To many, the founder of Paseda Legacy Foundation, Otunba Rotimi Paseda (ORP) is not a political heavyweight who should be considered as a threat, but, smart political Strategists in Ogun State would aptly think twice before arriving at their unreasonable innuendo considering his daily rising political profile.
Paseda, though contested the Ogun State Governor seat in 2015 against the incumbent, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, but has not thrown in the towel ever since.
His recent philanthropical antecedents has further endeared him to be accepted by the ‘political kingmakers’ in Ogun State.
While his contemporaries were busy lobbying around and playing the game in their usual devious style, this Omu-Ijebu Prince has remained unwavered and continued playing the ‘dark-horse’ role.
The fact that, he does not belong to any of the popular political parties we have in Nigeria today, does not render his aspiration as ‘wasted’ efforts.
His critics have forgotten so soon that, Paseda commands a staggering wealth which can turn around the fortune of his political party when the active political juggernaut with unblemished characters come around.
This money-bag politician who made his early fortune in airline industry in the mid 90s has the support of his kinsmen and decision makers of Ogun politics.
His critics and the political jobbers are quick to condemn him for his lack of spending-spree, but they have soon forgotten that, this oil magnet is a free spender who holds no grudge against who the beneficiaries are.
His weekly spending for his philanthropic commitment through his foundation, Paseda Legacy Foundation is nothing less than N20 million naira, estimating to about N60 million Naira monthly across the three Senatorial Districts in Ogun State.
This is someone who has not been elected into public office. He is not a political appointee nor does he receive contract from government, but he had taken it upon himself as covenant with God, that, in as much as God continue to bless him in multiple fold, he would also not ceased from putting smiles on people’s faces.
It is also on record that, this Most Outstanding Industrialist in Ogun State sponsored 20 Governorship candidates of his party, UPN across Nigeria accruing to about N80 billion Naira without the support of any godfather. Not only that, this money-spender coughed out another N50 billion naira to support all the National and State House Assemblies in the 2015 elections in Ogun State.
This is why, the smartest one among the political parties in the state are toasting him to defect to their party. Paseda is not desperate, but, he will weigh his chances.
His aspiration has received the blessing of royal fathers in the state, religious leaders, Students caucus, market women, artisans and the youths are already getting involved.
Little wonder his political ‘Agenda for Good Governance’ centres around the four cardinal programmes of his political mentor and late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo which are; Affordable and Quality Health scheme, affordable education, gainful job employment/Agricultural integration and rural/urban renewal.
Meanwhile, his rising profile which has continued to intimidate the opposing camps are not limited to;
× Sound academic and professional qualifications
× Rich private sector experience
× Sterling Public sector performance and achievements
× Proven knowledge of the Nigerian Economy and socio political issues
× Deep knowledge of Ogun State Socio political and Economic landscape
× Demonstrable and proven relevant experience in governance of Ogun State
× A well known name among the electorate in the 236 electoral Wards of Ogun State.
× Consistent, focus and integrity driven
× Self motivated with a sincere passion to serve the people of Ogun state
× A candidate of Merit, a model of Excellence, a product of Equity, and a symbol of Justice ans Fairness.
Support Prince Olatunde Rotimi Paseda for governor come 2019 for better life.
Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji
Director, Media and Strategies
Paseda Legacy Foundation