Legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), on Thursday said the Yoruba and Nigeria as a country will continue to need a personality like Osun Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, in the quest to ensure rapid transformation, growth and development.
He extolled the Governor’s tremendous achievements within the space of three years in office, which he described as worthwhile in the political annals of the State.
The legal icon who described Oyetola as one of the best Governors in Nigeria at the moment, noted that the Governor’s indelible legacies across the sectors within the three years of his Administration had become a reference point in what good governance, purposeful leadership and quality representation stand for.
The renowned legal practitioner stated these while addressing the people at the special luncheon organised by the Government to celebrate his Doctor of Letters Degree (Honoris Causa), conferred on him by Redeemer’s University, Ede.
Olanipekun said the Governor has distinguished himself as a thorough-bred technocrat cum politician whose repository of knowledge spanning the State’s sectors has been brought to bear to the affairs of the State for the betterment of the citizens.
“I just have to thank you for the honour Mr. Governor has done me, my family and my chamber. When I informed him recently that Redeemer’s University would be honouring me, he assured me of his support. He said he was ready to host me.
“You are one of the best we have in Nigeria. You are a quiet, gentle and easy going man. Your actions speak for you and your performances are there for people to see. You are not just a friend but a gentleman I respect most and we are proud of you in Yoruba land.
“Nigeria needs people like you. Yoruba land needs people like you. I am saying this not because you are my friend, but because we need you. We need people with intellect, people with understanding, people who are sound footed, people who know their onions, people who are well-read, people who have gotten experience in the public and private service and people who are not boastful, who are not loud or lousy.
“Above all, when I entered the Government House and saw Omoluabi, I came to know more that indeed, the Governor is Omoluabi par excellence.
“I am an alumnus of Ilesa Grammar School. When we heard the news that our school was merged, we were devastated and we challenged the government then. We went to court but when you came, you restored our honour, pride and heritage. God will continue to be with you.
“On behalf of Ilesa Grammar School which I am one of the leaders of its alumni association, we say a big thank you for restoring our image and identity. On behalf of my family and the law office, we appreciate you,” he added.
In his remarks, the Governor of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, lauded Olanipekun for his tremendous contributions to the nation’s bench and the Judiciary.
Oyetola also commended Olanipekun’s ideals of integrity, service to humanity, philanthropy, patriotism and passion for democracy and good governance, which according to him align with his Administration’s beliefs and Yoruba ethos.
“Chief Wole Olanipekun has always been a progressive to the core. Aside being a legal luminary, he is a progressive-minded man. If you have him, you are almost certain you are winning the case. You have always been there for us. A lot of people have benefited greatly from your works.
“We thank God that we have been able to justify the confidence you have in us by doing our best to advance the State,” Oyetola added.
