By Morgan Ogapha
IT’S often said that “no man is perfect”. A dictum that transcends generations. Even Jesus, who many regard as the Messiah and Saviour of the world, refused to be acknowledged as a good master (as in Mark 10:18) not to mention being called perfect. Indeed, no man is perfect—a timeless truth. Yet, certain qualities in some individuals make them stand out. Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chairman, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso, fondly called ‘’Oruese’’ is one of such individuals. While he is not perfect, he possesses outstanding character and strong capacity, making him an exceptional leader. He is an intelligent star and if put succinctly, a rare gift to Delta State.
Just as one name Austin Jayjay Okocha remains memorable in Nigerian soccer, so “ORUESE” will be remembered by politicians in Delta State for a long time. “Oruese” is a unique Urhobo title that resonates throughout Delta. It literally means “a person who does good or gives good gifts to others,” but its deeper meaning is “the man that empowers.” More than two kingdoms in Urhoboland have bestowed this rare and unique title upon him, a clear indication that he merits it.
The recently concluded local elections gave me the privilege of accompanying ORUESE to all 25 Local Governments of Delta State, handing over flags to the party’s candidates. At each event, the ovation for the State Chairman was superlative and heart-warming. When Olorogun Kingsley Esiso takes the podium, the name ORUESE electrifies the air in a harmonious chorus. The euphoria and extraordinary excitement that greet each moment are splendid. Yet, ORUESE remains a calm, humble, non-quarrelsome, and reserved gentleman.
Working with Olorogun Kingsley Esiso as a member of the PDP Delta State Chapter EXCO has taught me a lot particularly the practical aspects of public management and people-handling beyond my postgraduate studies in public administration. As a State Chairman, his contributions towards governance of the State are quite remarkable and I believe has earned him a place in the heart of the immediate past Governor and also the present Governor of the State. Most cheering about him is that, ORUESE answers all calls and responds to all messages. If he misses a call, he returns it, regardless of the caller’s status. His most striking quality is his passion for helping everyone around him succeed and earn a good living.
He prefers to equip people with the means to succeed rather than providing temporary solutions. During his eight years as Chairman, internal party wrangling and quarrels were reduced, impunity was minimised, and internal democracy was highly promoted. He reduced the prices for forms to contest Chairman and councilor positions and introduced a single form approach to local government elections within the party in the State.
Olorogun (Bar) Kingsley Esiso, PhD, stands out among his peers and predecessors. He is highly detribalized and non-vindictive, with connections in every nook and cranny of Delta State. A workaholic Chairman, yet finds time to socialise. Despite his tall physical, financial, academic stature, he remains humble and very approachable.
As his second tenure in office winds down this August, it is clear that he has established lasting legacies and imprinted beautiful, indelible marks on the management of the PDP in Delta State. Many who know him would agree that our dynamic Chairman, ORUESE, belongs to a class of his own.
ORUESE !!! Deltans are grateful, the party Peoples Democratic Party is delighted to have you and I am sure the entire EXCO Members of PDP Delta State are glad to have served with you.
Morgan OGAPHA is a member of the PDP EXCO in Delta State.
