Dapo Abiodun @63: An unassailable personality with rare grace

The conceptualization of ‘Grace’, according to the Oxford Dictionary literarily implies” smoothness and elegance of movement”. In an extended interpretation, it connotes an unhindered motion akin to that of moving train. So, a man with rare grace is practically insulated against all sorts of landmines from every front ; he is a special being by all standards.

Prince Adedapo Abiodun, the Executive Governor of Ogun State is one man with exact definition of grace judging from his humble beginning and subsequent movement on the ladder of life, as well as his political expedition since the early 90s.

DA, as he is fondly called in the political parlance has been consistently focused on the ultimate goal of impacting humanity positively and making indelible footprint in the sand of time; the consciousness that informed his zeal to lead his people and change the old order of ineptitude and arrogance in power.

While his elegant movement was apparently visible as a product of grace in his private business where he rose to the apogee of his career, the murky water of politics almost derailed the smoothness of the movement, but for the superior power of his ‘grace’. Abiodun weathered the storm of the turbulent political atmosphere without blemish, to the chagrin of many pundits and keen observers.

That the Governor of Ogun State has gradually and steadily become a political juggernaut of note in the State and Nigeria at large is inchoate, Dapo Abiodun by his innate culture of humility, simplicity, calmness, consistency and shrewdness has retired former demagogues and semi-gods in the political space of Ogun.

Abiodun’s revolutionary philosophy in politics and governance will remain a reference point in the political history of the State, as his style of leadership worthy of emulation even for his contemporaries and coming generations of politicians across Nigeria.

In the precise manner Malcolm-X puts it,” A good leader is the one who possesses self-awareness, garner credibility, focus on relationship -building, have a bias for action, exhibit humility, empower others, stay authentic, present himself as constant and consistent, and become a role model”. Obviously, Governor Dapo Abiodun, in truth and indeed has proven it beyond any reasonable doubt to all and sundry that he is a good leader.

Certainly, it’s not a coincidence that his triumphant inauguration for the continuity of his developmental drive in Ogun State in the next four years came today, the very day he turns 63. It is indeed a function of providence and intrinsically symbolic.

Your Excellency, as you add another year to your existence today, I wish you more glorious and eventful years ahead in sound health.

Happy Birthday, Sir.

By: Olaniyi Ajibola