RAUF AREGBESOLA WILL FOREVER REMAIN MY HERO AND MENTOR.
Since I joined active politics about three decades ago,I have never came across a political collosus and wizard like Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola.
Though I heard much about the late Obafemi Awolowo who introduced free Education and free health and some other impactful policies to the governance in Nigeria most especially the South West, Nigeria and also felt the impact of the late Cicero of Esa Oke,Chief Bola Ige whose free education policy availed me opportunity to be able to be where I am today. Between 1979 to December 1983, I enjoyed the free education program of the UPN government under the leadership of late chief Bola Ige of blessed memory.
Why Rauf Aregbesola’s style of politics and governance was different is as a result of radicalism introduced to the system which inspired some of us who are just coming up politically. His style is unique and inspiring.
I started hearing about this wonderful man since his days as the commissioner for Works in Lagos State under the able leadership of the Jagaban of the universe Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu where a lot of wonderful works were done under his ministry before he signified intention to contest for the governorship of the state of Osun then under Alliance for Democracy (AD).
The first day I will set my eyes on this man was 2005 when #Oranmiyan movement was lunched in Osogbo,the state of Osun capital during prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s tenure as the governor of the state under the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Since his first public appearance the political atmosphere of the state changed to the extent that the incumbent felt threatened due to the crowd that witnessed the program which shown very clearly that the people of the state of Osun are already fed up with PDP’s government and ready for the imminent change. Since then the government in power has started mapping out series of strategies to eliminate the symbol as he is fondly called.
Rauf Aregbesola survived all the evil plans of the then PDP government under Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and his boldness and political strategies eventually sent the PDP’s government parking in Osun. It is not an overstatement to say Rauf Aregbesola is our political liberator in Osun most especially the Progressives.
Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola came to Osun political landscape,he saw and he conquered.
He left indelible marks that will stand a test of time in every nooks and crannies of the state of Osun.
As you mark your 63rd years on the land of living I wish you happy glorious birthday the Omoluabi the first of Yoruba land.
#Mayegun_Adabanija_Qomarudeen
