By Adeleye Kunle
Nobody has an easy life, especially those in positions of power. After all, they never know who is truly on their side and who is only pretending to care in order to be paid.
Such is life, according to Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola. Because of his recent gubernatorial defeat, many of his associates are reportedly abandoning him in search of better opportunities.
Things are never black and white in Nigerian politics and democracy.
As a result, incumbent Governor Oyetola was surprised when he lost his re-election bid and had to watch his old opponent, Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), take over his position.
But this loss is gradually becoming a difficult sentence for Oyetola, as reports circulate that his former “loyal supporters” are abandoning him.
To be sure, it was a sad day for Oyetola, who was confident that his All Progressives Congress (APC) momentum in Osun would not be shattered by anyone, let alone an old rival.
However, both Oyetola and the APC were defeated by Adeleke, who received 403,371 votes, while Oyetola received 375,027 votes.
Many analysts believe Oyetola lost the election (and is losing friends and associates) because he refused to settle his feud with his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola.
Aregbesola, considered a more influential local favorite, might have been able to hold off Adeleke and the PDP.
Unfortunately, it appears that Oyetola had faith in himself and his people. What will the Governor do now that the cards have fallen and his people are allegedly disappearing like mist on a Sunday morning?
Oyetola has reached the age of retirement. If he’s lucky, as some analysts believe, he’ll be able to fly under the radar.
Otherwise, it’ll be probation after probation. What happens next will be determined by time.
