By Allen Sowore, Esq.
In the midst of last night, I pondered incessantly about the troubling developments in Ondo State. It appears that the state has been transformed into a fiefdom, a colony, or the personal domain of a maximum ruler—essentially, a tyrant or monocrat.
How else can we describe this situation? Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN CON fell ill and had to seek treatment abroad, bringing the state to a standstill. Christians and Muslims alike fasted and prayed, and traditional worshippers poured libations and sought divine intervention from Alale, Orisa, and the Iyemojas for his recovery.
Upon Governor Akeredolu’s return, his immediate priority seemed to be suppressing his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, by dismissing all of his media aides. There’s no need to inquire about his loyal deputy’s offense, as Akereti has a history of mistreating his deputies, as evident in his treatment of Agboola Ajayi.
What’s even more concerning is that Mr. Governor has not yet returned to Akure, the state’s capital. Instead, he governs and manages affairs from Ibadan, Oyo State. This raises questions about whether the people have effectively been subjected to a form of recolonization. Even during the colonial era, notable leaders fought for the liberation of their people.
The essential question at this pivotal moment in our state’s history is, where are the leaders? While notable and esteemed leaders like Chief Pius Akintelure, Olunba Solomon Oladuni, and others have maintained a certain distance, we must also consider the resident politicians. Notable figures like the former Governor and state leader, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, former Deputy Governor Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru, Chief Soladgade Amodeni, Chief Sola Ebiseni, Ambassador Sola Iji, Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, and Niran Sule seem notably indifferent.
Have we all strayed from the noble Yoruba adage that says, “Àgbà Kà Wà Lójà Kà Orà Omo Tuntun o Wó”?
Madam Oluduni Odu, Victor Olabinta Dr. Banji Ajaka and many members of the State Cabinet with their intimidating credentials all feel satisfied with the little crumbs from the Master’s table.
In times like these, it’s worth remembering Martin Niemöller, who, after World War II, openly acknowledged his early complicity in Nazism and his subsequent change of heart. His powerful words about guilt and responsibility continue to resonate to this day.
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
In 2020, they said His Excellency Alfred Agboola Ajayi was too smart, too ambitious, and too desperate. In 2023, they said His Excellency, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is too docile, too loyal, and too complacent. But their “Napoleon” is always right.
Peoplesmind
