Dear Edward Adebo Ogundoyin,
Let me first congratulate you on your new political elevation as the youngest and newest speaker of our dear state, the Oyo Assembly. This is me wishing you the very best and immeasurable achievements as you set forth, Rt.Hon. Debo Edwards Ogundoyin (Omo o’lóore).
Truly, Ajisebi Oyo l’aa rii, Oyo kii se bi baba enikankan.
Our Distinguished Speaker, allow me to briefly state that Your emergence to lead the honorable house, has no doubt reaffirmed the other name for our dear state – the pacesetter.
Without gainsaying, It is crystal clear that you have worked tirelessly, shoulder to shoulder as a member of Engr. Seyi Makinde Campaign organisation to ensure his landslide victory, particularly in our local government and beyond.
So, when rumors had it that you had being penciled down as the next speaker of our dear state, I wasn’t surprised, considering the combination of many factors like zoning arrangement and experience, being one of the four returning lawmakers to the Ninth Assembly under the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP). Truly, It is a feat well deserved.
Looking back now, It still look like magic that within a short time of being elected as a legislator to replace the lost of our Late Speaker, You – Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, have already created a stir as an exceptional young and capable lawmaker that your name is almost everywhere as one of the emerging astute political leaders of our generation.
Mr. Speaker, I can’t but felicitate with you on this new adventure of house leadership, just as I wish you greater success because Àseyè l’alankan n sepo.. E o sayeye Lola Oluwa. E o sii tun se aseyege.
Undoubtedly, Debo Edwards Ogundoyin, you are one of the most gifted grassroot politicians, I’d ever encountered. You seemed assured of your direction in life, to have jettisoned an opportunity to study abroad. Instead, you chose Babcock University to studied Agricultural engineering. Truly, you’re wired.
Well, let me imitate and remind you that your next task is to get over the euphoria of victory and begin the rebuilding process. First, you need to rebuild confidence in our assembly that had become snake without venom. Work collectively with other assembly members to bring back the dividends of good governance, that ensures swift passage of needed bills, and helping the executive to facilitate how to map out ways to bring up stronger policies and governmental actions to fight Injustice and oppression in all spheres, while ensuring that the independency of the Oyo state House of Assembly is sustained.
Dear, Hon Debo, As you begin to discharge this your numerous legislative duties, I want to quickly remind you that the process wouldn’t ever be easy, there will be frustration and efforts will be made to scoffed at your good works, especially those who had benefitted and those hoping to benefit from statues quo.
But with time, I want to assure you that you will win, with many and too numerous to mention incremental victories that will lead to meaningful societal changes and set a new pace that others will continue to follow. On this, our prayers will continue to guide and follow you in ushering your steps.
Also, be abreast of the fact that the way you discharge your official responsibilities in the next couple of weeks will determine if your reputation will continuing to grow and tower high, to build real political power or not, so be guided on who you listen to.
Lastly, to achieve a lot, take an all encompassing unity Assembly by putting every member in your collective fast lane by mapping out strategies and having a listening ear to your colleagues, and by building trusts across political divides.
Let me end this little piece by a borrowed phrase from a book title “The world as it should be” which says, “Should we leave world as its? or work for the world as it should be”. I’m sure you know better.
Congratulations once again, Rt. Honorable.
Eruwa born Adediji Abdulwasiu writes from Delta State.
