I WAS A WITTNESS!!

 

Wow, what a day it was! I accompanied Hon Rotimi Makinde to Ile Ife, where we met with the council of elders. The venue was at the residence of Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin, a prince of Ile Ife, one-time local government chairman, and former deputy governor of the state under the regime of Chief Bisi Akande. He was the chairman of the elder council of Ife Federal Constituency. Hon Rotimi Makinde is seeking a ticket to contest for House of Representatives.

I must say, I was blown away by what I witnessed. The man is truly loved back home! Every single member of the elders' council spoke highly of him, sharing stories of his good deeds and exceptional character. It was like a parade of testimonials! One after the other, they recounted instances of his kindness, generosity, and leadership. It was clear that Makinde has made a lasting impact on the community.

One of them said, and I quote, "I just hope our opinion would count this time around, you are simply one of the best to have come from this constituency, you are vocal, sound and articulate in all you do, your sacrifice in the party is incomparable, you are a giver and ever truthful. Above all, you are one of us here, truly the devil we know, and in whom we can trust, not only for your consistency in the party but your commitment remain superb."

Makinde couldn't have been more truthful when he said before these eminent personalities, "I plead with you to look into my experience and consistency in the party. I have been a member from AD, AC, ACN, and now APC, I have an umblemish record of close to 30 years. I have represented you people for a term. Mi o fi Ana ba oni mi je..(I have not allowed my yesterday's to spoil my today) , I can tell positive things I have done in the constituency to at least 100 people in each ward. I have provided not fewer than 100 cars to people in this community ,several scholarships were awarded, and jobs to many." He concluded that he has about 6 projects under completion before he left office. One of it is at Aluti Erin in Ife South local government . He almost wept when he went on his knees, begging to be allowed to return to the National Assembly , so that all these jobs wouldn't go down the drain.

Rasheedat Adetutu.

"I beg you, my fathers, to join me in persuading all my competitors to give their consent for me to serve. I am that devil you know. Support me so that I wouldn't be mocked and to encourage the generation to come that consistency, endurance, sacrifices, and loyalty pay." The elders' words were full of praise, with not a single negative comment. It was surreal, really.

As we left the meeting, I couldn't help but wonder: will the elders' opinions translate to reality? Will their recommendations be taken seriously by those in higher authority? The suspense is killing me! The constituency is holding its breath, waiting to see if Makinde's good reputation and long-standing relationship in the party will lead to tangible results. Only time will tell.

Rasheedat Adetutu.