By Lanre Alfred
If Governor Dapo Abiodun starts a school on leadership and governance, some governors in Nigeria would definitely be his most ardent students.
Notwithstanding his depth as an incumbent governor, philanthropist and citizen of humanity, Abiodun covets no vanities unlike other politicians and he demands no free verses, heroic couplets or ornamental rhymes to glorify his personage as a man. He is hardly given to such infectious vanities.
The Ogun Governor wears his gubernatorial strength and savvy like a badge of honour, on his chest; shining it with sweat as true virtuous men
do. He stands tall, wading through odds with the courage of a knight and the confidence of a champion.
Effortlessly, Governor Dapo Abiodun personifies the kernel of Vince Lombardi’s famous quote: “Winning is not a sometime thing; it is an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while; you don’t do things right once in a while; you do them right all of the time. Winning is a habit.”
Perhaps, in reinforcement of that time-tested perception of the governor’s personal and political trajectory, the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos earlier today upheld Abiodun’s victory in the March 18, 2023, governorship poll in Ogun State.
In a majority judgement delivered by the duo of Justices J.S. Ikyegh and Muhammed Mustapha, the appellate court dismissed the appeal brought before it by Hon. Ladi Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state for lack of merit and, subsequently, dismissed it, thereby, affirming the September 30, 2023, decision of the Tribunal.
Indeed, the appeal court judgement is consequent upon the ruling of the Ogun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, which upheld Abiodun’s declaration as the winner of the governorship election. Despite the ruling, the dissatisfied Adebutu approached the appellate court, challenging the judgment of the election petition tribunal.
But his Appeal was today dismissed by the appellate court in a majority decision of two to one. One of the conclusions of the court was that it is a petitioner who bears responsibility to prove that an election was marred by corrupt practices, not the Appellant.
The court further held that Adebutu did not prove the allegation of certificate forgery against Governor Abiodun, noting that the Tribunal did not believe the evidence of certain witnesses because of their demeanours and the seemingly choreographed nature of their testimonies.
A spontaneous wave of jubilation broke out in the length and breadth of Abeokuta, the state capital, and beyond as citizens heaved a sigh of relief and took to the streets to celebrate the legal victory. For them, the legal tussle is a distraction to their beloved governor.
In his reaction after the judgment, Governor Abiodun expressed his appreciation to Ogun State indigenes at home and in the Diaspora for their unwavering support all through the journey. He said, “Today’s triumph at the Court of Appeal not only validates the authenticity of the mandate you bestowed upon us during the last governorship election but also demonstrates the strength of our unity. Our administration remains committed to the advancement and socioeconomic growth of the Gateway State.
“Through our Building Our Future Together Agenda and #ISEYA mantra, we will tirelessly strive for the betterment of every individual living and working across this great state, ensuring prosperity for all. Thank you once again for your unyielding faith in our leadership. Together, we will continue to forge a brighter future for Ogun State.”
Yes, Abiodun bears his talents and achievements modestly, charmingly, and generously. As the executive governor of Ogun State, he conducts himself like a humble servant, who’s unexpectedly approachable and thoroughly delightful company.
Viewing governance through his own lens, and navigating leadership through his peculiar, private ethics, he is able to govern humanely and decisively thus asserting the essence of his leadership and portraying it with deep empathy – irrespective of judgment or commentary bias.
Abiodun is a true gem of a leader. His governance style involves treating every citizen in his domain as a human being searching for his or her place in the world and walking in virtual and administrative lockstep, to make each citizen’s journey a uniquely satisfactory and compelling experience. In a world of divisiveness, his vision for Ogun is something precious. Infinitely precious.
