Gov.Aiyedatiwa on Awo’s Cap

Oduyemi Samuel Titilayo

There is a song by Bob Marley, “who the cap fits, let them wear it” The wearing cap of the Executive Governor of Ondo- State, Hon ( Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa appears to portray him as one of the ardent followers of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

It is becoming a symbol to Awolowo faithfuls and this brings in mind the recently constituted advisory council in Ondo – State which l believed was intented to enhance the quality of governance,ensure growth and development all for the benefit of the good people of Ondo -State.

The advisory council is a good initiative but should not end on the screen of a telivision .The body should justify the purpose of its creation and work for the good of the Governor.

One would have thought that the State Exco in the government of Ondo – State ordinarily is enough but with the huge expectations of Mr.Governor both should synergise as the public is expectant.

The thought of our dear Governor is in a way akin to the strategic plan of a late sage in his administration In the days of our late sage,( Chief Obafemi Awolowo) no much publicity was made to the credit of any advisory council but the imprints of eminent people like late pa Ajasin on the position paper on free education and late Prof Aluko on Economic initiatives with a few others as a THINK TANK brought the regime of late Awolowo to limelight.

Its credit, quality and the worthy achievements in the western region of Nigeria then endeared Awolowo as a POPULIST and in meeting the yearnings of the masses .Western telivision, Liberty Stadium, University of Ife, Cocoa house, Rubber Plantation etc came by ideas and not by luck.

The logic for these noble achievements rest on human oriented principles which brought succour and hope to people in then Western region.

Wearing a cap is one thing, translating the principle is entirely another thing.One good admonition to our dear Governor is to surround himself with men of ideology who has the interest of the state in mind and not men pleasers and selfish individuals.

It is hoped that the events that made history for your predecessors can be replicated by you so that your tenure can be on the positive side of history .

Nirowi plywood in Ondo, lre burnt blocks, Okitipupa oil palm,Ekiti State university, Owena motels were products of think tank to Ajasin’s administration even when Ondo State was not opportuned to benefit from oil derivation funds.

Late Agagu and his worker’s friendly administration is history and achievable feats through serious governance, Mother and Child and reduction of mortality rate during Mimiko is still a good record.Amotekun Corps to curb insecurity in Ondo State is historical.

Create history, touch lives and govern to be remembered. The allocation to your state is enormous, let it make impacts as the people are groaning.

You made a policy statement in transforming Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo to a university of Agriculture and Agric business months ago,this is still in the dark.

My dear Governor, tap from the rich ideas of your predecessors and have quality minds to develop Ondo State for the sake of posterity.

Samuel Ojo (JP)
A public analyst.