Why I call Osoba gentleman in my book – Awujale
Ibraheem Gafar
Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, HRM Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has disclosed why he referred to the former civilian governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osaoba as a gentleman in his book.
According to the monarch, despite the fact that he opposed Osoba’s governorship ambition in 1999, he did not use his government to humiliate him after he won.
Oba Adetona, revealed this at the weekend, while recounting his encounter with Osoba shortly before he became governor of the state, during the grand luncheon party held to mark his 80th birthday at Dipo Dina International stadium, Ijebu-Ode.
Kabiyesi explained that Osoba was the only personality he referred to as a gentleman in his recently launched book.
He recounted: “when Osoba was contesting an election, we have had governor from Egba, we have had from Ijebu, so, I said this time, let Yewa (Ogun West) produce a candidate and he came up. I was against him and summoned a meeting with my people, I said this time you must go and pick a candidate from Yewa, but, many of them, I don’t know whether he gave them money or what happened, they betrayed me and supported him.
“So, he emerged as governor of Ogun State. Then, I think the usual thing is to see how he will humiliate me, which I was ready to face, but, rather than do that, he cultivated me and that is the foundation of our friendship till today”.
Awujale also at the occasion cautioned President Goodluck Jonathan and governors in the country against gagging critics of their governments.
Ogbagba II, advised that rather than attacking their critics with governments machineries, the substance of their criticism should be examined for the betterment of the country.
Oba Adetona who was commenting on the reactions of the governments to criticism made against them, appealed to them to allow free expression of opinions.
“Many times these days, your excellencies, I see people making statements when they point out the ills of the nation, the next thing they will say is that, it is treason, he must be prosecuted, the Police must interrogate him, that is not how to run a country.
“People should be free to express their opinion the way they see and the best reaction is to see what substance in the statement, what correction, what adjustment can be done in the interest of the nation.
“This is the appeal I have for all governments, I am not limiting it to the Federal Government, I include the state governments, I include local governments, I include Obas, we should be tolerant. Try to see the substance of any criticism, that is the only way we can advance in this country”, Kabiyesi said.