Aremo Olusegun Osoba symbolises many things to many people, to some of us who are his close followers and admirers, he is a nationalist, whose heart is with the grassroots. In fact, his life is better described as that of ‘a grassrooter’, who is deeply involved in the foundational aspects of an organization, industry, people or movement, often starting from the very beginning and working his way up through the ranks. This is more evident in the early part of his professional career as a reporter. Being a reporter is an appellation he prefers to simply be addressed. Aremo Osoba started from the very foundation.
A veteran in all ramifications, he masters the arts of journalism and grassroots mobilisation better through practicals, hands-on experience and the understanding of the intricacies of the two terrains. It was his gifts, he attests to the fact that news reporting is in his blood! This, he did wholeheartedly with a clear commitment, doggedness, resilience, ingenuity, and perseverance for more than a half a century.
As a political leader, Osoba has the rare gift of having the easy networks of connections with the rural people, the middle class as well as the high and mighty. This, he has in many occasions attributed to his experience as one of the finest reporters/ journalists Nigeria has produced.
A peep into his journalism journey revealed a man, who started from the scratch as a cub; writing letters to the Editor, from where he cut his journalism tooth, and soon became a force to reckon with in journalism in Nigeria. His exploits as an investigative reporter during the 1960s coup led him to the discovery of the bodies of prominent political figures- the then Prime Minister, Sir, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Finance Minister Okotie-Eboh who were assassinated during the 1966 coup.
Aremo Osoba later rose through the ranks and underwent professional trainings in journalism from some of the best institutions across the globe, including Harvard and Cambridge.
Those years, he toiled, worked diligently and surmounted different obstacles; while leveraging on a wide range of networks of contacts he built over the years to become successful in his professional trade, the same energy he extended to the political terrain.
As a grassroots leader, he continues to inspire change from the ground- up, often by empowering others and fostering a sense of collective action. He is known for his ability to connect with people on a personal level, build trust, and mobilize communities around shared goals. Just like in the words of John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, (serving from 1825 to 1829) who noted that: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Therefore, when refering to the grassroots leaders that empower others to reach their full potentials, Osoba stands tall amongst the pack.
His leadership is not defined by a formal role or title, his actions do, he stand in for the poor, the weak, the vulnerable, the neglected members of the society, whose voice might not be loud enough to reach the seat of government. Most time, he does his work silently, perhaps that accounts for his invaluable influence not really being loudly celebrated.
For those who were conversant with his administration between 1999 and 2003, the people of the State in particular could attest to the fact that his government was grassroots- focused. He is a public administrator and a leader, who believes in the bottom-up approach to governance.
This is evident in virtually all parts of the State, as his rural road projects, rural- electrification projects and other rural oriented infrastructural development and policies of his administration are still visible after 22 years he left the seat of government in the State. This is not a surprise to many, because Aremo, who was one of ‘The Three Musketeers’ in the days of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was reputed to have been one of the key journalists that covered and reported Chief Awolowo’s political campaigns. This afforded him the opportunity to study the late sage, who remains a political phenomenon in the history of Nigeria, even till date. He could therefore be referred as the link between that era and the 3rd Republic, and even the contemporary Nigeria.
Can we also reminiscence on his role amongst his peers, who were foundational leaders and members of that resilient and highly strategic political pressure group, formed out of necessity which gave a serious challenge to the military junta in the post annulment struggle for the revalidation of June 12, 1993 election won by the late Bashirun MKO Abiola- the defunct National Democratic Coalition ( NADECO).
As one of his keen followers and admirers, I must acknowledge that he is just not a leader, but the one who influences. This is better put by Ken Blanchard, who says: “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” This reveals the importance of building relationships and trust in grassroots leadership, rather than relying on formal power. Our dear Aremo has done perfectly well; while seamlessly transiting from an iconic reporter to a media administrator, political juggernaut and a nationalist of no mean repute.
At the State level, being a former Governor, Osoba remains a rallying point, recognised with high esteem by traditional rulers and political leaders alike. Hence, he was honoured from all the three senatorial districts of the State with the titles of Araba of Yewa, Aremo Awujale and Akinrogun Egba, by the paramount rulers across the three senatorial districts. Aremo has also been a bridge between modernity and tradition, as he hold the title of Oluwo in his country home of Oba, Abeokuta in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.
Therefore, celebrating him on this auspicious occasion of his birthday is a testament to his unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion, which traversed the realms of journalism, politics, and traditional leadership, elevating him to the esteemed position of an elder statesman and a nationalist whose foot prints remain indelible in the sand of time.
This moment is not just to celebrate a political leader, but a period to reflect and appreciate the humanity in this uncommon grassroots mobilizer, a father figure in every sense and our leading light in Obafemi- Owode State Constituency.
Congratulations once again our Dear Aremo, Many happy returns to Akinrogun of Egbaland; and 86 garlands to our hero from Obafemi- Owode Local Government Area. It is therefore on behalf of the grassroots, that, I give this gratitude.
Hon. Soneye Damilola Kayode (SDK), Representing Obafemi-Owode in the Ogun State House of Assembly, writes from the OGHA Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
