In the often muddy waters of Nigerian politics, itโs rare to find a leader whose legacy outlives the noise of his time. But make no mistake Rauf Aregbesola is one of them.
His opponents called him stubborn. His critics, loud. But in truth, Aregbesola was a reformer one of the few in recent history who dared to govern with a blueprint, not just a ballot in mind. From 2010 to 2018, Osun State witnessed a deliberate push toward modern infrastructure, educational reform, youth engagement, and financial discipline, even when the coffers were lean and the political tides harsh.
Letโs talk facts: when federal allocations shrunk and the oil boom went bust, many states crashed. But under Aregbesola, Osun stayed afloat not without sacrifices, yes, but with a clear strategy. Salaries were delayed, and yes, the pain was real. But how many governors past or present faced such an economic collapse and still managed to build enduring flyovers, new schools, and one of the largest social intervention programs in the country at the time OYES?
20,000 youths, taken off the streets, given purpose, a stipend, and a sense of dignity. Not just audio Empowerment but actual empowerment.
And when the federal behemoth rolled its tanks into Osun in 2014 literally and politically Aregbesola didnโt fold. He didnโt trade loyalty for survival. He stood his ground. He bet on the people and the people backed him. He wasn’t just popular in the digital space; he had real, boots on the ground followership.
Those who claim he played dirty politics forget this: every politician builds alliances. But few can command loyalty across party lines. When even lifelong PDP leaders tilted in his favor, it wasnโt witchcraft it was conviction, or at the very least, respect. You canโt force that. You earn it.
Yes, mistakes were made. Name a two-term governor who didnโt stumble. But while others looted, Aregbesola built. While others schemed, he dared to plan ahead. His infrastructure drive may have drawn criticism, but it laid a foundation many now benefit from even those who opposed him.
Today, we see a revisionist attempt to paint his era as one of chaos and confrontation. But history wonโt be rewritten by emotion. It will remember Aregbesola for his courage, his clarity, and his commitment to a state that desperately needed transformation.
Love him or not, Rauf Aregbesola changed Osun. And in time, even his harshest critics may have to admit: he was the kind of leader we rarely get and too often take for granted.
@highlight
