Peculiar {/pɪˈkjuːlɪə/
1) Different to what is normal or expected; strange.
2) Particular; special. }
Let me set a background to this article by looking at the ages of Democratically elected Governors in Oyo state since 1979:
1978 — Chief Bola Ige — 48 years
1983— Dr Omololu Olunloyo —48 years
1992— Chief Kolapo Ishola —58 years
1999— Alhaji Lam Adesina —60 years
2003—Chief Rashidi Ladoja—59 years
2007 —Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala —57 years
2011 —Sen. Abiola Ajimobi — 62 years
In case you are still in doubt whether God (or as the Muslims will say Allah) is involved in the affairs of Oyo State? The events of Sunday September 30, 2018 at the APC Governorship Primaries in the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan is a clear indicator that the hands of the Almighty One is stongly involved in the case of the Pacesetters State.
While so many political watchers believed that the emergence of a young candidate from the pool of Gubernatorial aspirants in the race for the APC ticket may not happen until 2023 (or even beyond), by a dint of Political dexterity and a resolve to leave a legacy clothed in Posterity, H.E. Governor Abiola Ajimobi and the oyo State delegates settled for a hugely qualified hand in Chief Adebayo Adelabu to stir the ship of Oyo State come 2019.
Born September 28, 1970 – Chief Adebayo Adelabu comes with a Peerless Pedigree touching on a robust family background (He’s the grandson of the Great Chief Adegoke Adelabu “Penkelemesi” one of the men who fought for the Nigerian Independence in 1960), a Matchless Educational Background (With a 1st class in Accounting at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife to start with) and an Inimitable Public and Private Sector Experience (as the youngest ever ED/CFO at First Bank PLC at 39 and Deputy Governor, Operations at CBN from 2014 till 2018 when he resigned to pursue his Gubernatorial ambition while not also forgetting he’s the Chairman of the Oyo State Security Trust Fund amongst others) which is nothing short of what Oyo State needs in this Digital age.
I believe his youthfulness laced with experience and exposure as highlighted above will translate to a new vista for so many capable and qualified hands across the zones in Oyo State (and not just Ibadan) to be drafted and engaged by him right from this campaign stage (before forming a government) to bring about an even development across the State touching on all important/impactful facets of the lives of our people.
Let me at this point take a detour to enlighten anyone who is still confused and asking “What exactly is the Peculiar Message here?” – This can be explained on two levels:
The Unprecedented choice of Chief Adebayo Adelabu shows that Oyo State is ready to take her pride of place among the South West States (and by extension Nigeria) as he is a youthful and vibrant mind who will bring his vast network and experience to bear come 2019. Add to this the fact that the last time Oyo State had a Democratically elected Governor under 50 years old was in 1980s.
Ibadan zone (The zone where Chief Adebayo Adelabu comes from) has sent out a Peculiar Message out to the other zones (Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Oyo and Ibarapa) not to play politics with their future but rather put forward their vibrant hands and minds in the service of their zones and Oyo State as a whole be it in an Elective or Appointed capacity as it is not disputable that Chief Adebayo Adelabu as the Governor of Oyo State will need capable hands that will operate at the same intellectual wavelength with him as he seeks to build the Oyo State of our dreams… Are the zones ready with their BEST?
Let me on a final note congratulate Chief Adebayo Adelabu on his choice as the Gubernatorial candidate of our great party (or even better in his words “The best party in Africa), the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2019 Elections… May this PECULIAR Choice send a Global MESSAGE that Oyo State is set for a New Level of Human Capital and Infrastructural Development.
Barr. Sayo Owolabi is a Lawyer cum Sportspreneur with over half a decade experience as a Sports and Media Consultant to multinationals and Government Agencies. He is also the founder of S.A.Y.O (Sports And Youth Orientation) INITIATIVE through which he drives his passion for Sports Development and Youth Development in Ogbomoso, Oyo state through Sports Competions, Educational Support Schemes, Donation of Sports Equipments to Schools et al. He was also an APC Aspirant for the Ogbomoso South Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly in 2019.
