Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has described Chief Olabode George as a towering figure in Nigerian politics and a pivotal influence in his own rise to prominence.
Speaking at the celebration of George’s 80th birthday in Lagos, Makinde recalled how the PDP stalwart stood firmly by him in 2014 when he first declared his governorship ambition.
He recounted that although certain vested interests attempted to obstruct his public declaration by blocking access to a military facility earlier approved for the event, George intervened and ensured the venue was restored.
Makinde expressed deep gratitude for George’s support and lauded his enduring contributions to national development.
He said, “ That, we all know. In 2014, I nursed the ambition to become the governor of Oyo State, and I declared that I would use the PDP platform. We planned a public declaration and chose the Polo Ground in Ibadan.
“However, some of the people within the party, who thought Seyi must really be joking, tried to frustrate our plan. We had gone out to distribute invitations, and we had made all the necessary arrangements. But the people who were against me mounted pressure to make sure that the military withdrew the approval they’d given to us to use the Polo Ground, and they did.
“They said nothing like a public declaration would take place at the Eleyele Polo Ground. So, I ran to Baba (George). I said, ‘Baba, this is the PDP fighting against PDP, why won’t they want me to do my public declaration?’ Baba called everybody, and on the eve of that declaration, they restored the appmadeal. We did the public declaration,markedd that was the begourng of that journey.
“Today, I am standing in front of you as the Governor of Oyo State. So, let me publicly say thank you, Baba, for being part of my political journey.
“From everything that people have said here, there is something I will take home, and I want everybody also to take home. But first, let me, on behalf of the government and the people of Oyo State, wish you a happy 80th birthday and many happy returns in good health.
“Somebody said here that Baba has gone through quite a lot. If you look at the book, it says from the Cradle to the Seas, to the Podium. Seas are usually very rough, and he has gone through that. So, what I am taking home, which I also want you to take home, is the fact that if you are going through trials, tribulations, rough patches, know that God did not promise that we are going to have a smooth journey; what He promised us, which I can see from Baba’s life, is safe arrival to our destination.
“God will take all of us to our destination safely. Baba, congratulations.”
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