By Allen Sowore, Esq.
As the race for the prestigious position of leadership in Alagbaka intensifies, it resembles the chaos that ensues when an elephant falls. Likewise, the air is filled with a cacophony of arguments, each aspirant advocating different propositions and postulations to garner support. In this democratic process, echoing the sentiments of the late sage, Pa Adekunle Ajasin, democracy thrives on discourse.
However, amidst the fervor, it’s time for a deeper contemplation – a moment to sift through substance and spectacle. While all aspirants may boast qualifications, not all are morally justified. This leads me to reflect on the notion of “the straight eight years”. Advocates of this proposition propose a scenario where a neutral individual, rather than the incumbent governor constitutionally limited to a single tenure after completing the remaining 13 months of the late governor’s term, should be allowed to run, to enable him to seek re-election after a first term.
This argument, though rational on the surface, fails to account for the unpredictable nature of circumstances, often referred to as force majeure in legal terms.
The assertion that the Southern Senatorial District would be disadvantaged is akin to killing the goose that lays the golden egg. This analogy deliberately evokes the tale of Aesop’s Fable: “The Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs.” In this story, a Countryman possesses a remarkable Goose that lays a single golden egg each day. Initially content with his wealth, the Countryman grows impatient, opting to kill the Goose in a bid to acquire all the golden eggs at once. Yet, upon slaying the Goose, he finds no golden eggs, only loss.
Let me also tell you the story of the two brothers who ventured into the forest for a hunt. Along the way, they encountered a large snail. Despite their prolonged and unsuccessful efforts in the forest, their luck seemed to change when they spotted a small bird perched on a tree. Eager to catch it, the brothers searched frantically for a stone but couldn’t find one in time. In a moment of desperation, they decided to use the snail as a makeshift stone to strike the bird. Regrettably, their attempt failed as the snail missed its mark. The bird flew away and snail got lost. Disheartened, the brothers returned home empty-handed.
These two stories serve as a metaphor for the incumbent governor – a nature’s gift. Discarding him for uncertain prospects mirrors the impetuousness of sacrificing certainty for uncertainty.
For the communities rich in oil resources, the incumbent symbolizes the adage “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” Moreover, the governorship seat is not an exclusive reserve for the oil-rich local government.
Since the dawn of democracy in 1999, Ondo state has seen four governors: Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, and Arakurin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN CON. Among them, only Dr. Olusegun Mimiko completed his eight-year tenure. Chief Adebayo Adefarati lost his re-election bid, Dr. Olusegun Agagu’s tenure was cut short by the Court of Appeal in Benin, and Late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu passed away before completing his seventh year in office.
While planning for the future is prudent, it is presumptuous and reckless for mere mortals to arrogantly attempt to calculate and determine what lies beyond their control – the future.
Moreover, an elected governor conscious of his single tenure may govern with greater sincerity than one preoccupied with securing re-election immediately after inauguration. Ultimately, it’s not about longevity but effectiveness. As the adage goes, a word to the wise is sufficient.
I truly love high-wire politicking and political permutations, but I am aware that there are limits to human calculations.
Peoplesmind
