The choice of Kishi born legal luminary, Barrister Bayode Lawal as Makinde’s deputy was recieved with mixed feelings by pundits firstly some believe the position should be for a younger person who can jump from pillar to post in complimenting his principal’s effort to ensure everything is stable and on the other hand , the position should be occupied by a competent and experienced administrator who has integrity and contentment irrespective of age.
Barrister Bayo Lawal fits into the second category he is a man with reputable character, integrity and contentment, he has been in the system for a while and he has demonstrated his leading capacity through State Housing Corporation and other positions which he had occupied in the time past especially as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Oyo State.
During the 2019 elections, I was privileged to attend a debate organized by a group of youths in Iseyin and as Senatorial candiate of the ADC, he was realistic in his approach to issues that borders on the development of Oke Ogun and the entire Oyo state, obviously his genuine love for Oyo state is real, to him it wasn’t just about Oke Ogun lokan but using the mandate make meaningful contributions to the advancement and transformation of the region and state into a better place through quality representation.
Though he lost the election but not his passion for his people and the entire Oke Ogun, and oyo state, the time is now for him to use his wealth of experience, loyalty and passion for the development of the state , thank God he has a boss who is concerned about the development of all zones.
An opportunity to interract with the deputy Governor during a visit with Senatorial Candidate in Oyo North avail me a chance to understand why people love and believe in Barrister Lawal. He said ” I am not ready to take all the paraphernalia of the office or move into the Government House until i am settled within me, they brought all the vehicles and others to my house I told them to go and park it at the Government House, i am not ready for that, my target is to get things done and ensure that Makinde’s led administration suceed and re-elected in 2023, God has blessed me with everything, I need money but I am nor desperate, my focus is using my time and experience to influence positive development and serve humanity”.
From his words, one can deduce that he was not even dreaming of becoming the deputy governor, his elevation was a divine arrangement and reward for his diligent and loyal service to the state and immense contributions to Governor Seyi Makinde’s led administration, little wonder he is the first Deputy Governor in the history of Oyo state to be assigned with more responsibilities of overseeing key agencies in addition to his role as a Deputy Governor.
His movement and the calibre of people that visit him at his Oluwo Nla residence at Bashorun and his office in Ibadan reveals his kind of personality and identity as a good man.
No doubt, Governor Makinde has made a good choice of running mate and it is believed that Lawal’s choice is a right choice and it is expected that he would use his wealth of experience, confidence and contentment as a trustworthy deputy to add value to Gov Makinde’s administration.
Gbenga is a writer and political pundit
