My encounter with OKB

By Ajibola Olufidipo

I am one of the few who strongly belief that human beings should display sincerity, loyalty and humility,  irrespective their enormous wealth and political relevance.

Apart from the above stated qualities, I am also of the school of thought that someone who intends to seek political office should try as much as possible to be simple, considerate and even allow fairness and equal treatment in dealings with people.

Many may begin to see this piece as an induced exercise, but I am bold to say that many people will earn my respect as long as they respect my person and treat humanity equally.

I met Owolabi Kola Balogun at the joint Ogun central meeting sometimes in July at Alhaji Isiaka Amodemaja's house, that day there was no room for prolong introduction, even on the said day, I told Tolu Bankole that I have gone beyond the stage of running after Aspirants, just to let me know my stand as regards 2019 election.

All effort by Tolu Bankole to take me to OKB yielded no result as I told him point blank that whoever needs me should come to me not otherwise.

I can read Tolu's countenance that day, he was so dissapointed, despite his pleas that 'Famous, trust me OKB is different, he is your kind of person, you will like him'. All his appeals fell on my deaf ears.

When we left the venue of the meeting, I jumped on a motorcycle and I went my way. It is my usual practice to mute my phone, so on this fateful day my phone was on silence, only to discover that a particular number had called me four times.

On getting home, I dialled the number to show sense of responsibility by returning all missed calls, lo and behold, it was a strange voice and these were his exact words"Famous my leader, ma binu,  won so fun mi pe o wa ni meeting yen, I am very sorry my brother, mi o se afojudi o, I will find time most convenient to meet with you".Wao, is this OKB or someone else?.

I just smiled and said no problem, I am humbled. I dropped the call and dialled Tolu's number, he  told me straight up, "Famous OKB spoke highly of you", I said okay thank you, I like him too, God will help him.

Before that first encounter,  I have always in my own way give professional advise to his media team whenever I am moved to do so,  all because I believe it is for the progress of our great party.

Time over time, months over months, there was never an open line of communication with myself and OKB, even during his declaration when Tolu and Tope asked me to come around to help add colours to the event.I joined with the motive to contribute my progressive quota to the success of our great party PDP.

Now this is the icing on the cake, the peak of our encounter was today, after he already dazzled me with with his programmes on the day of his declaration. I was in a tete-a-tete with Rt. Soyemi Coker when I saw a huge posture stretching  his hand towards me, lo and behold, it was Hon Owolabi Kola Balogun, as I stretched my hand to meet his, I said gently, I am Worldfamous Ajibola OGD, even before I could end spelling out my nomenclature, he said yes, I know my brother.

As the rain was drizzling, and I was there standing, he kept saying Worldfamous come under the canopy my brother.

Now to the main gist, the simplicity of this man again showed that, not all priviledged politicians are braggers or boasters, not all of them will look down on people because of their uncertain riches, not all politicians will not briddle his or her tongue or watch his or her utterances, not all policians believe that people should be dragged in the mud to display their financial capacity.

The question that  rang through my mind was, Is OKB really like this,  or   is he being nice because of his aspiration?,  the truth is that many people had confirmed that this is just his natural person.

Now, my conclusion is, if this man is this hospitable, if this Aspirant is this simple, if this high level of humility is seen in this man, then one will begin to see a new light and new breeds of great personalities coming into our political space, especially in Ogun Central which is seen as citadel of civilisation, which to a great extend is a plus to our political strength.

Owolabi Kola Balogun, my encounter with you and your fair treatment to all and sundry, had in no little way erased the general belief that some well to do are rude, loquacious and high minded.

 Your relationship with Leaders and response to questions has proved beyond every doubtful sentiment that 'Won bi e, o si tu ara re bi'.I sincerely wish you well in all your endeavour and may the good Lord illuminates your path (Amen).

*My Advice*
I wish to appeal to you to keep being yourself either in government or outside government, iwa rere leso omoluwabi, once again, and I am convinced you will do well if given this opportunity to serve.I wish you well.