‘We ‘ll re-enact Awo’s legacies in Osun’

Hon Femi Kehinde is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Osun State. He represented Ayedire Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Constituency in the Second Republic. He spoke with Sunday Omoniyi on his vision for the state. 

Who are your role models in politics?

First and foremost, my role model is the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. I admired his Spartan self-discipline, his deep knowledge and his philosophical approach to issues. You can’t fail to admire the first premier of Western Region who had no official vehicle and did not live in the government house. He chose to live in his private residence. On the international scene, I admired Mahatma Ghandi- the Father of Indian Nation. He lived a spartan and disciplined life. He was never in government but throughout his life he stood for the interest of India against Western Imperialism.

As one of the aspirants for the governorship poll, what is the state of your preparedness?

We are preparing day by day to run with the vision, I and my party, the Alliance for Democracy AD designed a blue print to give the greatest good to the greatest number of the people of Osun State. This blue print is formulated by a team of distinguished and eminent people in the academia, professional groups etc that will articulate our policies which we believe will re-invent Osun state and make the state first among equals. Osun State will rise again with the help of God, determination and dedication of the political leadership.

You said Chief Awolowo is one   of your mentors in politics. What   would be the main thrust of your administration?

My party, Alliance for Democracy (AD) is unshakably determined to pursue the successful policies that made Western Region under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a pace-setter in Nigeria and Africa. We have done a great research on the agricultural potentials of Osun State. Do you know that Osun State has large quantities of solid minerals in Iperindo-Atakumosa gold belt which is currently neglected? We  will invest massively in agriculture   and mining potentials of the State. Do you also know that we have cassava which is a money spinning   crop?   Out of cassava, you   get   ethanol and about 14 derivatives. We have huge rice deposit at Erinmo, Ila Orogun, Odo-Oba among others. Apart from this we have live stock-poultry that was developed in the days   of   the   Late   Sage,   Chief   Obafemi   Awolowo   and   Chief   Bola   Ige’s administration. These resources can adequately feed the 2,876 communities in the State and still be exported. What of the large quantities of cashew nut. Right now a ton of cashew is being sold for $1,800 in the world market as against the paltry sum of N300 in the past. We are going to look inward so that Federal allocation will just be an addition. We will hit the ground running.

Money politics has played a great role in our body-  politic.  What do  you think  can  be  done  to check this trend?

All over the world, election is very expensive because electioneering requires a good deal of funding. It is a common saying “as expensive as election” It is on record, the Action Group led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo spent over 10 million pounds to finance 1959 Federal Elections. AG was the first party in Nigeria that put seriousness  into  election process with modern technology such as using helicopter for sign writing in the sky. The party had Secretariats in virtually all the major cities in Nigeria. Inspite of that the essence of election is to bring a government that will deliver – the party’s motto “Life in abundance” was really felt   by the people of the Western region. You remember the party’s  four Cardinal Programme: Free Education at all levels, Free Health Services, Rural Integration and Full and Gainful employment. My party, the AD is the authentic political platform fashioned and designed after the progressive Action Group and subsequently the Unity  Party of Nigeria (UPN) led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. I could rightly say, AD is the 21st Century replica of Action Group. I believe with definiteness of purpose and dedicated leadership and with the help of God we will not let the good people of Osun State down.

Have you consulted widely with state-holders like eminent-citizens and traditional rulers in the state?

In the course of my consultation as governorship aspirant. I have visited notable traditional rulers that criss-cross Osun  Central, Osun East and I hope to visit Osun West Senatorial District very soon. I have visited Ooni of Ife for prayers and consultation. Other monarchs visited include Owa-Obokun of Ijeshaland, the Adimula of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, Owa-Idoka of Ijesha, the Elerinmo of Erinmo and the Regent of Iperindo among others.

What do you do when you are not politicking?

I am passionate about writing historical essays. This year alone I have written a lot of historical articles in Nigeria’s major newspapers which includes The Guardian,   Punch, Vanguard, Tribune etc. Some of my articules include “Between Awolowo and Rewane: A study in deviance and audacity,”   Oba Olubadan Oloyede Asanike:   “Oba with wits and Sarcasm: and   JIC Taylor:

Between JIC Taylor and contemporary justice’ among others. I am always guided by the Immutable words of Judge Santiyana.“

Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat its failures” I see writing historical articles as my contributions to the socio- political development of Nigeria.

What is your message to members of your party and the people of Osun State as 2018 approaches?

My message to our party members is that they should – pray continually for the state and reach out to the people. They should not take things for granted. They should work together as one family. Now to the people of Osun State, they should bear all things happening now with faith in God and prayer. We believe all things work together for good for them that trust in God. They will get the best from an AD led government.

Tell us briefly about yourself?

I was born 58 years ago; I am a lawyer and a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. I am a  former member of the House of  Representatives.  I  studied History   and later, Law at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. I started law practice at the Chambers of Obafemi Awolowo and Co. (Barrister and Solicitor) between June and October 1984. I was also in the Chambers of Fawole Babalakin & Co, where I did my NYSC before I established my own law firm, Femi Kehinde and Co,  as the Principal partner in August 1985.

 

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