Shocking. Disturbing. Heartbreaking. Those were the words coming out of Oke-Ogun since February, 2nd when the establishment of Federal Polytechnic in Ayede, Ogo-oluwa local Government was made public. At extreme end are those who felt the region has been shortchanged and lied to for the umpteenth time while on the other are those who believe the region’s day of glory is near.
Amid this outcry, agitation, lamentation and call for calm lies the question of Leadership; the trust and confidence reposed during and after electioneering campaign. This outcry becomes touchy feely considering the promise made by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo prior to the last election to the people of Oke-Ogun.
“We have been touring Oke-Ogun for a few days now” Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said on the 6th of January, 2019 at Bagi of Saki Palace “We have received all the requests from the people and we will address them”. “Oke-Ogun” the Professor of Law declared “deserves a federal institution and we will give you a federal polytechnic”.
Two years after that cheery news, the regime of President Muhammadu Buhari, whom Prof. Osinbajo described as straight forward and man of his words has breached that simple rule of engagement by siting the Polytechnic, outside of Oke-Ogun. Though within Oyo North Senatorial district; the town is geographically and territorially in the domain of Ogbomosho. The implication of this is that whatever developmental gains from that Institution of learning will neither trickle down nor impacts the people of Oke-Ogun. This may appear selfish for the region has also been tipped for a Federal University.
Critics are quick to lash and point to the proposed Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in the region as a better and viable option to the Polytechnic. While this position seems plausible and sensible, one essential point missed is that the proposed bill though on the desk of the President may not easily sail through as it is branded in some quarters. A bird at hand is worth hundred in the bush. Facts are sacred.
At a time oil price continue to plummet while National economy tank due to the pandemic and inconsistent policy; the cost of setting up a University in same region where a polytechnic has just been approved can be financially profligate. What’s more, the Polytechnic is on the same senatorial district as the proposed University. This may further fuel the sentiment and resentment against a pace setter state like Oyo, where University of Ibadan and other notable federal establishments are on ground.
While these arguments paint a depressed image of this agrarian region, the onus now lies on the Vice President to demonstrate leadership to the shortchanged and unjustly treated people. This must be treated as a matter of urgency: reach out to the people personally, assuage their feelings, assured them of a better deal and strengthen their trust and confidence in the Government. This, with the approval of that Federal University of Agriculture and Technology sponsored by Senator Fatai Buhari should restore people’s faith, hope, respect and continuous support for this administration. And importantly the legacy that will outlive those at the helms now. This is where leadership actually counts, one premised on integrity, credibility, responsibility and accountability and transparency.
OYO101, Muftau Gbadegesin’s opinion on issues affecting Oyo State, is published on Saturdays. He can be reached via muftaugbadegesin@gmail.com and 09065176850.
