I’ve been laughing ever since I read somewhere that someone criticized this man for having tattoos on his arm and smoking a cigar, arguing that the picture shouldn’t be used as a cultural symbol for the Ojude Oba festival because it lacks moral integrity.
Some people are perpetual killjoys. They never see anything good in anything. The moment something positive appears, they become unhappy and start looking for faults. You can’t become what you detest. I wish they would do a little research before attacking others because their criticisms often seem baseless.
This is Farooq Oreagba, a 58-year-old and the current Managing Director of NG Clearing House. He’s a billionaire who has faced life’s challenges with extraordinary courage. He deserves to be celebrated, not criticised, for having a tattoo on his arm and a cigar in his mouth while riding a horse at the Ojude Oba Festival.
An alumnus of Mayflower School, Ikenne, Farooq holds a distinction in Finance from Oxford University, London, an MSc from the University of East London, and another degree in Business Management from Coventry University. He stepped down as MD of the Nigerian Stock Exchange for six years to fight bone marrow cancer, and he survived. He recently returned to the finance world to lead NG Clearing House after his hiatus to battle cancer.
Survivors of debilitating diseases often have a changed outlook on life. They live fully, understanding that life is precious and can end at any time. They view surviving a deadly disease as a second chance and refuse to be bogged down by petty criticisms. Farooq’s joyful participation at the Ojude Oba Festival is a testament to this spirit.
Personally, I don’t like tattoos and would never get one. I also wouldn’t support my children getting them. Yes, Leviticus 19:28 instructs against making marks on the body, but this is from the Old Testament. Many practices are cultural. I grew up seeing both my grandmothers with heavy tattoo markings on their arms, stomach and tighs, which were normal in their generation, similar to tribal marks used for identification in different parts of Yorubaland. Tattoos have now become contemporary.
A tattoo won’t stop anyone from making heaven once they are redeemed by His blood. While you are looking at the physical, God is looking at the heart. People should stop criticising others for their personal choices. Would I get a tattoo? No. Would I encourage my kids to get one? No. Would I condemn an adult who chooses to? No. Live and let live.
After reading Farooq’s cancer survival story, I understand why he chose to make such a grand entrance at the Ojude Oba Festival. That picture has become iconic and a symbol of this year’s festival. Don’t like his style, entrance, or choices? That’s your freaking problem!
Selah!
Peoplesmind
