Adebayo Is An Inspirational Leader– Aribasoye
Honourable Adeoye Aribasoye has described a former governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, as an inspirational leader, a stabiliser and a role model to politicians across board.
The lawmaker, who represents Ikole Ekiti Constituency 2 in the state House of Assembly, said Adebayo is a source of inspiration to many politicians in the state, taking cognisance of his broad-mindedness and peaceful dispositions to issues, no matter how inflammable.
He branded the former governor as an astute, accommodating and shrewd politician, saying his humility and team player spirit accounted for the seamless relationship between him and Governor Kayode Fayemi.
Aribasoye said these in a congratulatory message to Adebayo, the governor of Ekiti State between 1999 and 2003 on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), on his 64th birthday, today.
He prayed God to grant the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment good health to be able to contribute more to the development of the country in all spheres.
Aribasoye said Adebayo, as a governor, spotted productive Ekiti youths and eggheads and inculcated in them the nitty-gritty and rudiments of politics, adding that his midas touch was felt tremendously across strata and cadres, thereby sustaining his popularity in the state.
He commended Adebayo for his immense and solid support for Governor Fayemi, which he said he exhibited so dispassionately in many difficult times he was expected to betray the course.
“Otunba Niyi Adebayo didn’t just become a shining star in Ekiti politics by happenstance. He worked for it and earned it.
“His character and judgement on issues were considered to be above sentiment. He loaths provincial thinking and he always comes blunt and clear on issues, no matter how sensitive.
“In the countdown to the 2010 judicial victory recorded by Governor Fayemi, former Governor Adebayo stood like a Rock of Gilbrattar for the then Action Congress.
“Rather than defect to the comfort zone like his peers did, he defined his own political ideology and navigated the path steadfastly and religiously.
“The bedrock for the success story we are celebrating in the progressive fold in Ekiti today was laid by the former governor.
“He was also lucky to have a solid, dependable and intellectual robust ally in Governor Fayemi and this had made their political journeys more meritorious as they rose meteorically leaning on their integrity, principles and cast in iron progressive political ideology,” Aribasoye.
He said a retrospect of the background, academic attainments and political journey of the former governor were convincing enough to show that his 64 years have been rewarding and positively impactful.
“At 41, Otunba Niyi Adebayo was elected a governor and after being rigged out of office at barely 45. He never displayed desperation to recontest, even when chances were bright and availing like others fondly do in the Nigerian politics.
“Instead of being inordinate or rapacious with power seeking zeal, he decided to assume the role of a mentor, bringing up good products out of which Governor Fayemi, who has become a national and global figure, emerged.
“Nigerian politicians must learn from Otunba Adebayo on the need to checkmate and regulate their power-seeking propensities. They should always take solace in that axiom that ‘what gonna be gonna be’ and that God is the ultimate decider of human fate.
“Despite Otunba Adebayo’s God fearing and simple approach to power, he had been governor, deputy national chairman of a popular party like APC and now a minister superintending over a solid and robust ministry in the federal cabinet.
“All I need to say is that God should grant Otunba Adebayo a long life, good and sound health to be able to fulfil all that God had destined him to achieve for humanity,” Aribasoye said.
