Beyond Luck: Aiyedatiwa’s unmatched Hard-Work, Ineffable Joy of the People and the Promised Ease

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By Sunday Olugbenga Abire 

Since democracy is about the people, Governor Aiyedatiwa, the JAGUNMOLU of Iyansan, engaged the people of Ondo state who are the kingmakers in the November 16 gubernatorial election, canvassing and soliciting their support to continue as Governor of Ondo State beyond 2025. Politicians are moved differently but one thing propels the Governor and it’s his willingness to serve the people with all his heart. He must have been influenced by the undiluted love for one’s state to combine a robust private affair with a share of public life as expressed in Pericles funeral oration.

“An Athenian citizen does not neglect the state because he takes care of his own household, and even those of us who are engaged in business have a very fair idea of politics. We alone regard a man who takes no interest in public affairs, not as a harmless but a useless character…”

After the open declaration of campaign activities in the three Senatorial Districts, Aiyedatiwa took his campaign to the grassroots. Akure South, the seat of government, got the first shot. This is as significant as political. Coincidentally, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, is the Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas. His voice could pass off as the collective voice of the entire crowns in Ondo state. Aiyedatiwa cleverly sends a message from the source. Like wildfire starts from a strike, every part of Ondo State is catching up.

Governor Aiyedatiwa praised Akure, its people and inhabitants for being peaceful and he did promise massive infrastructural development in Akure so as to make it a capital worthy of its true status. While the Deji of Akure asked for more on behalf of his people, he couldn’t stop thanking the Governor for honouring traditional institutions as well as enhancing their relevance financially and in all ramifications.

The campaign train of Governor Aiyedatiwa moved to Ose Local Government Area where he promised to complete all abandoned projects. Chiefly, the Governor harped on eradicating insecurity in the area being a border Local Government with Edo state. One thing Aiyedatiwa resonated in Ose is the fidelity to his words in a world where talk is cheap. From Idoani to Idogun and Ifon, the people endorsed and expressed confidence in the joint ticket of Aiyedatiwa/Adelami for a prosperous Ondo state.

The resilience of the people of Ese-Odo was magnetic as Governor Aiyedatiwa visited Bolowou, Arogbo, Kiribo, Igbotu and Igbobini where the people waited from morning till late night, defying the rain to see their Governor. In Ese-Odo, the ocean billowed in acceptance of the candidature of Aiyedatiwa/Adelami ticket as they were offered royal endorsement and blessings.

Ese-Odo local government is dear to Governor Aiyedatiwa. The overwhelming reception and the promises of infrastructural development are beautiful testaments to the value the area holds. The people were resolutely enthusiastic to vote en-mass for a caring leader.

Ifedore is more than a local government. I do not know what informed the choice of the name ‘Ifedore’ which is a combination of two words loosely translated as friendship knitted in love. Of the truth, Governor Aiyedatiwa got enough doses of love as his campaign train hit Ifedore Local Government.

The Olowa of Igbara-Oke didn’t hide his feelings. He spoke unequivocally on behalf of other traditional rulers and the people of Ifedore. They expressed only one sentiment and it’s predicated on excellence and the desire to allow the best hand govern the state in the collective interest of all citizens. Aiyedatiwa, according to the monarch has displayed the rare virtues of ọmọlúwàbí even as he wields enormous political power. His listening ears, attention to details and respect for traditional institutions scored him high. If love means anything in politics, Ifedore is already in the bag for Aiyedatiwa/Adelami and this will be validated soon.

Aiyedatiwa moved swiftly to Akoko South East Local Government where he met and engaged the real voters. While vowing to improve upon delivering affordable healthcare, good roads and electricity, the Governor specifically promised that Isua road would receive attention. Aiyedatiwa vowed to end the menace of kidnapping and herders crisis in the area. In an ecstatic manner, the people of Akoko South East Local Government conjured their ancestors to welcome the Governor in Ipe Akoko. It was more than a political consultation. The shout of ‘oro oro’ rented the air and it was a beautiful ambience.

The energetic Aiyedatiwa took his campaign train to Irele local government where his administration is embarking on the construction of 28km Iyansan-Ajagba-Akotogbo road. At Iyansan, Oba Akinyomi Olasehinde, the Laaragunsin of Ode Iyansan didn’t just gather his people to support the Governor but also titled him the Jagunmolu of Iyansan. Of course, Governor Aiyedatiwa has won many battles in life. His new title fits greatly.

The campaign train of Governor Aiyedatiwa moved to Ondo East, the home of Speaker Oladimeji Oladiji where even the traditional rulers openly declared as members of the APC. The women sang sonorously and everything pointed to their preparedness to return a Governor who has done more than 35% affirmative action of women in public governance.

As it stands today, Governor Aiyedatiwa has added a new name to his beautiful names. He’s the JAGUNMOLU, a warrior who triumphs. Granted that election is not war of guns, it’s a war of choice rooted in acceptance or rejection through the thumbs. The energy with which the Governor toils and tours is unmatched. If hard-work pays truly, Aiyedatiwa is showing so much strength in engaging the people of Ondo state irrespective of where they live. It is the greatest honour from a would-be leader in any democracy to engage the people who are the kingmakers. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the JAGUNMOLU of Iyansan is leaving nothing to luck but hard-work fueled by the grace of God and the love of the people of Ondo state. May Ondo State continue to be Lucky and grow under the leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa beyond 2025.

*Sunday Olugbenga Abire is Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Ondo State*