Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has eulogised the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, as a major force in Nigerian politics, noting that the former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a major part of his (Makinde’s) political journey.
Makinde stated this on Friday, at the 80th birthday celebration of Chief George, held in Lagos.
He recalled how Chief George stood by him and ensured he was able to use a military facility for the declaration of his governorship ambition in 2014, despite vested interests at the federal level trying all means to frustrate him and thwart the event.
Governor Makinde, who praised Chief George for his contributions to the development of Nigeria, said he is not a pushover, adding that the octogenarian went through a lot but has continued to triumph and stand tall.
He said: “A lot of people know that Baba was in the military, and if you go through that crucible, up to becoming a General in the military, you can never be a pushover. That, we all know.
“Sometimes in 2014, I nursed the ambition of becoming the governor of Oyo State and I declared that I wanted to use the PDP platform. We planned for a public declaration, and we chose the Polo Ground in Ibadan.
“However, some of the people within the party, who thought Seyi must really be joking, tried to frustrate our plan.
“We had gone out to give invites and we had made all the arrangements. But the people who were against me mounted pressure to make sure that the military withdrew the approval they’d given to us to use the Polo Ground and they did.
“They said nothing like a public declaration would take place at the Eleyele Polo Ground. So, I ran to Baba (George). I said, ‘Baba, this is the PDP fighting against PDP, why won’t they want me to do my public declaration?’ Baba called everybody, and on the eve of that declaration, they restored the approval. We did the public declaration, and that was the beginning of that journey.
“Today, I am standing in front of you as the Governor of Oyo State. So, let me publicly say thank you, Baba, for being part of my political journey.
“From everything that people have said here, there is something I will take home, and I want everybody also to take home. But first, let me, on behalf of the government and the people of Oyo State, wish you a happy 80th birthday, and many happy returns in good health.
“Somebody said here that Baba has gone through quite a lot. If you look at the book, it says from the Cradle to the Seas, to the Podium. Seas are usually very rough, and he has gone through that. So, what I am taking home, which I also want you to take home, is the fact that if you are going through trials, tribulations, rough patches, know that God did not promise that we are going to have a smooth journey; what He promised us, which I can see from Baba’s life, is safe arrival to our destination.
“God will take all of us to our destination safely.
“Baba, congratulations.”
The event had in attendance frontline politicians, leading traditional rulers, and captains of industry, among others.