Like Tobi Amusan, Like John Oyebanji: The Future Is Here With Us -By Olusola Elubaji

In the wake of Monday, I watched the video of the new World Champion of the women’s 100m hurdles. I became emotional as I watched tears flowing down her cheeks, at the instance of the Nigerian National Anthem, it reminded me of my firm belief that Nigeria has all it takes to be who she should be. Successive leadership have failed its actualization, yet Tobi gave me a reassurance that irrespective of the things our nation undergoes, resources are in our disposal to the birthing of a great Nigeria.

I was lost in this thought when I remember that my country of birth is dared with a challenge of righting a wrong of leadership that has put her in the situation she has been for years. In the midst of this, I remember Osun State, I remember Ife East Local Government and I remember John Oyebanji.

Some months ago, I read on the pages of paper about a 26-year-old Rukayat Shittu, aspiring for the Kwara State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Yesterday, a 25-year-old Tobi Amusan became the headline of every news media; Ife East now has her own share of the valuable youthfulness in John Oyebanji. TY Bello’s ‘The Future’ plays in my head – “The future is here; Goodbye yesterday; Tomorrow is now for the taking; The future is here; I am the future, I am the dream; I am the nation, I am part of this…”

Before I met John in person, about two years ago, I was conversant with his public views and discourses on issues relating to national growth and development. Many times, I have to read his piece together with my wife, we have adjudged him to not just be a brilliant but great youth that we can be proud of. One thing after the other, we started conversing on phone. I was eager to meet the “John Oyebanji” I have been speaking with. A while after the national lockdown as a result of the global Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria, I was in Ile-Ife, my hometown when I had to meet him in person. Now came the disappointment!

Firstly, I thought I was having some nice social time with a “big man” even if at all young, not that young. The brilliant “big man” was actually a very young man. Secondly, my mind was preplanned to meet a tall and hefty man, I couldn’t take my eyes off the averagely statured young man who stood before me. The disappointment was written all over my face. As soon as we started another conversation bothering on Osun State, disappointments evaded and I was interested in hearing and drawing from his well of knowledge, I couldn’t but conclude that he’s a “walking body of the 21st century knowledge.” He’s mostly committed to nation-building and has involved himself in many community services. I asked series of questions about his personal lives that I am interested in making a public knowledge when the time comes.

Some weeks ago, my joy was full when I heard that he is taking up the challenge to represent my own constituency (Ife East Local Government) in the Osun State House of Assembly in the 2023 General Election, on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

John Oyebanji Declares For Osun State House of Assembly

The “John Oyebanji” I know has the knowledge garnished with practicability perhaps a workable approach to solving the problems. You can hardly have a workable discussion with John and not be endeared to his brilliance, many times tacit; beyond theoretical and unrealistic views, he is the best meet for our constituency at this time.

John Oyebanji is not just a historian, he’s an educationist. Coupled with this, he’s a diplomat, as an International Relations expert. Asides from his youthfulness, he is well-read to take over the representation of our constituency. In days to come, the personality of such a brilliant, focused, visionary and young man is worthy of note to be studied.

As I write this piece and as a lover of music that I am, I remember the American Rock Band, Sleater Kinney’s song – ‘The Future Is Here’ – (I need you more than I ever have, because the future’s here, and we can’t go back).

With a “Tobi Amusan” from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, a “Rukayat Shittu” from Owode/Onire, Kwara State, and a “John Oyebanji” from Ife East, Osun State, among others, the future is here, and we cannot go back!

Olusola Elubaji (PhD) is an indigene of Ile-Ife, Osun State and writes from San Jose, California, United States.