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By Honorable Rotimi Makinde
On this historic day, Sixty-One years ago in the ancient town of Osun State at exactly 25 May 1957, a child was born. As sounds of his cry echoed through the airwaves of the then county town, his mother filled with tears of Joy, smiled, looked down on him and called him ‘Omoluabi’ meaning ‘Child of honour’. Names are indeed revelations from God and the true identity of man. This is epitomized by the way Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola rose from grass, went through the ranks to become a political Hercules, a priceless jewel in the state of Osun and Nigeria in general. For lieutenant and Serving Nigerians like us who have keenly accessed the leadership acumen of Executive Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola , it is semblant that recent events have only served to guarantee his position as an undisputed political leader of the whole southwestern part the nation within and outside his party and he must be encouraged to exhibit this divine anointing in the overall interest of the country. He has already written his name in inexpungible medium and if the scenario were repeated a thousand times now and in the next world, Aregbesola’s name will be synonymous with democracy. Like the proverbial goldfish, that has no hiding place, Ogbeni Rauf's contributions to the political advancement and growth of Osun State and Nigeria at large have dignified him as a trailblazer, mentor and an achiever within the extinct iconoclastic colony of genuine and patriotic African leaders.
Today, the harvest of political recognition, employment, educational and sports advancement that the state of Osun has attained is greatly credited to the man with the Mark of biblical David. His wisdom has been brought to bear at various points of our country’s political history, prominent among which is the invocation of the “doctrine of necessity” that salvaged Nigeria of a pending political calamity. This sterling quality was further buttressed by his ability to have governed effectively over the state of Osun for eight (8) years, having being in the politics since the return to democracy in 1999, and a feat that qualifies him as one of the heroes of our nascent democracy. For want of time, one may not be able to chronicle the achievements of the Aregbesola.
However, it is very paramount to state at this juncture that he should not relent in his quest to emancipate the state of Osun which have been perpetually marginalized at the state. Although, unfair and unjust criticisms are imminent, he must continue to show unprecedented capacity for tolerance, understanding, forgiveness and allow God to fulfill His promise as stated in Psalm 68:1-2. In whatever he thinks he could have done better, as a father, a leader and a representative, he should not hesitate to make amends to enable him emerge an even better person. He must continue to give listening ears to the people. The older the wine, the better it becomes and at such, this is not the time to feel old but rather renewed for greater responsibilities which lie ahead.
Happy birthday the Trailbrazer!
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