"It all started in 2006 when an ally picked me immediately after my Dad's death from Ibadan to an Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD) rally somewhere around Remo axis. I was impressed of the Governor's industrialization drive and I spoke glowingly of it at the rally. I spoke and went off the stage but OGD called me back and offered an handshake. That was all and a bond of respect was struck between us.
I from then on only did text messages to him and every time he promptly responds whether a criticism or a call to action. He was like a man glued to his phone. Always attending to the masses.
Then came 2010 and I saw the news flash of 11 members of the House of Assembly out of 26 members in Ogun State removing the Speaker. People were heaping blames on OGD. The then Governor too was defending himself as knowing nothing of the plot. It was just like when Madam Titi Oseni was removed as the Speaker and Gentleman Egbetokun took over. On both occasions OGD seemed to be caught unawares !
Then an opportunity arose for me to defend the 11 Legislators as to the legality of their action on Channels TV Sunrise Daily Program. It was a volatile program. One of the anchors referred to me as "a joker" when I pointed out to him that two thirds of one third of the members of the House of Assembly can remove a Speaker. It may be a lacuna to some but it is deep reasoning in jurisprudence. The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission through Channels TV made the anchor (I won't mention the name) write a letter of apology to me.
In a jiffy I got a short text message from OGD to see him in Shagamu. I went.
I was surprised to find the Speaker Coker and so many members of G-11 present. If my memory still serves me right, I can still recollect that Chief Kojeku and Aare Tolu Bankole ( now a National Officer in APC National Executive Council) were among the members present. They were surprised that I could awaken to life what seemed a dead issue. They all demanded that I be given a position in government.
OGD is a man that can discover and sniff out talent more than a thousand kilometers away. He immediately offered me an appointment with a clear mandate. I was to see that I give proper legal advice to the G-11 as a group in steering the ship of State and by GOD'S Grace even with the House of Assembly chambers shut, the G-11 functioned optimally till the end of their tenure. They were able to pass the 2011 Budget of Ogun State peacefully. Even in a situation of volatility we were able to conduct State affairs without the loss of life or limbs.
OGD was generous ! I definitely must take home some stipend whenever he calls upon me. I never went back home empty handed. On the day I was appointed with immediacy into his government, and I was virtually broke to my pants on that day but I left with a huge smile on my face !
OGD was a master strategist ! Unfortunately I wasn't in the kitchen cabinet. I was a new comer but I still had a way of getting my suggestions through.
I can't forget the way we handled the filing of the names and particulars of PPN candidates at INEC for the 2011 elections ! It was an OGD masterstroke with the permission to act independently with the National Chairman of the party then, Late Mr Abiodun. It was a beautiful and nerve wracking tactics that we were able to beat the Late Justice Kafarati judgement delivered on the same day when filing at INEC was closed ! Omo ! It was an opposition from Late Senator Buruji Kashamu, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Baba OBJ, and the almighty political machinery of our today's amiable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu !
I was permanently stationed in Abuja for 3 weeks but it was like 3 years ! Buruji was very much aware of my presence (I later worked with him at the beginning of Governor Amosun's government) and the greatest battle was on that bright morning when GNI rang informing me that he learned that Buruji was presently at INEC trying to get his way through by throwing his name off the register of PPN. Wow ! I tear race dey go INEC ! I worked my way through and everything came back to normal.
OGD strongly believes in the rule of law ! He was always asking that things be permuted and done according to the dictates of the law.
OGD felt so bad when the Kafarati ruling transmuted into what it became and I visited him at Shagamu with the the Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Barr Kayode Oladele (presently a Commissioner at Federal Character Commission) in attendance the amiable OGD in a sad tone said he never thought the judiciary has become so corrupt to the extent it had become. I immediately replied that if he believes the judiciary has become so corrupt, then the blame should squarely lie at the doorstep of politicians who go about procuring judgements. People were flabbergasted ! An aide stepped on my toe beneath the table warning me to be very careful. But, OGD didn't reply me. I advised that we should appeal but I noticed that for the first time, his spirit was down. I believe he may have had enough of the treachery all around him. His soul was then weak and whose soul will not be ? But yet ! He was bolder than a lion as he studiously carried his cross then.
OGD is a political juggernaut ! He rose from the dust of political defeat and ruin to get himself positioned back in power as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ! Not many dare survive the opposition he faced ! One needs to emulate from his candour and bravery. He knew when to politically sit back and watch and he understands when to pounce at political opportunities like a daring lion.
OGD is Spiritually vibrant ! He like his late father his a Prophet ! I know because I know ! I know because I understand that realm of things when things get formed before the physical.
Senator OGD Sir !!!, I Femi Oniyide Esq, today celebrate you as you attain the envious age of 70 years that the Holy Bible sees as a prime time age !
May JEHOVAH in His Infinite Mercy continue to be your forte and shield as you pass through the murky waters of politics.
Sir, I may have seen your face close to 14 years, yet clearly in my mind do I see you in my spirit. You gave me hope and opportunity when I think there was none. Though it was short for about 8 months, yet my gain from it is for a life time !
I pray for GOD'S Grace and Infinite Mercy that I be around in good and sound health by the time you will be triumphantly celebrating 90 years !
Thanks so much Sir and many happy returns !!!
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