“THAT BOY LUCKY” – A PHRASE DEFRAYED WITH EASE, COMR OLABODE AKINWALE

By Comrade Olabode Akinwale

In the book of Genesis, which is one of the five books of the Holy Bible written through Holy Spirit inspiration by Prophet Moses, the story of Joseph “The Dreamer” and his brothers was told.

From Genesis chapter number 37 to chapter number 50 and verse 20 where Joseph made the statement “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good”, the story was told of how after being hated by his brothers, left for dead, and sold into slavery, he was able to make it through God’s sovereign goodness and mercy that overrides all.

Joseph could speak with the above perspective because of how God worked after the brothers’ hateful act.

Christians and Muslims alike are adequately well acquainted with Joseph’s story vis a vis his ordeal and landmark achievements in a foreign land as Prime Minister!

Now back home.

The phrase “that boy Lucky” is Betty Akeredolu’s own way of despising and hatefully putting down the Executive Governor of Ondo State who was once a deputy to her husband – late Arakunrin Odunayo Akeredolu (Aketi).

Late Aketi was the immediate past Governor of Ondo State.

Betty Akeredolu, like Joseph’s brothers did everything possible to truncate the dreams of Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa before, during and after the demise of Aketi.

However, when on the 24th of February, 2025 that Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as the 7th Executive Governor of Ondo State that book of Genesis chapter number 50 and verse 20 became apt.

The ease with which Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa navigated the turbulent waters during the ill health days and passing away of the late governor of the state is testament to his maturity, temperament and political sagacity.

Aiyedatiwa never allowed himself to be distracted. He continue to prove doubters and naysayers wrong with every step he takes in the right direction.

He is moving now from the point of completing all uncompleted projects initiated by Aketi to the initiation of brand new projects with his “OUR EASE” Developmental Agenda.

The 7 Point Agenda of the governor is a direct and unambiguous effort at defraying the notion held by some people that “that boy Lucky” can never govern well.

According to the Governor, the developmental agenda code named “OUR EASE” focuses on:

1. Order, Security, and Rule of Law;

2. Urban/Rural Development through Agriculture and Blue Economy;

3. Revolutionary Technology Advancement and Industrialization;

4. Efficient Healthcare and Socio – Economic Welfare;

5. Adequate Power and Affordable Energy;

6. Sustainable Infrastructure Development and Tourism and

7. Education, Human Capital Development, and Entrepreneurship.

To successfully drive these brilliant and well set out initiatives, the Governor in his wisdom has retained the services of Mrs Omowunmi Isaac the Honourable Commissioner for Finance.

The wealth of experience and international network value of the Honourable Commissioner will be assets of immeasurable value to Ondo State.

Ondo State has gotten it right this time around.

In addition, the Governor has also reinvited some notable technocrats that worked with him in the cabinet immediately he took over from Aketi as the substantive governor.

Trust and confidence are the key words. And it is believed that the Governor must have taken his time before constituting the new kitchen cabinet that will join hands with him to deliver on all his campaign promises.

To whom much is given….

Ondo State people have given their mandate to Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The people spoke freely and overwhelmingly with their votes.

Those, who like Joseph’s brothers still do not want to accept what fate has thrown at them should borrow a leaf from that story and stop their childish and dangerous attempt at pulling at the wasp nest.

With the noticeable zeal of the Governor to surpass the performances of past governors in the state, those who still think the “good dreams” of “that boy Lucky” will never come to pass will eventually bite the dust in shame.

The delivery of dividends of democracy is the best way to silence detractors.

And as a stakeholder in Ondo State, I am very confident that with God, the cooperation of the citizens and the dedication to duties by the new cabinet members and those that will still be invited to assist the Governor, Ondo State will surely be a reference point in good governance in Nigeria.

Comrade Olabode Akinwale write in from Akure, Ondo State