IJEBU AND HYPOCRISY WITHOUT VALUE AND THE COST OF SHORT SIGHTED THINKING
I don’t understand how having political clout is suddenly a liability and a reason for the disqualification of any traditional aspirant, if not hypocrisy and greediness. Political strength now facing attack.Having political clout as a result of a long and successful career in politics like Hon Otunba Ademorin Alliu Kuye has, should be an asset worth celebrating and promoting with sincere and open mind in the present day of Nigeria, for our immediate needs and benefits in Ijebuland and should not be a liability.
Political influence differs from bribery. Influence flows from service, networks, and credibility. Talking about political power and the sharing of money “ubiquitous US Dollars” in the same sentence as corrupting influences is a total false unequivalence! Bribery involves illegal exchange of money. Mixing both ideas distorts truth. Such confusion stains the moral image of Ijebu elders and stakeholders.
Ijebus stand for dignity, restraint, humility, and integrity. Those values reject greed and deceit. These values are against who we are and what we are known for as IJEBUS, a great nation with high contentment warriors and ambassadors with dignity, humility without arrogance and tremendous integrity.
Whether we like it or not, Politics shapes daily life in Nigeria. Roads, schools, hospitals, security, and federal presence follow political negotiation, a wise person will see that Political Strength is a plus in a race like this, bribery is what should be condemned.
In all and high profile Ijebu organizations that I belong to, one of the issues that has been discussed is the lack of high caliber politicians from Ijebu-Ode with sincere patriotism, and the need for us to encourage and support our best materials to go into politics. How come that Ijebu-Ode has not produced a Governor of Ogun State in over 46 years after late Pa Olabisi Onabanjo, No Senator representative from Ijebu-Ode till date?
Major federal institutions remain scarce. Politics drives outcomes in Nigeria. Progress does not arrive by chance. Until recently we are strategically blessed with Hon Otunba AbdulRahmanOlaDapoOkubadejo, for his sincere commitment and dedication to Ijebuland not only Ijebu-Ode.
The creation of Ijebu State is the most important project for all Ijebus currently, which I’m very sure we can all agree on. Can this be achieved without high-powered politicking with rightful channel?
To conclude my thoughts, Political influence should never override custom or law. Political influence also should never serve as a ground for exclusion. So, how can anyone consider having political clout as a corrupting or disqualifying factor for being Awujale? While it should not be the overriding factor? It certainly should not be a disqualifying factor if we truly know what we are doing and want from Federal Government of Nigeria, not only Ogun State.
Royal selection rests on lineage and tradition. Political experience adds capacity for modern leadership and protection of collective interests. Since Hon Otunba Ademorin Alliu Kuye’s lineage is confirmed, he should be fairly considered for the throne on a level playing ground, without any prejudice or scorn on his political strength.
Sincerely yours,
KESHIRO Sulayman OluwaSesan ONILOGBO (KSO)
Ogidi Omoluwabi Ijebu Ti Olu-Iwa Bi,
Omo Jos’onda Nidepo Akile-Ijebu,
Bibi’re Kose F’owo Ra,
Ijebu L’omo Wa.
