DR. ONA SOLEYE; OJASOPE MOURNS A FATHER, FRIEND AND MENTOR

Dr. Olusegun Onaolapo Soleye clocked 90th birthday on November 11, 2023. However, unlike previous birthdays, I was unable to reach him by phone or receive a response to my messages. Initially, I thought nothing of it as he sometimes took up to 24 hours to reply. Unfortunately, my greatest mentor and father figure who affectionately referred to me as his friend was preparing for his final departure from this mortal sphere.

Dr. Soleye served as the Minister for Finance under the Buhari Military regime and was the closest friend of Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo - Nigeria's two-time Head of Government. He was not only a loving husband and great father but also an influential community leader. He was known for having daily devotionals on Radio in Abeokuta and always made decisions based on his faith and moral persuasions.

Our relationship had evolved into one where we would engage in "Question and Answer"sessions similar to how Dr Soleye confided that he only discussed Nigeria issues with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo when they were alone together. During our meetings outside public functions, I prepared lists of questions and topics that we could discuss further at length; Dr Soleye always displayed immense patience while providing practical examples through vivid scenarios like a seasoned tutor that he was.

Dr Soleye's intellectual prowess extended beyond being a scholar; he facilitated seminars/conferences with ease while also serving dutifully as a public servant who loved books dearly. One memory that stood out was when he invited me over to his "Ile Ogbon"library opposite Owu Baptist Day School, Oke Sokoei in Abeokuta where we explored memories behind some of the books within its walls - His primary motivation being re-igniting reading culture amongst younger generations whilst giving back to society simultaneously.

My fondest memories were during outings with him; Dr Soleye introduced me as his friend while reminding me not be intimidated by security details before proceeding ahead confidently which resulted in unforgettable moments such as meeting personalities whom I had previously seen only on television at receptions held honoring Chief Olusegun Obasanjo after successfully completing two terms as Executive President of Nigeria held opposite his Ile Ogbon library  – We laughed about this experience during our next meeting.

Whenever around him, I couldn't help but picture how contented life could be if lived simply yet family-focused whilst serving God and impacting future generations positively just like Dr Soleye did effortlessly throughout his lifetime. He never accepted any chieftaincy titles despite belonging amongst few cultural groups due largely because of passion towards Yoruba land & culture, fearing the language extinction unless care is taken urgently.

I will miss him dearly especially whenever national issues arise since he provided insights & explanations patiently whenever contacted via phone calls or text messages. He was acting as my go-between, for me  and former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo ensuring my name remained visible within manifests for visitations. 

May God grant mummy (his wife) fortitude needed alongside children/friends too affected by this loss whilst extending condolences also towards former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo knowing well how much Jonathan’s demise meant to King David in the bible too. 

In conclusion, “Dr Ona Soleye” leaves behind an indelible legacy worthy of emulation and according to his son (my friend/political associate, Hon Tayo Soleye); "he was truly a good man in every sense of it".

QUOTE: “A mentor empowers a person to see a possible future, and believe it can be obtained.” -– Shawn Hitchcock

Rotimi Johnson Ojasope

PGDPA, ANIPR, FPD-CR 

Oyo State: Unleashing Potentials; GSM Raises the Bar. || Rotimi Johnson Ojasope

In public leadership, balancing expectations with realities is often a challenge due to the great divergence between objective knowledge and producing results with people. In Nigeria, obtaining desired results can be difficult if the principal lacks wisdom and patience.

The second term of most governors in Nigeria is known for crises, noisemaking, and wobbling performance. However, Governor Seyi Makinde (GSM) has been exceptional in this regard. He has consistently developed infrastructure and improved direct relationships with politicians, civil servants, and other sectors of the general public.

Despite being grossly accused of a populist approach in his first term as governor, GSM has proven beyond reasonable doubt that populism brings electoral dividends. His recent salary awards promised to state workers and pensioners on November 6th - backdated to October - demonstrate his usual benevolence towards Oyo State workers and pensioners. This payment represents an unprecedented level of support for these groups, more than in over two decades.

This week also saw NANS (National Association of Nigerian Students) appoint Governor Seyi Makinde as their Grand Patron for the zone - an unusual move considering previous tensions between student bodies and governors in Oyo State. In this same Oyo State, we had Students calling the "Governor Ram" and another time, they molested and called the Governor "Constituted Authority". The appointment reflects Makinde's commitment to uplifting education standards and very cordial relationship with the Student bodies. 

Governor Makinde's interconnectivity initiatives across different zones within Oyo State through good road networks are commendable given past underdevelopment by previous governors who were celebrated despite abysmal infrastructure development records during their tenures. 

These strides by Governor Seyi Makinde have implications far beyond the next election cycle; they will benefit generations to come regardless of political affiliations or religious inclinations.

Finally, it is worth noting that Governor Makinde's exceptional wisdom extends even into balancing religious dichotomies within Oyo State. His administration makes all religions at ease without favoring any particular sector which demonstrates great leadership qualities according to Proverbs 16:7 from King Solomon "When a man's ways please the LORD he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him".

Regardless of party affiliation or personal reservations about Governor Seyi Makinde's political agenda or style; one cannot reasonably dispute his extraordinary performance as governor thus far. I wrote during the COVID-19 pandemic and the attendant leadership challenges that "this is the defining moment for leadership at all spheres". Indeed, it was a defining moment, and Governor Seyi Makinde did so well then and still doing well. 

Leadership Quote: "Leadership cannot just go along to get along. Leadership must meet the moral challenge of the day." — Dr. Jesse Jackson.

Rotimi Johnson Ojasope 

PGDPA, ANIPR, FCD-CR