Editorial: Oyetola’s Tryst With Destiny

“Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. “

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India, to the Indian Constituent Assembly in The  Parliament, on the eve of India’s Independence, towards midnight on 14 August 1947.

The progressive cause in the State of Osun a while back made a covenant with destiny; much of which it has redeemed. Unique about the sequences of the cause of enlightenment in Osun is that progressive governments led by Chief Bisi Akande and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola have reignited the cause of social democracy. The main theme of their achievements has been that government must be for the benefit of the majority as opposed to feathering the interests of a privileged elite. Much of the critically needed initiatives have taking place in turbulent economic waters in Nigeria’s boom and bust mono- crop dependent economy. A stultifying quasi – federal structure has also made life extremely difficult for state governments to marshal their own resources.

Nevertheless, the interventions have been magnificently executed. If anyone seeks to know the effects, one only needs to come to Osun and look around. With his victory in this week’s keenly contested election, Governor-elect Gboyega Oyetola will consolidate and build upon the gains in continuing tortuous economic waters. It is going to be a long and hard run. Luckily, cometh the moment, cometh the man. Oyetola has the emotional comportment of a man who has straddled many worlds. Solid intellectual preparation has been burnished in the private sector before his entry into public service. He comes in to steady the ship at the right time. The capacity is there and it is proven.

Oyetola will essentially be at the head of a government of popular unity uniting the progressive tendencies in the state of Osun. The result of the election reflects the dominance of the progressive tendencies in the state. If the votes of the APC, SDP and the ADP are totaled up, it is an unambiguous confirmation of the fact that the progressive tenor is dominant in the state. It is a time of good cheer in the state of Osun, the state is transiting into safe hands. Much is expected, on our part we are certain that the incoming governor will deliver.