Rauf is 64 today, a man of many parts - politician, administrator, mentor, guardian, philanthropist and an activist. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, can be many things to many people. You have heard so many people saying so many things about him. He is a class on his own.
He described his administration as Governor of the state of Osun as "Uncommon". Yes, Rauf is uncommon in all ramifications.
As the closest person to him, the greatest lesson, Rauf thought me is "LOYALTY". In the word of his leader and mentor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, "Aregbesola is loyal and dependable. He is someone I described as my partner, comrade, friend and broyalty.As his greatest mentee, Ogbeni has imbedded Loyalty in me and others that are genuinely close to him. He made us to understand that the only way to be successful in life is to be loyal to the ladder that got you to the TOP and for those that are still hoping to go up, they must be loyal and consistent.
Betrayal has no place in Rauf Heart. He is a man that has seen the benefits of loyalty and cherish loyalty.
Rauf Aregbesola, a Commissioner in the administration of Asiwaju Tinubu from 1999 to 2006 has been consistent in his loyalty to his leader and benefactor many years after he left office. A believer in peoples will has also been loyal to his primary constituency, the masses. This is why they mob him whenever he is around. He always feel at home with them.
I have seen some people been threatened with his popularity among the common man despite all the lies sponsored against him in the media. My answer to them is that, Rauf has planted himself in the mind of the people, and nothing can erase it. The people believe him. Unfortunately, his enemies are not wise enough to see this. He is loved because the people saw him when their hope was lost, they see him as one of them, they know, he is loyal to them and no one can come between him and his people. Rauf is benefiting from his loyalty to the masses, when he decided to fight their battle.
As this enigma and lover of the masses adds a year today, I Ishola Olateju, on behalf of my family, friends and Political associates celebrate an epitome of loyalty, the father to the fatherless and hope of the masses. Sir, may the good lord multiply the happiness you gives out and may your star never bright less.
Happy birthday, Sir!
Ishola Olateju is the National coordinator of Asiwaju Grassroots Foundation