*Mallam Olawale Rasheed – The Man Oyetola Is Scared Of | By Ayodele Toluwalase*

Who is scared of MOR, the Spokesman of His Excellency, Governor Adeleke of Osun State? Why should MOR be nailed for doing his job? Who does not want to see the dint of professionalism and integrity on whatever MOR does as a spokesman? Of course, it is a general believe that as long as we still breathe and live in this sinful world, we cannot escape having those who don’t see things the way we see them. Even, the Holy book confirms it: “seest thou a man who is diligent in his work, he shall sit before the kings and not mere men.”

Yes, MOR has been dining with the kings before now and is still dining with his pen, which is a mighty tool because his antecedents spoke for him.

Talking about his roles in the past, here is a man who has been diligent in his works and duties. As a man who understands that greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively, MOR epitomizes the virtues of success, hard work and diligence. So, I can say that, in the search of spokesman with a Midas touch to turn things around, Governor Adeleke is blessed having the Iwo born image-maker.

MOR, in his role as spokesperson for the governor, has been strategic in understanding what to say and how to say it. In the best way he can, he has been doing his job and promoting the governor. So, who is hell-bent in pulling the good man down?

From what is in the public domain, Mallam Rasheed has been seen as a seasoned journalist, a professional media personality that is resolute, reliable and proactive in his style of image-making. As the mouthpiece of His Excellency, Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State, he has remained focused and made his boss proud.

Personally, I applaud his wisdom, prolific commitment, which he has shown in discharging his duties professionally. He is a media figure who has paid his dues and can still be regarded as a beacon of inspiration to the younger generation in this field of Public Relations.

Undoubtedly, in his capacity as spokesman, Olawale Rasheed has succeeded in raising Governor Adeleke’s brand to all high from the day of inauguration to the present moment. It is not difficult to trace the efforts of MOR in the management of information pertaining to his Boss. His bullish approach to perfecting his duty, as far as spokesmanship is concerned, is greatly commendable. I make bold to say that Mallam is made of steel and can't be cowed to go in the direction he does not believe in.

Now, let me briefly delve into the fisticuff that has since lingered between the former governor of the state, Mr Gboyega Oyetola and the present governor, Mr Adeleke and I will conclude based on the fact that Oyetola is messing with the wrong person in MOR. It is obvious that whenever there is a change of administration, brickbat must ensue for a while. It indeed played out in Osun State when Adeleke took over the reins of power from Oyetola and, since then, it has been from one fight to another. The spokespersons of the two figures continued to exchange words and there have accusations and counter-accusations, which are normal happenings in the political circle.

The Yoruba people will say: ‘Ti a ba nle’ni, ti a o ba’ni, a o ye ka pada leyin eni ni.’ The quoted expression explains the fact that ‘when one runs after a person and fails to meet him, one should succumb and accept fate.

This is a similar scenario, which has played out between the camp of Oyetola and Adeleke. It boils down to the fact that the former governor is yet to yield to fate by accepting defeat. Oyetola has not realized he needs to disembark on the pull-down syndrome journey because it won’t work.

Adeleke has won the election with the support of the people who practically gave him the mandate for four years and he has moved on. As we all know, he has continued to rule the state with the fear of God and to the best of his capability.
So, what is wrong in that and why are those people who have decided in their minds to continue to live in the past still hell-bent in hurling criticisms at the good governance Adeleke is delivering in Osun State? And the question arises again: why is the former governor, who is now the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, trying to target MOR to hit his boss? Does he want to stop MOR from facing his assignments squarely? Does he want MOR to fail as Adeleke’s spokesman?

The MOR that we know is a thorough professional who understands his right and will go to any length to defend same. He is a renowned journalist of international repute. He has faced countless intimidation in the course of his illustrious career and each time he has emerged victorious, he will never cow to intimidation neither will he relent in his bid to defend his boss no matter whose ox is gored.


*Ayodele Toluwalase writes from Ibadan*