Recently at a function in Ilorin, which had in attendance the Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zaccheus Adedeji, a discussion among some political gladiators centred on the 2027 governorship election, particularly in Oyo State where two illustrious sons of Ogbomoso zone have emerged as deputy governorship candidates of their respective parties.
While x-raying their capacity, competence, Omoluabi ethos and other attributes that define leadership, one was described as polished and articulate, while the other was described as timid and raw. At the end of the debate, the discussants submitted that the people of Ogbomoso would pitch their tent with the one they can proudly call their own in the forthcoming election.
But who among these two deputy governorship candidates is polished and articulate, or timid and raw? The people of Ogbomoso are wiser in this 21st century. Even an infant can differentiate between grains and chaff. They know that the content in a man speaks volumes wherever he finds himself.
Yesterday, it may have appeared as if the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, was being boastful when he described his cabinet as an 11-man winning team. But the fact remains that he scored a valid point when he commended his Deputy, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, for comporting himself well and displaying requisite leadership skills and administrative acumen in running the government without any breaks or lapses while acting on his behalf during his one-month vacation.
Without mincing words, the Deputy Governor has acted in that capacity more than five times since his appointment in 2022, and has comported himself creditably. He understands the position and constitutional responsibility of a deputy governor without any form of usurpation, breach of trust, or plot to undermine his boss. Rather, guided by his sound academic record and proven track records, he coordinated the team seamlessly until the resumption of Governor Makinde – a development the Governor himself commended with profound joy and gratitude.
But the question that bothers the heart is, why is such not done in other states? Hardly will you see a governor in Nigeria handing over to his deputy when going on vacation like Governor Seyi Makinde always does. Even the President of the country, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, could not hand over power to his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, upon his trips abroad. We have also seen a situation where a late governor – may his soul rest in peace – found it difficult to transfer power to his deputy despite being on a sick bed for several months. This shows the level of desperation for power.
But how do you entrust such responsibility to a running mate who is not polished, academically sound, or exposed with a proven track record in any area of specialization, without fear that he will abuse such office?
Will a running mate who is timid or raw be able to take necessary decisions when confronted with challenges and the enormous task of governing about 7.9 million people of Oyo State? Will such a person be able to co-pilot the affairs of the state alongside his principal, except he takes orders and instructions from Abuja, Lagos, or from his sponsor? What happens when he is tasked with a state function or representation of the state at the expanded federal level or abroad?
Yes, no one is perfect, and there are cases of many governors who, upon occupying the seat, improved themselves in public speaking and decision making. But how do we describe a man whose weakness is temperament, who is easily enraged to anger, probably because of where he grew up or lack of exposure and sound education? How will he cope?
Of course, when a man finds himself in a position far above his capacity, he may tangle and fumble. It is important to note that not everything money can do. As someone observed, among the two deputy governorship candidates from Ogbomoso, one was picked even before a final decision was made on who becomes the flagbearer of the party for governorship. One may wonder what could have made that happen if not for the strong backing of some gladiators or rather the power of money that dictated the tone, while the other deputy’s name was announced some months after a governorship candidate had been unveiled by the party.
Whichever way, the fact remains that the people of Ogbomoso will rise to the reality that supporting the good one will affect the town positively, while the contrary will spell doom.
To be continued,
Oyedeji Ahmed (LMP),
Writes from Ogbomoso
