“A true conqueror is not defined by the absence of battles but by the courage to rise after every fall, the wisdom to navigate fierce storms, and the resilience to turn trials into triumphs.”
The diamond jubilee of Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, should not only be marked by pomp but should also serve as a moment of deep reflection and an opportunity to offer effusive praises to the Supreme Being for extricating Governor Aiyedatiwa from a protracted political quagmire orchestrated from both within and without that nearly shattered the peace and stability of the Sunshine State.
A less resilient person could have fallen to the multidimensional missiles fired his way. Still, Governor Aiyedatiwa remained unflappable, conquering every obstacle placed on his way with philosophical equanimity without betraying emotions. Here he is today, celebrating his 60th birthday while also awaiting his inauguration as an elected governor of the state come February. The man of the moment is indeed lucky!
The man Lucky was indeed fortunate to be chosen as the running mate to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in the October 2020 governorship election. He had a chance to be nominated for the position in 2016, but for political expediency, that saw the emergence of another person entirely. Earlier, the late Governor had resolved not to repeat the misstep of his first tenure when his then-deputy allegedly betrayed him at a critical time. Akeredolu carefully sought a loyal and trustworthy ally, and after extensive consultations, Aiyedatiwa was his natural choice for Deputy Governor. Political observers noted their striking resemblance in character, describing them as “Siamese twins.”
Initially, all seemed well at the inception of the administration until political desperadoes began to create disunity where none should have existed at all. Aiyedatiwa, known for his taciturnity, rarely spoke but exhibited uncommon loyalty to his principal. He never complained and was always available to discharge the responsibilities of his office. However, his perceived silence and absence of a personal political estate within the entire cabinet created a vacuum that opportunistic political gladiators exploited to orchestrate unprovoked persecution against him. Lies were concocted and maliciously peddled to tarnish his image and that of his immediate family.
The height of it was when the schemers, emboldened by their deceit, manipulated the State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Aiyedatiwa, who had committed no offence. The allegations levelled against him were as utterly laughable as they were ridiculous. Even before the storm escalated to the point of impeachment, Aiyedatiwa was already facing challenges of operating from his personal residence and conducting official duties using his personal vehicle. Despite these daunting challenges, fabricated stories were spread by agents and hirelings of the cabal to deny any cracks in the cabinet, and those who stood by the truth became targets of intense hatred. The impeachment process, ladened with frivolous charges, disrupted governance and drew national attention as Ondo was almost in the news everyday.
Despite presidential interventions, the conspirators persisted until divine intervention calmed the storm, just like the biblical account in Matthew 8: 23–27, where Jesus rebuked the tempest. No one wished harm upon the late Governor, who had implicit trust in his Deputy and had actually wanted him to succeed him whenever he finished his tenure. Akeredolu was a courageous leader who spoke truth to power, and his legacy remains evergreen.
After the painful loss of Governor Akeredolu on December 27, 2023, following a protracted illness, Aiyedatiwa stepped in to right the wrongs perpetuated by those who exploited the late Governor’s absence. His efforts were both remarkable and commendable. However, his detractors reignited their vendetta, vowing to deny him the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket ahead of the November 16, 2024 election. They fabricated stories about a rift between Aiyedatiwa and the late Governor, waging a vicious campaign of calumny. Yet, despite their overt hostility, Aiyedatiwa clinched the APC ticket.
Unrelenting, his adversaries switched allegiance to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate just days before the gubernatorial election. Ironically, the same PDP candidate had been vilified during Akeredolu’s first term. Nonetheless, their final “joker” failed. Against all odds, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa won all the Local Government Areas in Ondo State, an unprecedented feat that has since solidified his name in the annals of the political history of the State.
Indeed, the name “Lucky” Orimisan Aiyedatiwa proved prophetic during the tumultuous battle that secured his victory. Beyond politics, Governor Aiyedatiwa has touched every sector of the state’s economy, bringing organic development and impactful transformation to the Sunshine State.
On the auspicious occasion of his 60th birthday, I salute Governor Aiyedatiwa, a true hero and a symbol of resilience.
“The greatest victories are born from the fiercest battles; those who rise from the ashes of struggle carry the strength of warriors and the wisdom of survivors.”
Emiola-Owoeye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State on Research and Documentation, writes from Akure, the state capital.
Views expressed by contributors are strictly personal and not of Precision Online Newspaper.
Study @ Achievers University
