Aiyedatiwa, Ilaje, and the rest of us – Debo Akinbami
-Debo Akinbami
Under the theme “Lucky’s fated emergence, associated angst and the commerce of owning Aketi “, the writer had risked an explanation for the psychology of power inebriation around late Governor Akeredolu, how the consequences of same spilled into the post-Aketi regime, and other allied, salient issues apartaining to Lucky’s coming as governor.
That was a year after Aketi had passed on and Lucky had pre-reigned as governor. Between then and now, rearview events have justified the concerns raised. They even swept up ominous signs. And the signs, ipso facto, called for this intervention, as a deliberate forewarning to emerging political actors; to be guided by the downside of noxious antecedents so that these elements are not recycled, and to guard against dangerous future ambitions.
The caveat becomes inevitable, given the recent tunes around the Lucky-led administration, and as necessary raw materials for sound judgements before public opinions begin to take its various, delicate shapes, either carefully or cursorily, the way it shall necessarily be as soon as Aiyedatiwa is inaugurated on February 24th, as the 7th elected governor of Ondo State.
Lucky will restart governance on a clean slate; but he bears unusual burden as governor in a season of high expectations. Though he had the rare opportunity to pre-test persons and purposes in government, in the last one year; he had the chance to put professed commitments to test, and to watch circumstances puncture pretended allegiances. Such are the things political leaders daily deal with, often with equanimity. It was nonetheless a priceless chance and it is hoped that he finds new strength therefrom.
The governor needs new strength to remake the state and make the difference the people eagerly await; for he shall have to bravely nip in the bud ineptitude around him; and shall have to exorcise acts capable of distractions, including that of close aides and kinspersons which, more often than not, eventuates in ruinous ownership mentality. It does not matter whose interest is involved or what the grapevine presupposes, the interest of the state must lead all times and intents.
It is true that previous administrations have done nothing to disabuse citizens’ minds with the manner state resources have been unevenly deployed in favour of the governors birthplaces, over the years. This reality, we must admit, necessarily birthed the baneful “our turn” mentality in government. However, while governor Aiyedatiwa does not bear the badge of a bigot, he should not, for whatever looks good, allow himself to descend into ethnic enclaves but strive, irrespective, to be seen as the governor of Ondo State that he is.
Obe-Nla, the governor’s birthplace in Ilaje local government, deserves government attention, the same way Iboropa, in Akoko South East/West local government, and Ibule, in Ifedore local government, deserve same. To this extent, the governor should endeavour to surround himself with persons who shall have to remind him too often of his pact with Ondo State people than the address of his birthplace.
For, in the end, it shall matter less where the governor comes from but what he does with the commonwealth; who influences what would not be as important as the quality of result the state gets. And, it is on this note that both actors and gladiators must keep in mind that we all owe the state a duty- to make it work!
Leadership is not every man’s business; and, not a tea-party. And, too often, governance is not as simplistic as hasty critics try to make it look. But a leader’s sense of purpose, sense of good judgement, will power and good conscience will help good outcomes, other things being equal. Like the rest of us, Lucky is not infallible. And office would not suddenly make him saintly either, yet he looks a man governed by good conscience, and that is key.
As he settles down to govern, let us spare him of all distractions, including the needless cheers of sycophants and the nimble noise of psychopaths. That, in the least, we owe the governor, and, by extension, the state.
*Debo Akinbami, Communication Lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, writes from Balogun Close, Igboegunrin.
