There is a time for everything in life, and history has a way of placing every leader where they truly belong. In Osun State, the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola will forever remain one of the most impactful eras in the state’s history.
Unfortunately, some mischief makers have continued to focus solely on the period of economic recession that led to the introduction of the Modulated Salary Scheme, which they deliberately and misleadingly describe as the “half-salary era.” Their intention has always been to overshadow the remarkable achievements recorded during Aregbesola’s administration.
What these critics often fail to tell the public is that the workers affected by the salary modulation constituted less than 20 percent of the state’s workforce. Over 67 percent of workers continued to receive their salaries in full throughout that difficult period. However, opponents of progress amplified the issue so much that many people overlooked the numerous developmental strides recorded under Aregbesola’s leadership.
Even today, many of the records set by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in governance, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and social welfare remain unmatched.
Some people argue that the current administration has performed better simply because workers’ salaries are being paid regularly. While workers’ welfare is undoubtedly important, it cannot be the sole yardstick for measuring the performance of a government. If that were the case, it would be necessary to examine the circumstances that compelled a worker-friendly governor like Aregbesola to introduce salary modulation in the first place.
It is worth remembering that before the economic recession struck, Aregbesola’s administration was among the most worker-friendly governments in Nigeria. His government introduced the payment of 13th-month bonuses to workers when the economy was stable and state revenues were healthy.
Beyond workers’ welfare, Aregbesola transformed Osun through unprecedented infrastructural development across all local government areas. His administration empowered over 60,000 youths through the O’YES programme, creating opportunities for thousands of young people.
He strengthened security by purchasing Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and providing incentives and stipends to security agencies operating in the state. He also introduced the Agba Osun programme, which catered to the welfare of elderly citizens, while several rehabilitation initiatives helped remove destitute individuals from the streets and reintegrate them into society.
These are only a few examples among many achievements recorded during his tenure.
Those attempting to compare Aregbesola’s administration with the current government based solely on salary payments and workers’ welfare are missing the bigger picture. The present administration has not faced the same economic realities and severe financial challenges that confronted Osun State during the global economic downturn. Therefore, such comparisons are neither fair nor objective.
The true test of leadership is not how a government performs when resources are abundant, but how it responds when faced with adversity. A government’s capacity and competence are best measured during difficult times, and by that standard, Aregbesola demonstrated remarkable resilience and leadership.
As the Yoruba proverb says, “Eni รฌjร kรฒ dรฉbร nรญรญ pแบนฬrรกrแบนฬ l’แปkรนnrin” โ a person who has never faced challenges cannot fully appreciate the strength of a tested individual.
Across virtually all sectors of governance in Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s achievements remain a benchmark. Successive administrations have continued to be measured against the standards he established.
If there was one area where Aregbesola fell short, it was in the choice of his successor in 2018. Many believe he failed to secure a successor who shared his vision and developmental philosophy. Consequently, criticisms surrounding that political decision have often overshadowed the many accomplishments of his administration.
However, history is gradually restoring perspective. As time passes, the legacies of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola continue to speak for themselves, and no amount of mischief or propaganda can erase them from the history of Osun State.
โ Hon. Adabanija Kamorudeen Oladepo
