Day in day out, mankind is always running and nearing where he came from but few people are aware of this unconscious act. This assertion underscores the sudden departure of the former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly and Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Rt. Hon Kehinde Ayoola, yesterday, May 14, 2020. Until his death, he was a significant card-carrying member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) whose influence led to the displacement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from an executive seat in Oyo state.
Indeed, the unimaginable eclipse of Ayoola does not only remain a surprise, but it bequeaths a lot of horrific hormones to the minds and souls of the residents of Oyo state and Nigeria at large. He was a selfless politician with multiple competencies, highly cerebral, very sound, and deep.
It is pertinent to ask; How Has Late Rt. Kehinde Ayoola Fared In Oyo Politics?
There is no doubting the fact that highlighting the name of worthy politicians in name and impact cannot be complete without mentioning Late Rt. Hon Kehinde Ayoola. At the early stage of his life, he attended the famous Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, where he bagged a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and Environmental Management and Control. After a couple of years in the corporate world, he made a debut in the political scene at the inception of Nigeria’s fourth republic in 1999. He was elected as the representative of Oyo East/West State Constituency between 1999 – 2003.
Thereafter, Ayoola became the first Speaker in the fourth republic and his reign remains notable for significant achievements. As a matter of fact, he championed the cause that led to the attainment of good governance under the administration of late Dr. Lam Adesina through legislative checks and balances without an iota of persecution or intimidation.
Fast forward, Ayoola continued to protect and maintain his blazing name in the Oyo political scene after he left office as a speaker. He was an extraordinary orator that attended several seminars, conferences, and outings. I could recall the programme I anchored at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, in the 2015/2016 academic session. The students of Oyo descent at OAU held a National Association of Oyo Students (NAOS) AMALA DAY and he was invited as the speaker of the day. The programme was quite overwhelming given the fact that he honored the invitation in person. His speech was inspiring, motivating, and compelling. Indeed, his oratorical skill oozes out to the extent that I (MC) was tongue-tied and short of adjectives to commemorate the icon.
In recent times, observers thought he was done with politics but his love for humanity does not let him be. Pissed by bad governance in Oyo state, he joined the Omi tutun cause for the liberation of the people in 2015 by serving as the Director-General of the campaign organization of Seyi Makinde under the Socialist Democratic Party (SDP). Lo and behold, the party lost but late Ayoola was a man of ambition with dire hard spirit. He told the vulnerable Seyi, being a defeated Governorship aspirant, “You can make it as long there is life there is hope.” This, among other things, was one of the reasons that prompted Seyi Makinde to re-contest in the 2019 gubernatorial election. Therein, he served as the Deputy Director-General of his campaign.
Few only knew that the die was cast as Seyi Makinde uncontroversially won the election. Any wonder that the appointment of late Kehinde Ayoola as the Commissioner for Environment and Natural resources was a position well-deserved. In less than two years in office, he has made indelible impacts including the inauguration of four environmental tribunals for the enforcement of the state environmental laws.
Why PDP Will Miss Late Ayoola Him?
Given the illustration above, there is no gainsaying that his sudden death will affect the Oyo-PDP. He was a big fry whose influence cannot be wished away. His contribution to the party that led to its victory in 2019 gubernatorial elections cannot be overemphasized. Also, the role beautifully played within the shortest time in Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration will remain a huge vacuum for now if not forever. It is my fervent prayer that almighty God give the family of Ayoola the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Adieu.
