Monday, June 19, 2023

My Encounter With The Late Chief Dejo Raimi – Wole Adedoyin

 

MY ENCOUNTER WITH THE LATE CHIEF DEJO RAIMI – WOLE ADEDOYIN


 

My knowledge of Ibadan politics and political strategy primarily stems from my association with the late Chief Dejo Raimi, a prominent figure in the field. Chief Dejo Raimi's political journey began after obtaining a medical degree from a university in Moscow, Russia. He subsequently served as the Chief Medical Officer in the former Oyo State before venturing into politics during the Third Republic. Joining the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Raimi played an active role within the party.

His political career took a significant turn when he was appointed as the Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG) by the late Governor Kolapo Ishola following the successful 1991 election. Additionally, Chief Raimi held the position of National Treasurer in the Yoruba Council of Elders, further showcasing his influence and involvement in political circles.

Beyond his role as a politician, Chief Dejo Raimi was renowned for his astute political tactics and strategies. Although I initially became acquainted with him through a publication in the Nigerian Tribune, it was during his appointment as the Southwest Chairman of a newly established project by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) that I had the opportunity to meet him in person. This initiative, aimed at restructuring and revitalizing the PDP nationwide, appointed Chief Raimi as its Southwest Chairman under the direction of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

Prior to our personal encounter, I extensively studied the techniques of Ibadan politics. Before meeting Chief Raimi, I served as the Oyo State Chairman of the Peoples Mandate Party (PMP). However, due to the party's deregistration, I subsequently joined the United Progressive Party (UPP), which was founded by Chief Chekwas Okorie, the former Chairman and founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). My invitation to the UPP came directly from Chief Okorie himself.

During my time as the Foundation Secretary of the United Progressive Party (UPP), I also held the position of National Coordinator for the Conference of Young Nigerian Democrats (CYND). It was through my involvement with CYND that I had the privilege of meeting the Late Chief Dejo Raimi. On the occasion of Chief Dejo Raimi's 80th birthday celebration, I received an official invitation along with other members of CYND. This event proved to be an excellent opportunity for Chief Dejo Raimi to introduce me to some influential grassroots politicians, whom he referred to as his political foot soldiers, with whom he envisioned future collaborations.

In support of Chief Dejo Raimi and his newly appointed position by former President Goodluck Jonathan, our conference created a small solidarity poster that garnered significant attention at the venue of his 80th birthday celebration. This gesture captured Chief Dejo Raimi's interest in my political group, as he became increasingly intrigued by our activities. Interestingly, throughout his lifetime, Chief Dejo Raimi never knew my real name but instead referred to me as "YOUNG DEMOCRAT," a nickname that stuck. This moniker was adopted not only by Chief Dejo Raimi but also by his wife, children, and some of his political allies.

Thanks to Chief Dejo Raimi's influence, I had the opportunity to personally meet prominent figures such as Chief Jumoke Akinjide, the former Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as Rt. Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, the former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and other political heavyweights from Oyo State and the Southwest region.

Chief Dejo Raimi played a pivotal role in expanding my knowledge of the practical political history of Ibadan. He generously shared his experiences and political relationships with icons such as Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Late Chief Kolapo Ishola, Late Chief Meredith Akinloye, Late Chief Adegoke Adelabu (Penkelemesi), Late Chief Adelakun (Eruobodo), former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Late Chief Lamidi Adedibu, among others. It was under Chief Dejo Raimi's mentorship that I learned the intricacies of practical politics in Ibadan and gained valuable insights into the region's political landscape.

During Baba's lifetime, he didn't know me by my name; instead, he referred to me as "Young Democrats." I recall an incident when I asked a personal friend to wait for me at Chief Dejo Raimi's house. We both had an important political matter to discuss with Baba. When my friend arrived and informed the security that Wole Adedoyin had requested the meeting, they relayed the message to Baba. However, Baba claimed not to know anyone by that name, and as a result, the security denied my friend entry into Denton Villa, Baba's residence. When my friend called me to inform me of Baba's response, I chuckled and explained that Chief Dejo Raimi didn't recognize me by my personal name. I advised my friend to return and mention "Young Democrat" instead. He followed my suggestion, and the moment Baba heard "Young Democrat," he ordered his security to grant the young man access.

Furthermore, my initial encounter with Senator Iyiola Omisore also involved Chief Dejo Raimi. It was in 2014 during Senator Iyiola Omisore's governorship campaign. I received an urgent call from Chief Dejo Raimi while I was at home in Akobo. He asked about my location, and I informed him that I was in Ibadan. He instructed me to quickly come to his house at Ikolaba GRA, as I would be joining his wife's political entourage for Senator Iyiola Omisore's campaign grand finale. Senator Iyiola Omisore had personally invited Chief Dejo Raimi’s representatives to the campaign. I promptly got ready, headed to Denton Villa, and joined the others who were already waiting for me, including Chief Dejo Raimi's wife. I arrived on time, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Interestingly, after my father's passing in 2014, I left Ibadan to pursue my political journey in Osun state, despite holding positions as Chairman of three registered political parties and serving as the pioneer Oyo State Secretary of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and later the Oyo State Secretary of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP). In 2018, four years later, I contested the Osun 2018 Governorship Election alongside Senator Iyiola Omisore, but under different parties. I represented the Hope Democratic Party (HDP), while Senator Iyiola Omisore ran under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The rest, as they say, is now history.

Eventually, in 2014, the same year my father passed away, my mentor, Chief Nasiru Dejo Raimi, also breathed his last at the age of 81.

 

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