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Assessing Lucky Aiyedatiwa the current governor of Ondo state from afar will do little justice to his personality.
This same error is committed by humans over the years.
Some conclusions are out of ignorance and deserve forgiveness, while some are outright mischief that deserves clinical examination.
The very first evaluation of the personality of HE Lucky Aiyedatiwa was highlighted by his erstwhile boss the much beloved Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN CON who ingrained ‘Lucky’ into our consciousness as a loyal and dedicated second in command.
Leaving out frivolities and mischievous proclivities the man that is supposed to know better is the boss who worked directly with him and gave the world a public assessment of Aiyedatiwa.
He gave us his assessment based on performance, loyalty and dedication to the tasks at hand.
What Arakunrin gave us is a vivid picture of a man that is quite ready for the tasks ahead, that much he referred to in his speech at the swearing in ceremony of the then Deputy Governor. He not only commended his loyalty, he glowingly gave us a deep insight into the interpretation of Lucky’s names.
It is a symbolic interpretation which he capped with public endorsement.
Now that vision and endorsement is at play.
Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is at the crossroads of fate, providence and predestination.
Since he received the mantle he has been nothing but himself, the ever loyal and humble, a dedicated follower of the Aketi School of politics and philosophy.
Sifting through his activities will reveal a little or minor or indeterminate departure from the wills, visions, missions and insight of Aketi.
He firmly believes in the continuation of the Aketi legacies.
Going back to earlier statements it’s only the ignorant or the mischievous that can swear that there is great departure from what was before now. Of course different personality traits will affect the day to day management of affairs but it won’t halt the substances as rabble rousers may try to exacerbate.
Appointments were made with due references to the available order of the day. So much so that most of the newly appointed commissioners were returnees.
The same trajectory necessitated picking a deputy from Owo as a matter of political expediency with little sentiments.
To cap it all Olayide Adelami is an astute manager of men and resources with proven track record in his chosen profession, in politics and in his community. He was a former deputy Clerk to the National Assembly.
He comes into the administration and management of Ondo state with baskets of positive attributes and assets.
Going further, it is important to note that ongoing projects that were instigated by Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu were not abandoned nor tampered with but continued with gusto to sustain the Aketi legacies.
One of such is the recently purchase of vehicles to enhance the operations of Amotekun Corp of Ondo state and make them more efficient and performance oriented.
We all know how passionate oga Aketi was with the Amotekun Corp and their activities.
That is just one in many of Aiyedatiwa umbilical links to the legacies of Aketi.
To further display his aversion and zero tolerance for crime and in firm solidarity with Aketi’s line of thought HE Lucky Aiyedatiwa recently urged the police and other security apparatus to deal decisively with anyone breaching public peace and general security of Ondo state.
These are genuine appreciation of security issues and also the derivative economic prosperity of a peaceful environment.
A reality HE Lucky Aiyedatiwa is committed to without fear or favour.
As said with candour by HE Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who wants to be a governor for one year?
Despite the radiation of honesty in the statement it drags alongside it uncommon frankness and sincerity.
This has been a bane with political office holders that hides behind one finger in the pursuit of a ‘rightful ambition’
It tells us a lot about the forthright personality of Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
So truthfully, who really wants to be a governor for a year all things being equal?
Hence it is right and commendable to see the scintillating hat of Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the ring of who will be the next governor of Ondo state by November 2024.
It is interesting to see the array of contestants within and outside the APC.
To all intents and purposes the electorate has ceased to be dumb and be tele-guided by pittance and crumbs.
They are more enlightened and discerning to know the real from the fake, to separate the wheat from the chaff and to eliminate the indigestible from the meal.
There is the test of character, followed by integrity, experience and affinity with the soul of Ondo state.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa has proven his mettle as a reliable, able and loyal second in command as well as exhibiting those traits as substantive governor of Ondo state.
A fact well recorded for posterity by the great man himself Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN CON.
The house of APC in Ondo state will do well to key into the personal admission, recommendation and endorsement of Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, who we know knows better, this will ease out dissenting voices claiming such imaginative endorsements.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa is a God fearing man who believes in let thy will be done.
A trait not easily found in this brutal political jungle of dog eats dog.
A clime where conscience has taken flight and inordinate ambition highlight ‘success’
With Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the head it is certain that all interest within and outside the party shall be calmed with the balm of understanding and pursuit of common objectives.
Come to think of it, is Lucky really lucky?
Sometimes it is about providence, hard work and commitment.
Nevertheless, Orimisan is meant to survive the odds and Aiyedatiwa cannot but enjoy the fruitfulness of the times.
Olukayode Emmanuel is Akure-based Public Affairs Analyst
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