The Lawmaker representing Ikole Ekiti Constituency 2 in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has described former Governor Niyi Adebayo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a stabiliser in the state and role model to politicians across board.
Adebayo, was the governor of Ekiti State between 1999 and 2003 on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy clocked 64 on February 4.
The human rights Lawyer said Adebayo’s exemplary leadership quality and humility have been a source of inspiration and role modeling to many politicians in the state, taking cognisance of his broad-mindedness and peaceful dispositions to issues, no matter how inflammable.
Branding the former governor as an astute, accommodating and shrewd politician, the legal practitioner said his humility and team player’s spirit accounted for the seamless relationship between him and the Ekiti trail blazing Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.
Saluting the former Governor on his 64th birthday anniversary in Ado Ekiti on Friday, Aribasoye, in a statement, prayed God to grant the current Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment good health to be able to contribute more to the country in all spheres.
He said Adebayo as a governor spotted Ekiti productive youth and eggheads and imbued them with nitty gritty and rudiments of politics, saying his midas touch was felt tremendously across strata and cadres, thereby sustaining his popularity in the state.
Aribasoye commended Adebayo for his immense and solid support for Governor Fayemi, which he had 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 Gibraltar 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 posited that a retrospect of the background, academic attainments and political journey of the former governor were convincing and suffices 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 re-contest 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 Godfearing 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 God had destined him to achieve for humanity,” the lawmaker said.