Managing Osun’s Success After Aregbesola By Abiodun Komolafe

Sir: Ask me, I’ll want Osun governorship election conducted tomorrow so that the incumbent governor can access a well-deserved rest after a glorious outing. Should I have my way, I’ll propose that the election be delayed until the electorate will have been treated to a delicious meal of what it takes to govern Osun at a time like this in the life of Nigeria. I am taking this position because, managing Osun’s success post-Rauf Aregbesola is, without mincing words, a project delicate enough to make or break a political party, if not properly handled.

Constitutionally, Aregbesola’s tenure ends in few months. So, where does Osun go from here? Who succeeds him and what is to be expected of the foundation laid by this “compulsive thinker, “unique leader”, “paragon of transformation and the architect of a new State of Osun”?

Without doubt, a time like this demands prayers! Getting it right is an unavoidable task and that’s why the governor deserves the prayers of those who truly love the state and want it to grow. If we must be sincere with ourselves, Nigeria is not in her best of times – a situation that has badly affected Osun – and I do not think sugaring our predicament in the state with a troubling issue of succession is the way to go.

Already, the concerns of full, regular salary and declaration of a political war by other means have brought along with them unpleasant sermons from certain sections of the street and I don’t think this is the right time for the state to experiment political leadership with “anyone just in power.” Also, the challenge of being at the top, as such, becoming the topic also seems to have been domesticated in Osun. Lacing it with another problem of zoning may, in my view, be too heavy a burden to bear for the party and the state. The more reason those who wish the party and the state well must rise to the occasion now.

Taking All Progressives Congress (APC) as a case study, I’ve made some assertions elsewhere and I believe they’re worth repeating here. One: all aspirants must realise that they are first and foremost members of APC; and that it’s because there is a party in place that ‘Change Agents’ are all laying claim to it. Two: lawful steps must be taken to return the party to power at the ballot of September 22, 2018. In the struggle for the ticket therefore, appealing to souls, not pity, should take pre-eminence. Lastly, aspirants must rally round whoever emerges as APC candidate towards ensuring victory for the party in September. Anything short of that will be tantamount to cutting the nose to spite the face.

Without doubt, the level of the orientation of public consciousness is a function of leadership. Yes, many will be called but only one aspirant will eventually emerge as candidate. But then, what becomes of the party the day after will be a function of how contestants comport themselves with a view to avoiding complications that may end up in negative implications on the ruling party. As Aregbesola once quipped, the best option is for members to remain in the party and work together to retain the state for the party. I share the governor’s view, too! After all, Yemi Osinbajo was never governor before fate elevated him as Nigeria’s vice-president.

By the way, why are people not keen on a Christian succeeding Aregbesola? After all, the outgoing governor is “a good Muslim.”May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace in the State of Osun!
Abiodun Komolafe wrote in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State.