Fatai Akinbade: A man of the people
Written by Ajagbe Yaya Tuesday, 04 May 2010
One way to show appreciation to the progenitors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State is by backing and supporting those who could aptly be described as patriarchs of the party in the state. One of them, and the subject of this discourse is Alhaji Abdulfatai Akinade Akinbade who clocked 55 in April, has declared his ambition to occupy the No 1 position at Abere, Osogbo, come May 29, 2011.
Unless we put a round peg in a round hole, the good work currently embarked upon by Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the sitting governor of Osun State may not enjoy continuity. This informs the need to support and back Alhaji Akinbade to actualise his dream. It is only Fatai’s charisma, humility and wide acceptability in Osun State and beyond that can sustain, sweep PDP to power and further enhance the distribution of democracy’s dividends to the grassroots in the state.
Right from the age of “who knows your father here?,” Alhaji Akinbade has been known and fully involved in the propagation, nurturing and marketing of the PDP in the state; weathering all storms, so it becomes very appropriate to give him a chance to prove his mettle. It is on record that Alhaji Akinbade had served as a ladder to progress to almost all political stalwarts and functionaries in the 18-year old state, having supported them at all fronts, in all the nooks and crannies - at local, state and national levels.
One good turn they say deserves another. With respect being reciprocal, those who know the persecution suffered by Fatai are of the opinion that the Bada of Okuku, Omolojuoba of the Source (Ile-Ife) and Oluomo of Iwoland, be fully backed by all the party leaders and those that matter in the three senatorial districts of Osun State to realise his dream.
Born in Ogbaagbaa, a town in Ola-Oluwa Local Government Area of the state, some 55 years ago, Fatai grew up and had to contend with realities of life, being of a relatively poor background. He was so determined to do well that he did all sorts of menial jobs in Lagos before rising to stardom by dint of hardwork and God’s mercy and blessings. The Owu prince is a good example of a typical Nigerian, who believes in the emancipation of his people and, who has been doing that since 1994, when he was made a commissioner in the state. He fought tooth and nail to establish the PDP in the state, and since coming into limelight in the political field/arena, Fatai a.k.a Chief Soludero has been sagacious in handling matters of the state.
A Civil Engineer by profession, Akinbade is highly humble, friendly, lovely and generous to a fault. He takes joy in assisting people to grow and move up, apart from bringing out people from pits. He has at various times personally visited the sites of on-going projects in the state to ensure speedy delivery of quality jobs. This has taken the Owu prince to every part of the state since 2003, when he became the Chief Clerk and Curator to the people of the state under the indefatigable leadership of Prince Oyinlola.
The immediate past Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Osun State, has declared publicly his intention to join the governorship race in the state for 2011. Twice had he shelved his intention in the past to contest the governorship race in Osun State, after persuasion to allow for the supremacy of the party. This time around, it is evidently clear that Akinbade’s declaration had the blessings, first of God, the party, the royal fathers and that of the good people of the state at home and in diaspora.
It is unsurpassable that over the years, Alhaji Akinbade had built a reputation and consequently, unrivalled record of service, selflessness, peace and harmony within and outside the party. Being a problem-solver, Fatai’s imposing attitude of “love your neighbour as thyself” has and is still making very many Osun people to move en masse to the PDP from other parties, a major reason everybody who knows Fatai will want the ticket handed over to him.
Having served as a backer at various times, it becomes reasonable that Alhaji Akinbade, a man of the people, be backed by all and sundry, as he promises to further unite the state on all fronts, ensure a very rapid socio-economic development, serve selflessly, putting the royal fathers in their majestic position and ensuring total uplifting of the land-locked state.
Yaya wrote from Ibadan, Oyo State.
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