By Lanre Ogundipe
Quick take
This week, I am yielding this space to Mr. Lanre
Ogundipe. He’s former national president, Nigeria Union of Journalists
(NUJ). He has something up his sleeve. Have a bite:
Former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja (RAL),
recently sent a congratulatory message to Governor Seyi Makinde on his
re-election for another four-year term. The message truly diffused
tension among his die-hard supporters in the state and beyond.
The message was couched in poetic expressions, leaving those in
creative writing to note that a new writer is unveiled even in the
field of engineering. This gladdens the heart that indeed a “poet” is
born in RAL.
The congratulatory greeting, though simplistic, is indeed food for
thought. It’s a milestone of reference that cannot be glossed over.
At this juncture, victory is always acknowledged to be sweet. Though
it has to be managed in such a way that it will not be seen as an
albatross devoid of respect and sanity. Re-dedication and commitment
aimed at rectifying past mistakes are what should be given priority
attention. No matter what it takes.
Ladoja’s poetic lines are well constructed and short of any ambiguity.
They are such that could easily get the ears of those who care to
listen.
Sampler: “All the dramatis personae have quit the stage with their
laurels and bruises, leaving you alone. What is now left are your
promises and stark realities.”
Your Excellency, are you ready to bear your father’s name? Please,
attend to all the electoral promises. Do not pander to the whims and
caprices of the political demi-gods.
They would want to tell you: “We made it happen!” Do not yield to
temptation. Yielding to it is an anathema. Every eye is on you to see
whether or not the franchise invested in you is worthwhile.
These lines coming from RAL qualify for the residency on the “Words on
Marble” space. The lines are pungent and loaded.
Yeah! Campaign is gone. Promises made to secure renewal of tenure are
debts hanging on Mr. Governor, his team and his handlers/foot soldiers
alike.
This writer cannot escape the “wrath” if Seyi Makinde fails on his
promises. Therefore, the message should not be lost on discerning
minds able to read between the lines.
Hence, my reference to the poetic lines that are not just an ordinary
congratulatory message. It is a political message that calls for
proper rumination and scrutiny.
The beauty of winning an election is not in the number of votes
garnered to push one to victory, but in a commitment to ensure that
electoral promises are kept.
The concluding part of the message was a prayer: “May God help you
succeed in line with the people’s expectations.”
Mr. Governor, your victory was resounding and record-breaking since
the creation of Oyo State in 1976 and its recreation in 1991.
You cannot afford to be afraid of removing any barrier that could
hinder or retard the democratic dividends you are bringing to the
table, most especially creating an economy that is healthy.
There is no third term. Your party logo represents a tower you can
always run into for refuge. The goodwill you have in the people will
always be a plus for you. You cannot afford to ride roughshod with the
people’s mandate.
Ladoja is a stylish politician and an astute businessman. Mark it, his
words stand a warning and a wake-up call.
…Setting agenda
A prism in Yoruba says: “Aati ko’fa nle, ifa nse.” Oracle divination
has not been completely rounded off, its predictions are already
manifesting.
Ladoja’s advice to Makinde is meant to guide the latter in his
post-gubernatorial victory utterances and conduct. It is expected that
this advice should have been digested and appropriately worked upon by
the governor to appease those who might have been wounded and those
not happy about his victory, minding the implications, if this
appeasement is not effected.
Honestly, it is not time for any “Buga” partying or time for flaunting
successes. Rather, it should be time for renewed strength to
re-dedicate himself to building a new Oyo State.
There is no doubting the fact that Mr. Governor had some flaws and
deficit of positive expectations while administering the state during
this outgoing first term. It is only human that these flaws and
deficit are committed.
Despite these human deficiencies, he was still favoured to serve for
another term. He has, according to him, broken the barriers of
political glass ceilings. He should endeavour to also actualise this
to pave way for his core programmes of action, vis-a-vis education,
health, agriculture, security, etc, to survive exceedingly.
Mr. Governor should be advised to note that the sweeping victory he
earned at the polls should not necessarily be copied to making
sweeping statements that go with the wind. He must be careful!
As a Christian, the Bible says: “You have faith and I have works. Show
me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by
my works.” Your Excellency, kindly note this:
Vulture is a patient bird…
Be watchful
The bees swarm are totting
The cloud is aware
And the gods are with bulging owl eyes…
This should always be your quote of guide.
•Ogundipe
resides in Ibadan
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