While the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo was in government perfecting unequalled wonders in Western Region of old, his close associates, who were also erudite political potentates, never saw reasons to seek a possible replacement in case of ‘incasity’. Even if Awolowo was still alive. was he not mortal, Awolowo would have bowed out due to old age or constitutional restrictions.
The failure of the political associates of Chief Awolowo to groom in advance a possible’Arole’ caused the “betrayal of trust”, apologies to late Chief Bola Ige, and the disruption and lack of trust in the Awo political machinery till date. This also.led to the staccatos and ‘skata-skata’ and the disrespect in the once upon a time united Afenifere.
Today, many of the so called Awoists, the acclaimed progressives, have been found out to be political spin doctors, drug barons, yahoo+ and certificate forgers. The Yoruba politicians of old Awo, Adelabu, Akintola, Alayande, Adesanya, Bola Ige, Ajasin, Olawoyin, Lam Ade and host of others, irrespective of party differences, were very proud of their heritages of values, virtues, ethics, sound Western Education and good names. Well, enough of “Yoruba Ronu”. Let’s focus on Oyo state.
Egnr Seyi Makinde has set and he is still setting, a benchmark in good governance. Omititun 1.0 and 2.0 superceed 1999 to 2019 put together. Oyo State would be in dire need of someone of equal Seyi’s standard , if not better, in the Government House before the commencement of Omititun 3.0 in 2027. And it won’t be an easy search..
You think it is too early: ” early birds” they say “, eat best”. “Atokere loloju jinjin ti mu ekun sun’.
I remembered vividly, about the second week of Omititun 2.0, I discussed the matter of successor with my brother Seyi Makinde. He was, naturally, flabbergasted. “Ha! Ashipa the great, we are just few days old in the 2.0 administration and you are talking of a successor. Isn’t that too early “, His Excellency quipped. I pointedly told His Excellency “NO”.
“The success of any government, according to my understanding, isn’t in the how well dividends of democracy were evenly distributed.
If the succeeding administration failed to queue on the excellent foot path of preceding administration, continuity would collapse.”
I discussed with His Excellency. I re-echoed the fact that Lagos state keeps working because she retains one line of political administration till date. The one line of administration I am referring isn’t the AD, the ACN nor the APC, but Jagaban tutorials. Say anything, Jagaban Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the greatest politician of this era.
“Dear Excellency, therefore, look inward. Appoint into offices those with good governance potentials and groom them to capability and capacity to deliver as you. I wish Your Excellency a joyful 2.0 ride”.
I concluded and bid His Excellency bye. Not without the offer of the usual fat envelope.
Forget partisanship, the Oyo state political machinery of parties, PDP, APC, LP and others have collapsed. I made bold to say that, if not Makinde’s administration, the Oyo state PDP is a slumbering giant. The last 2023 state election was Makinde’s affairs not PDP.
Or how could it be explained that with no single Senator and less than half HoS, PDP is the government in power.
If you think 2027 is too far, look to the front and see #Oyo2027 rushing down the calendars. Only those with the 3rd eye could see it. I love my pacesetter state – Oyo.
I have experienced different governments, both military and civil rule. His Excellency, Egnr Seyi Makinde has set a standard for succeeding governments to study and emulate. In my remaining years on planet Earth, I pray to witness more of Seyi’s standard.
Oyo stare is blessed with many young, virile, focused unblemished, successful individuals across political parties and local government areas.
Let the searchlights continue in earnest.
I pray for someone that would better the records of GSM.
Ashipa writes from Temidire Oje Ibadan
