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Raufu Olaniyan: A True Omoluabi @60

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“A Great Man Is Always Willing to be Little” Ralph Emerson Waldo.

The concept of Omoluabi, according to Wikipedia, is a philosophical and cultural concept that is native to the Yoruba people. It is used to describe a person of good character. The omoluabi concept signifies courage, hard work, humility and respect. An Omoluabi is a person of honor who believes in hard work, respects the rights of others, and gives to the community in deeds and in action. Above all, an Omoluabi is a person of integrity.

Engr Raufu Olaniyan, the Deputy Governor of Oyo state, epitomizes the core of the Omoluabi concept and more. It will be difficult for me to enumerate the many traits of Omoluabi in Olaniyan, who from humble beginnings, like a little mustard seed, has become a mighty tree.

Born on February 25th, 1960, in Igboho, Oorelope local government area of Oyo state, Olaniyan, despite the challenges thrust on him by his humble start, against all odds, moved up the ladder. Today, his existence and relationship with people reflect deep understanding of life’s philosophical lessons regarding how God can raise a man from the dunghills and set him among Princes.

How do we begin to X-Ray the life of the man who is a mentor to many of us? A benefactor, a father and a friend.

A philanthropist of note, Olaniyan gives not because he has surplus, but because he knows how it feels to lack. He is a generous man to a fault. If you say you are hungry, he understands. If your rent is due and you can not meet the next payment, Olaniyan understands. School fees, cars, buildings, health needs, Olaniyan understands. In all of these, he has touched many lives and is still doing so. He is always cheerful while being a blessing to many. He often would say “giving is a form of worship to Allah.”

Olaniyan retired as a Permanent Secretary from the Oyo state public service after 26 meritorious years of resourcefulness and dedication to work. While in office, he exhibited a high degree of honesty and integrity. These characteristics would go on to see him hold several more sensitive positions, making him work closely with about 11 governors who have held sway in the state. He is a hard-working man who has little tolerance for lazy people.

Few gave him a chance when he decided to join politics. However, the Omoluabi attribute of courage would not let him back down. Despite the challenges, betrayals and disappointments that he encountered, he stood his ground. His commitment and resolve to serve could not be shaken. It is said that you can’t keep a good man down, so too no one can keep a true Omoluabi down. Raufu Aderemi Olaniyan is a true Omoluabi.

Challenges are the tonic that energise Olaniyan to excel. If you must be his friend, never mention before him that a project can not be done or a dream can not be achieved.

Though a practising Muslim, his generosity is not religious-sensitive. Olaniyan is kind and generous to all. He would attend to a Christian as he would attend to a Muslim. Churches and mosques across the state are beneficiaries of his large heartedness.

“Ka so oro ka ba be, ni iyi Omoluabi” ( An Omoluabi keeps his words). An Omoluabi will keep a promise, come what may. He never lets his friends down, he never forgets a promise. He is man who is always loyal to those who are his followers no matter how lowly placed.

Often times, I am truly humbled for his love for the down trodden and how he is quick to call them “my friends”.

Though Raufu Olaniyan, by every standard, is a success story, he is yet very humble.

Truly, Ralph Emerson Waldo was right when he said “a great man is always willing to appear little, though great”. Olaniyan is always ever willing to dine with the plebs.

As he marks his 60th birthday today, I pray that he will live as long as he wants and never want as long as he lives.

Happy Birthday my Boss, Benefactor and Mentor.

 

Omolere Omoetan
Senior Special Assistant Media
To Deputy Governor
Oyo State.

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Politics

APC Secretariat Violence: Oyo Lawmaker Denies Assault, Alleges Smear Campaign

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The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of violence at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat, describing claims that he assaulted a party member as false and politically motivated.

An online platform, IMPARTNEWSNETWORK, had alleged that Akinmoyede assaulted one Gafar Oyebade during a meeting convened by the state chairman of the party, Alake Adeyemo, to resolve issues surrounding the executive list of the APC in Lagelu Local Government Area.

However, Akinmoyede, in a statement on Tuesday, said the meeting was peaceful and attended by key members of the state executive, including the chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary, who witnessed the proceedings.

He clarified that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the state leadership recognised him as the Public Relations Officer.

According to the lawmaker, following the clarification, the state executive directed the Lagelu Local Government chairman, Fatai Awoyoola, to proceed with the swearing-in of other party officials.

Akinmoyede also faulted attempts to link the incident with the 2019 killing of a former federal lawmaker, noting that a court of competent jurisdiction had already ruled on the matter.

He said, “In Suit No. I/70c/2019, delivered by Justice Mufutau Adegbola on January 23, 2020, all those accused were discharged and acquitted.”

The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, alleging that Oyebade, a public school teacher under the Oyo State Government, should not be involved in partisan politics.

He described the allegation as a “recycled script” aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of political activities, urging constituents to remain calm.

Akinmoyede also called on journalists to verify information before publication and urged security agencies to take action against individuals who file false reports.

“These tactics surface every election cycle. Those behind them should learn to accept the outcomes of political processes. They failed before and will fail again. Power comes from God,” he added.

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Oyo Reps Member Denies Assault, Dares APC Chieftain to Prove ‘Hospitalisation’ Claim

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‎The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of assault levelled against him by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government Area, Mr. Gafar Oyebade.

Akinmoyede described the allegation as “false” and “a lie taken too far,” insisting that no physical altercation occurred.

The denial was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Legislative Aide, Dr. Isiaq Akintunde.

Oyebade had alleged that he was hospitalised following a confrontation during a meeting held at the office of the state party chairman in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, convened to resolve a leadership dispute in the local government.

‎But the federal lawmaker maintained that the meeting was peaceful and attended by top party officials.

‎“The meeting was convened to clarify Mr. Oyebade’s position within the local executive, and it was attended by the State Party Chairman, his deputy, the secretary, the publicity secretary, and other key state executives, all of whom witnessed the peaceful proceedings,” the statement read.

‎He added that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the Lagelu Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, identified him as the Public Relations Officer.

‎According to Akinmoyede, the state executive thereafter directed Awoyoola to proceed with the swearing-in of the remaining members of the local government executive.

‎The lawmaker accused Oyebade of fabricating the allegation to advance political interests.

‎“I wonder why Mr. Gafar Oyebade, a secondary school teacher, would claim he was assaulted in the presence of the State Executive. This is an attempt to justify money allegedly collected from an aspirant to tarnish my image,” he said.

‎Akinmoyede further claimed that Oyebade was seen walking freely after the meeting and was not hospitalised as alleged.

‎He also raised concerns over Oyebade’s involvement in partisan politics, noting that civil servants are restricted from active participation in political activities.

The lawmaker called on security agencies and the media to investigate the incident at the party’s Oke-Ado office to ascertain the veracity of the claims.

‎Efforts to reach Oyebade for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

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2027: Oseni kicks off Oyo South Senate bid, rallies support for one million Tinubu votes

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The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Aderemi Oseni, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Oseni made his aspiration known during a high-level meeting with the Ibarapa APC Elders’ and Leaders’ Forum, comprising the G9 and the expanded G64 caucus, held at the party secretariat in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, over the weekend.

The G9 and G64 groups consist of influential stakeholders drawn from Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, and Ibarapa North local government areas.

In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to the forum for their support and confidence in his leadership and vision.

He said his ambition to represent Oyo South Senatorial District was anchored on a determination to consolidate and expand his record of performance.

Oseni said, “This aspiration is not built on mere rhetoric, but on the continuity and expansion of a proven track record of quality representation and grassroots-oriented governance.”

While soliciting the support of party leaders, he described his ambition as a divine call to serve the people with renewed dedication.

According to him, “This is not a time for self-glory but a sacred responsibility to intensify efforts towards real development, bring more relief to our people and ensure inclusive governance.”

He pledged not to betray the trust reposed in him by party elders and faithful, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in progressive ideals and a genuine commitment to the development of the district.

Oseni also urged leaders in the zone to mobilise support towards delivering one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.

Speaking at the meeting, a leader from Ibarapa East, Chief Michael Morawo, lauded the lawmaker for delivering democratic dividends and strengthening the party structure. He added that Oseni has demonstrated commendable leadership through his performance, noting that his impact in stabilising the party within the constituency is evident.

Similarly, a former council chairman in Ibarapa Central, Chief Theophilus Adenrele, commended the lawmaker for not betraying the trust reposed in him. Also, a chieftain from Ibarapa North, Chief Francis Babalola, described Oseni as a humble leader committed to progressive ideals, dismissing speculations about his possible defection if he does not secure the governorship ticket.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum, Chief Timothy Jolaoso, said the lawmaker enjoys widespread grassroots acceptance that cuts across political divides.

Jolaoso said, “All indicators consistently point to Oseni as a candidate with acceptance that transcends party lines. He is not only capable but a man of deep faith with proven empathy for the downtrodden.”

He added, “He possesses the goodwill, financial strength, and public trust required for leadership.”

The elder statesman further noted that Oseni’s performance in the House of Representatives, alongside his role as Chairman of the FERMA Committee, underscores his competence and commitment to development.

 

 

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