•Her Tribute Titles A Toast To An Officer & A Gentleman @ 70
This significant milestone presents an opportunity for an outpouring of tributes and encomiums on Prince Olagunsoye Asola Oyinlola, a man of grace and grit. That God has spared his life to attain the age of seventy is more than any tribute and it’s a loud testament that he is God’s own project. His exemplary life that is full of humanism is not beyond God’s benevolence.
For a man, orphaned at the age of nine (9) but who weathered the many storms of life to get to the very Zenith of his military career and almost a three term governor clearly exemplifies the Grace, Guidance and Support of God. That Olagunsoye Oyinlola saw the thick smoke of mortars and gun s in a good number of international war engagements and also masterfully navigated the ever-restless waters 0 f politics with its wild winds make him a lesson in leadership. His service records in and outside the regimented barrack life speak volumes of his humanist character.
Our paths crossed on the lane of politics. It was a privilege to share a joint ticket with him in the gubernatorial race of 2003. From the primaries to the real election I saw in close range a man of courage, dexterity and passion for service. I saw a man imbued with a legendary native intelligence, I saw a man who values his princely heritage and will stop at nothing to make his lineage proud, I saw a master strategist who knows how to effectively manage men and resources and I saw a man whose faith in God is not defined by the hypocrisy of many but by silent service to the Almighty.
The charm he brought into the art of politicking endeared him to the people and together we ran a people-oriented government. Under his captainship, we ran a government that championed the cause of ordinary citizens of Osun State in all ramifications. We treated wages and pensions as debt for services rendered by the civil servants and retirees and not a favour. Oyinlola led government paid due attention to every stratum of the state, accorded traditional institutions their due respect and promoted religious harmony without fear or favour. We built consensus across divides and gave everybody a sense of belonging in the project called Osun.
We had a confluence of interest in building enduring social infrastructure. Schools, roads, health facilities and other amenities were prudently provided across senatorial districts. Thanks to Oyinlola’s leadership. Today, ten years after leaving office, the slogan Oyin ni o, Iyo ni joor Is still reverberating across the length and breadth of Osun State, In spite of how some Interests have sought to demystify him and his contributions to the development of Osun State.
Today the people now know the difference between black and white, between honesty and deceit and between propaganda and reality. I consider It a rare privilege to speak of this officer and a gentleman whom God has preserved to celebrate his entrance Into the club of septuagenarians. I restate that It was a rewarding experience to have worked with him as Deputy Governor during which our administration positively touched the lives of our people.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Her Excellency, Erelu (Dr) Olusola Obada, CON
Former Minister of Defense for State
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