By: Tayo Oyekanmi
Today, exactly a month ago, April 13th to be precise, history was made in Ogun State political evolution. It was novel because such never happened without dissident and opposition. The announcement of Sen Olamilekan Adeola Yayi as Consusens Gubernatorial Candidate of APC by Governor Dapo Abiodun was greeted with wide applause across Ogun State and beyond. At the Stakeholders Meeting where the uneveiling took place, the presence of all living former Executive Governors of the State were palpable. No single eyebrow was raised against the candidature of Sen Yayi. The announcement received unprecedented hailing, approval and acceptance of the commonman on the street. It was a political decision that was easy to arrive at because of the general acceptance and popularity of Sen Yayi. Of course, this is not to say some levels of horse trading would not have taken place because of varing interest, personal idiosyncrasies here and there associated with politics. But popular will prevailed despite every other things.
Since the uneveiling a month ago, Sen Yayi rather than rest on his oars and assumed that the election is as good as been put to bed based on every available indicators, Sen Yayi has continued to demonstrate why he’s a special breed of politician. He has been having series of diplomatic engagements of different shades all geared towards having a united front ahead of the elections next year; A meeting of Ogun West Stakeholders has been held at the senator’s instance where all contending forces before the consensus announcement like, the Deputy Governor, Engnr Nimot Salako Oyedele, Hon Biodun Akinlade,Hon Gboyega Isiaka and others spoke brilliantly about Sen Yayi and his capacity to lead Ogun West to glory. They all promised to unite and give their unalloyed support to the success of the Governorship dream.
Meeting has also been held with Ogun West Traditional Rulers with all Obas physically on ground including Olu of Ilaro, Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Olota of ota, Eselu and other royal fathers. At the meeting, Sen Yayi officially briefed the royal fathers of the present political reality. Of course, prayers were offered.
Not done, during this time frame, Sen Yayi has demonstrated large heart, capacity and futuristic outlook by meeting major contenders particularly from Ogun Central like Sen Iyabo Obasanjo, Amb Sarafa Tunji Isola with members of their teams. He has been very magnanimous in triumph. At the various meetings, the submissions of Sen Yayi has been wisdom ladden devoid of any sign of egregious intent. It has been all about togetherness.
During this period in review, Sen Yayi has collected intention and nomination form. The forms has been signed by party leaders across the State. He has honoured the Governor and Baba Osoba by presenting the forms to them for further blessings. The needful were done in terms of prayers, encouragement and advice. The forms has since been submitted with a powerful deligation led by Ogun State Deputy Governor, former Deputy Governors , SSG, State party chairman, sitting Senator, former senators, House of Representatives members and the rest. It was truly a powerful deligation that indicates how much Sen Yayi is referred by various segments of society.
Just last Saturday, 9th of May, Sen Yayi attended the screening exercise accompanied by another powerful team. The man was accorded the conventional “Take a Bow and Go” respect deserving of individual like him. Sen promised not to let the party down. Just yesterday Sen Yayi was physically present at Ogun East stakeholders meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun. The reception was rousing at it’s best.
What Sen Yayi has done in the last one month vividly gave an inkling to what makes him tick as a politician. It’s a testament of why people love him so much without reservation. It’s an indication of his pure heart. When you respect people, there’s high tendency you will be respected in turn. Sen Yayi has shown understanding, cooperation and respect to everyone in the last one month. Rather than gallivanting in his spirit or get fixated on past hostile engagement. His sight is firmly fixed on the bigger pursuit. He doesn’t hold hostages with his emotions. He has left the past in the realm of where it belongs. So many things to learn from this trail blazer of a man, who’s fast becoming a man of sign and wonder. I have no reservation that the Lord is with him. Sen Yayi has proven to be a charismatic leader who is embracing different perspectives, independent and in-depth thinking, dissenting views and ideas regardless of differences. This is the kind of personality Ogun State needs post Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Within the timeframe, thousands of bill boards and posters has spring up across the State. None has been defaced. That’s a record on it’s own.
To demonstrate unflinching love and support by the people, a campaign fund has been set up by friends and well wishers in Ogun State and within weeks a billion threshold has been crossed. This is unprecedented. Another trail blazing by all standards. Campaign souvenirs and material are been donated in droves. The common man on the street that are not financially bouyant to contribute are making intercessory supplications and gospel spreading on behalf of Sen Yayi. I personally experienced this in a taxi within the Abeokuta metropolis. Sen Yayi has won the heart of people of Ogun State. Never in the history of Ogun State have we witnessed this kind of collectivism just for one man. The ecstasy and political euphoria is mind boggling. Trail blazing indeed.
Again, never in the history of Ogun State has Governorship nomination ever been so seamless. The personality of Sen Yayi has become a tremendous help to Gov Dapo Abiodun goal to break record of having a seamless transition and other historical attainments.
While one isn’t oblivious that campaign period is still ahead, it is however reasonable to keep the gun powder dry for all the parties to pick their Governorship candidates in Ogun State. There and then, those who are getting obsessed with Governorship just on the basis of family wealth without proper understanding of the make up of Ogun State and those interested in contesting on the basis of ethnocentrism, fanning emember of ethnic superioty in democracy will understand the psychology of human intricacies and behaviour.
For now, Sen Yayi is the trail blazer . He won’t be contesting on the basis of his record alone which is unmatched by anyone interested in the race. He will be ready to campaign on the strength of his vision to actualize a better Ogun State. The people have indicated their readiness to side with him altrough.
Leave a comment