"Eniti o ba mo inu ro, o maa m'ope du", (He who embraces deep thought, would be Grateful)
Exactly one year ago, I contested the Osun State House of Assembly elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to represent Odo Otin State Constituency.
Indeed, the journey before, during and after the poll was worthwhile and it reminded me of one of the lessons I hold dear to my heart "Life is like a game, sometimes, you win, sometimes you learn". There is nothing like loss in my dictionary and no gain saying the fact that this is the beauty of life.
*PRE-ELECTION STRUGGLES*
I cast my mind back to the pre-election struggles and the events that unfolded during this journey and I can't but be grateful to God, our party, the APC, party Chieftains, and other party members who contested for the primary elections.
I believe strongly that we all participated in the primary elections because we were passionate about our constituency, and we wanted its progress. Like I advised after the primary elections back then, the struggle was not personal. Rather, it was in the interest of our constituents, and like I said, then, "No victor, no vanquish."
The pre-election struggle was worthwhile and I cannot but appreciate everyone who were part of the Door-to-Door and field campaigns for their time, efforts, contributions and believe in my political ideologies, because these culminated to how I got the ticket to contest the election.
Like I said earlier, life is like a game. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn.
*ELECTION STRUGGLES*
March 18th 2023 was another phase in my struggle to ensure that my people enjoy the dividends of Democracy with my name on the ballot as a contestant, who aspired to represent Odo Otin in the State House of Assembly.
I had people who rallied round me and contributed their quota towards ensuring that I emerge victorious not because I gave them money or promised them anything Special, but, because they believed so much in my visions and track records as a grassroot politician, former lawmaker in the State Assembly and a former cabinet member.
Despite all odds, electorates trooped out enmass to vote for me, a gesture I would never take for granted, because it showed the high level of trust in my capacity to lead and represent them.
Also, I can not but laud other members of the party who stood by me during the struggle, but, like I said earlier, life is like a game, sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.
*POST ELECTION STRUGGLES*
After all said and done, the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC announced the results of the election and I can't but appreciate the fact that many supporters and loyalists who were looking forward to seeing me emerge victorious felt bad about how the election played out.
While some even complained about the shortcomings they observed in their various polling units, but, like I said earlier, life is like a game, sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.
*MY SINCERE GRATITUDE*
I do tell people around me that Gratitude is a way of life and I have chosen to always embrace it because "Eniti o ba mo inu ro, o maa m'ope du", (He who embraces deep thought, would be Grateful).
To this end, I appreciate God for counting me worthy among the living and for granting me good health, which made it possible for me to contest the election.
Also, I appreciate my family, both the immediate and extended members, particularly for believing in my leadership skills and abilities.
Moreso, I will always appreciate my Benefactor, Principal, and Leader, who is a former Osun State Governor and now the Minister of Blue Economy, Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola and his wife and his family.
Sir. His Excellency, Alhaji Oyetola (Ilerioluwa), you demonstrated qualities that will forever make me be grateful to God that our paths crossed since 2011.
I can attest to the fact that you believe in my capabilities, and this has been proven in how you contributed immensely to my appointment as a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) in 2012 and how you supported my aspiration to become member of the Osun State House of Assembly (OSHA) in 2019 before it was hijacked and how you later compensated me with Cabinet Member as a Special Adviser (SA) in 2019.
Thank you to all cabinet members of His Excellency, former Governor Oyetola, former Osun State Party Chairman, HRM Oba Adegboyega Famodun, and his working committee members. I can not forget the role of the incumbent State Party Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, Local Government Party Chairmen in Odo Otin, and all their Excos.
My Special Gratitude also goes to all party Chieftains, stakeholders and all members of Odo Otin in all wards 1 to 17, other honourable member colleagues in the race from the APC in all local governments, Kabiyesis, All Artisans, Motor and Okada Riders, Iyalojas, Babalojas, Clergies and Imams, Muslims faithfuls, Christian brothers, sisters, friends and well wishers.
Meanwhile, my philosophy of life remains, "Service to humanity is the best work of life." I will ever be ready in any capacity to support my party and especially Odo Otin Constituents that would make them enjoy the dividends of Democracy.
E-Signed:
*Hon. Prince Engr. Adeniran Kilomodemo Ibitoye (KLM)*
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