ally, Babalola, seeks to govern Oyo

Mr. Babaola is being tried along with the ex-governor.

One of the suspects in an Oyo State N11.6 billion contract scam, Olufemi Babalola, Friday, submitted a letter of intent to contest the 2015 governorship election in the state under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Mr. Babalola, an Ibadan-based businessman; alongside a former governor of the state, Adebayo Alao-Akala; and former commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy matters and incumbent Deputy Senate Chief Whip, Hosea Agboola are currently standing trial in the fraud case instituted against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before the state High Court. The suspects are currently on bail.

The aspirant presented his letter of intention to the officials of the PDP at the party secretariat in Elizabeth Road, Ibadan on Friday.

While addressing the crowd that accompanied him to the party secretariat, Mr. Babalola said his concern for the younger generation was responsible for his resolve to aspire to govern the state.

He said the younger generation in the state did not have access to quality education and healthcare delivery that he and his generation enjoyed.

He also praised Mr. Alao-Akala for his effort in reconciling the factions within the party in the state, saying the efforts are already yielding results.

Though a number of aspirants have flooded the streets of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital with their campaign posters, Mr. Babalola is the second person, after Seyi Makinde, to submit a letter of intent.

The aspirant also presented an 18-seater passenger bus to the Oyo PDP. He expressed sadness over the state of the party office, and asked the leaders to find a piece of land within the town where a new structure would be built.

The Oyo PDP chairman, Olayinka Taiwo, commended the aspirant for declaring his intention.