The Obanla of Iwo and Basorun Musulum of Aiýedire, Iwo and Olaoluwa Local Government (AYEWOLA), High Chief Abiola Ogundokun, has rallied support for return of the immediate past governor of the state, Gboyega Oyetola, to power as governor of Osun State.
In a statement signed by the elder stateman, Ogundokun said Oyetola leadership style in his first tenure as governor was a turning point in prudent management of the scarce resources of the state and a remarkable performance in many sectors of its economy.
The Iwo born philanthropist noted that though Oyetola, the current Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, faced serious economic and political challenges as governor, he maintained that he “still managed to manoeuvre and deliver to the admiration of open minded Osun residents and citizens, except those in the opposition.”
Ogundokun also commended Oyetola for trying his best to harmonise diverse interests in and outside his political platform, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Describing Oyetola as a patient but thorough and sound professional, he said his strength lies in running a purposeful and responsive government, which according to Ogundokun was devoid of sentiments and sectional interests.
He said Oyetola’s patience and humility, “rare to find among modern day leaders,” should not be mistaken for being weak, adding that what Osun needs and deserves is a responsibile leadership.
He said: “Oyetola’s years of experience in the competitive private sector before he ventured into the public service, no doubt, has helped him to build a network among stakeholders, set achievable goals, demonstrate unequalled integrity and show commitment to the people. I really appreciate his quite demeanor and mien in the face of stiff opposition and provocation. This is what some negative elements perceive and mischievously promote as his weakness.”
According to him, Oyetola in his present assignment as a minister has continued to lead with distinction.
He noted that his sterling performance has earned him a well-deserved title of the Best Minister, saying: “His efforts in unlocking Nigeria’s maritime potentials and the promotion of a sustainable development in the sector have left an indelible mark on the nation.”
Ogundokun, who was the National Publicity Secretary of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), advised the people of Osun State to support Oyetola to return to power so that the state could be repositioned for greater future achievements.
“To me as an elder and a stakeholder in the state, I believe the present season calls for a serious concern from all reasonable residents and citizens of the state to begin to think on how to return Osun to a path of recovery from its misrule. Oyetola, being a tested and trusted leader, has tremendous capacity to deliver and achieve this for us,” he concluded.
