By AYO AROWOJOLU
Ogun, the Gateway State, today stands at a defining crossroads. And, as the 2027 political horizon gradually comes into view, the reality is unfolding right before our eyes, proving book makers wrong and dismantling long entrenched interests and hitherto highly formidable structures.
For those buoyed with spiritual discernment, in the race to who becomes the occupant of Oke-Mosan, the seat of power in Ogun State, a political figure who recently threw her hat into the ring as a late entrant in the coming governorship contest cannot be ignored for a number of reasons.
Twice in the Bible, Jesus made profound assertions in respect of what will later unfold at the end of the Christian journey. Hear Him: “But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first”(Matthew 19:30). As an emphasis, Jesus also stated thus in Mathew 20:16 – “So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen”.
To be sure, everything is pointing towards the direction of Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello to inherit the labour of those who have long invested huge cash, time and efforts to launch themselves into the peoples’ psyche. This is altogether not unexpected if God the Almighty is the sole decider of who wins a race. Indeed, the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the very strong.
Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, a Professor of Epidemiology and veterinary medical practitioner, is not a green horn in politics. She’s not merely a familiar surname in Nigeria’s political landscape but a tested public servant who understands the nuances and intricacies of governance beyond rhetorics. She is as well well-grounded in the art of grassroots mobilization.
The proud eldest daughter of Baba Iyabo, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has been in political limelight since the era of Otunba Gbenga Daniel who ruled the state from 2003 to 2011. She was Commissioner for Health and later upped her game to launch deeper into the waters of politics and ran a very colourful campaign mantra which she styled: ‘Ìyániwura, Ọmọ ni jigi’ with which she transformed to a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Ogun Central District.
For a fact, although she had been off-season by virtue of her professional sojourn in the United States, facing her medical calling, Prof Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello is well known as a credible politician with significant strengths, consistently demonstrating a rare fusion of intellect, empathy and executive capabilities.
Although she is pushing the gender narrative as Nigerians eagerly await the emergence, via an election, of the first female Governor, which looks doable in Ogun State in the now, the ambition to govern the State is not about symbolism but about stewardship, translating vision into policies and policies into programmes which are to be formulated into measurable impact.
Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello has been upbeat in her response to concerns about her late entry into the race as she views it more in the context of divine timing.
Indeed, she’s dead right as that famous French Writer Victor Hugo puts it: “Nothing is stronger than an idea whose time has come”. Dan Millman also says: “Timing is everything. If it’s meant to be, it will happen- at the right time, for the right reasons”.
Like the Biblical David of old, Prof Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello is on a divine mission to transform Ogun State in all ramifications. The moment young boy and little-rated David stepped out in the race against Goliath, even his own brothers thought it was a ‘dey play’ thing. But convinced it was a divine mission, he remained resolute with a declaration as captured in 1 Samuel 17: 29- “Is there not a cause?”
For Iyabo, the task ahead is indeed herculean but not unsurmountable, confident in the inspiring words of an author unknown: “When the time is right, the door will open without force.”
Contesting under the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress, Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello must trudge on with her eyes fixed on the goal. Her capacity to negotiate internal party alliances and secure key endorsements, which she is currently doing, are surely the way to go.
*Arowojolu, a public affairs commentator, wrote in from Abeokuta.
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