Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as gateway to a modern Osun

Where there is no evidence of performance, proclaimed capacity to deliver becomes a subject of doubt. But where we have overwhelming testimony and demonstrated ability to credibly execute assigned responsibility, contemplation of another candidate for such an opening, outside the proven is unjustifiable.

The above describes the quandary we find ourselves in the State of Osun as a result of the contest between Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola whose tenure has opened our eyes and minds to the possibility of a modern state administered and delivered through responsible leadership, and Senator Iyiola Omisore, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party and former deputy governor of the state.

This situation is further compounded by the fact that Senator Iyiola Omisore’s right to contest election is inalienable, and he is a key factor in Osun State politics, although with heavy moral burden because of his alleged involvement in the death of Chief Bola Ige, one of the most illustrious sons of Yoruba land, who was then Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.

Away from sentiment, assessment of his performance as deputy governor of Osun State between 1999 and 2003, and representation of the people of Osun East as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria did not project him as a selfless leader who could sustain the tempo of development the state is currently experiencing. Pointedly, Osun State needs a visionary leader who has a penchant similar to obsession for achievement, but Omisore’s inconsistency which has consistently seen him shuttle between ideological camps would not allow the people trust him with the affairs of the State of Osun at this time.

Although Senator Iyiola Omisore is equally an eminent son of the State of Osun, a notable son of Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba land. His regal gait and elegant looks give an appearance of his readiness to become the first citizen of the State of Osun, but Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has changed the paradigm. The level of accomplishments recorded by the Aregbesola administration in these past years has so much endeared the governor to the citizens of the state who are eager to have him return to the Government House in Oshogbo to continue his good works.

Omisore’s governorship ambition is understandable. It would not be out of place if its motivating factors are defined as his sense of responsibility to the State of Osun and personal quest for political power that sits him atop of the pyramid in the State of Osun. Unfortunately, the terrain seems to have changed drastically and his ambition unrealisable at this time. The situation at hand mirrors the struggle between highly talented Lionel Messi and trained Christiano Ronaldo in the world of soccer for supremacy.

Although, the contest between Aregbesola and Omisore may not be as fierce as the highlighted superiority tussle because the latter is not proven while the former’s pedigree is extremely strong but there is indeed a struggle for the heart of the State of Osun. The reality is that this is just a wrong time for the possible realisation of Senator Iyiola Omisore’s political ambition, just the way Lionel Messi’s dexterity and natural ability would not allow my beloved Christiano Ronaldo claim rulership of the game.

As unfavourable as the political climate might look for Senator Omisore at this time, the future may hold significant opportunities for him in the politics of the state. Electorates in the State of Osun have never been known to be tied to any individual, political party or organisation. We are only persuaded by sincerity of purpose projected by any individual with the aspiration of leading the state. Thus far, only Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has been able to demonstrate our long-sought ideal.

He has shown unwavering commitment to transformation of the State of Osun into a modern state, leaving nothing as little as makeover of its name from ‘Osun State’ to ‘State of Osun’. It might appear ordinary but the description fills us with a sense of pride that citizens of other states in Nigeria may not be able to share because we are out of the general naming pattern. More importantly, Aregbesola is the gateway to the modernisation of our state, and this is validated by the velocity of his value delivery to the citizens of the state, which makes displacing him at the occupant of the State House almost impossible except something out of normal happens at the election on Saturday, August 9, 2014.

Our quest to match Lagos in terms of infrastructural development and quality of personnel would not allow any other aspirant access to power in Osun State for the next four years, because of Aregbesola’s groundbreaking initiatives in Osun State. The over 1000 youths employed and 2,500 trained in Information Technology under the Osun State Youth Empowerment Technology programme are credible testimonies to the efficiency of his administration and effectiveness as a leader.

The ‘Opon Imo’ proponent has sufficiently established himself as a standard in responsible leadership, perhaps more than the highly admired Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State, considering available resources and the state’s capacity to generate revenues internally. His ability to provide 750,000 students with schools uniforms and empowerment of 3000 tailors takes more than ordinary commitment to attain, vision at play. After all, education is the pillar of development.

The beautification of the 185km Oyo boundary to Osun-Ondo boundary signposts the gradual transformation of Osun into a modern state, soon the tourist value of the State of the Living Spring would come to the fore.

Olusegun Fafore