Adopt Awolowo as your mentor, Prof Asaju tells Makinde

THE Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Professor Dapo Asaju has charged Oyo State Governor-elect, Engineer Seyi Makinde, to adopt the former Premier of Western region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose political record and input has become subject of the discussion in the country and even globally, as his political mentor just as he relates to taking over the administration of the state come May 29.

Asaju, also Bishop of Anglican Church of Nigeria, gave this piece of advice on Sunday afternoon while delivering a sermon during a thanksgiving service for the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the March 9 election in the state at the Sword of the Spirit Ministry, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.

Makinde, during the electioneering campaign promised that if elected the governor of the state, he would come for a thanksgiving service in the church, this he fulfilled on Sunday evening in company of his wife, Omini, deputy governor-elect, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan, Oyo South Senator-elect, Dr Kola Balogun and most of the elected officers under the platform of the party in the state.

Also in attendance at the service include the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and his wife, Rasheedat, Ogun Olubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun, Oloye Lekan Alabi, President General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Yemi Soladoye, Senator Hosea Ayoola Agboola, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, Honourable Babatunde Oduyoye, former governor of Oyo state, Dr Omololu Olunloyo and Prince Dotun Oyelade.

Others are, Oyo state chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Titi Sodo, Mogajis, PDP leaders, Members of the Omi Tuntun team.

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Professor Asaju counsel Makinde that he is on a mission to rescue the people of the state where it experienced firsts in all developmental stages in the says of Awolowo and reignite such, saying he must not allow any side attraction distract him in terms of governance.

He said “As I sat down to reminisce about Ibadan, I remember we used to be the first. What has happened?

“God has chosen you to bring back the lost glory, God has chosen you. You need men of God when you are confused they will seek the face of the Lord for you. When you get there never you forget God.

” You are on a mission, Nigeria is in a terrible situation, who knows if it’s because of this reason God has chosen you. you have come at a time when there is a lot of work to do.

Don’t be proud in the office, you are a child of God and he expects you to do things in a different way.

“Humble yourself, consult God from time to time, be practical in whatever you do, the government can be time-consuming.

Do those things that will make people comfortable and happy, like free education, good health, good roads and you must be able or build their capacity.

“We have rural area who are really in bad condition, there are rural areas where people are in abject poverty, let your presence bring joy.

” Make Godly decision, as soon as you are sworn in. The power of life or death will be given to you. On the judiciary, there are many people in the prison who are still awaiting trial, people are looking for hope, God is giving you the power to make a difference. Build a good reputation.

“And finally, take up Chief Obafemi Awolowo as a mentor. That is the best president Nigeria never had. He dedicated his time to the development of the country. No one has been like this man. All the things he did in his time are still there, trust not in your power, political party but honour your leaders.”

In his remarks, Makinde said the people of the state should hope for good governance.

He said ” People of Oyo State should expect the hope of good governance and servants. We will be open, transparent and will serve with the fear of God.

“The summary of my testimony is that Governor-elect Seyi Makinde wouldn’t have happened without the hand of God.

” What message do I bring to the people of Oyo State, it’s a message of hope.why is it a message of hope, most people when they get to hold a post, the reason they misbehave is that they don’t have hope that things even without the post can get better. That mental state is because there is no hope, so I bring a message of hope to the people of Oyo State.

“To all those who we have planned to run the government together, I promise that we will serve. Our administration is going to be served to the people of Oyo State.
We are here to work and that’s what we are going to do, it’s not by our power but by the power of God, we will serve the state and by the grace of God we will succeed.”