Aregbesola At 54

THE MONTH of May marks another historic event in the life of an icon, a symbol of hope and progressive governance in Osun state, a man who can rightly and appropriately be described as a virtuoso, having exhibited managerial capability and administrative prowess as a public servant, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, as he turns 54.

Of course there is cause to thank God today for the life of this political icon whose 54 years’ sojourn on earth have been characterised by struggle – the struggle to better the living condition of our people. Right from his days in Ibadan Polytechnic where he played leadership role as the Speaker of students’ parliament, the young Marxist who was to later play critical roles in the life of his fatherland has always been at the vanguard of the struggles for good governance, democratisation and emancipation of the black race from the cocoons of poverty and misrule.

When in 2007 this political icon and infrastructure czar celebrated his 50th birthday, and on each occasion of his birthday until date, the prayer on the lips of his numerous admirers had been; ‘may he succeed in the struggle to reclaim his stolen mandate’, a struggle to which he had committed his life since April 14th, 2007. But today, the prayer has changed from that to ‘may God give him the wherewithal to deliver the goods’ having eventually gotten his mandate back from Oyinlola led interlopers after almost four years of struggle which not only put the people on a cliff-hanger but which claimed the lives of some people and left many impaired for ever. This is why this year’s birthday of Ogbeni Gomina is special and significant not only for him but for millions of his supporters and admirers who are opportune to witness this day. Surely, today is a day to pop Champaign and to clink glasses.
When we look back today and reflect on the commitment of Ogbeni Gomina, popularly known as Symbol, to the struggle for the emancipation of Osun people from the inept immediate past administration of Oyinlola, we can not but give praises to God for using this man of vision and valour to deliver the state from the hands of political vampires who imposed a reign of terror on our people for close to four years, forgetting that power is transient and that the only thing that is constant in life is change.

The commitment, doggedness, resilience, tenacity, the ‘never say die’ spirit exhibited by Ogbeni Gomina in the struggle to free Osun from the hands of yesterday’s interlopers deserve commendation. Such qualities are what we all need to achieve our goals in life. At a time when even the most optimistic became hopeless and when the spirits of many of the most courageous solders in the battle front became dampened, the generalissimo trudged on without looking back – he trudged on and on until the battle was won. Like the avatar, chief Obafemi Awolowo once quipped – ‘it is not life that matters but the courage we bring to life’. Ogbeni Gomina no doubt has hitherto exhibited that rare courage both at personal and collective level which has helped him to carve a niche for himself in life especially in the field of politics where his shrewdness has been most displayed.

As this focused and visionary leader clocks 54 today and as he remains committed to the service of humanity, we identify with him on this occasion. We pray to God Almighty to give him the wisdom to steer the ship of Osun state to the Promised Land. Ogbeni Gomina has started well with his gradual, systematic and progressive approach to governance in line with his Six-Point Integral Action Plan – the manifesto - he unfolded to the electorate during his electioneering campaign in 2007. We are happy that he is not reneging on his campaign promises and our wish is that he continues in this direction. We don’t have an ounce of doubt in his ability to deliver the goods. He CAN and he WILL, surely.

As we clink glasses to rejoice with this political icon today, let’s not forget to remember in prayer our own martyrs of democracy in Osun – the Ayo Kembas and the Saheed Adebiyis who were felled by the bullets of agents of 'do or die' election in 2007. Let's hear you say 'may their souls rest in peace'.
Happy birthday to our Symbol of hope!
It's well!