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| Ooni of Ife |
By Carl Umegboro
THE nation’s political class has since
independence been dominated in recycling dimension a clique of old political
figures in both the executive and legislative arms, that are conservative in
decision-making, but progressives in acquiring exquisite properties across the
globe by questionable means. Few that served the nation alongside the majority
that mundanely did for their personal interests but were eventually retired by statutory
benchmarks refused to leave the scene for the younger generation except to
deploy these youths as political thugs, militants, body guards or errand boys
on essential duties especially for moving loots in and out of banks’
strong-rooms. Over times, reasons for shortchanging the youths are treacherously
anchored on maladroitness.
General Ibrahim Babangida for instance
was once reported to claim during his presidential ambition in the past that
the youths were not prepared to take up leadership positions. Unfortunately,
the nation under the administration of these retired but never-tired class of citizens
never fared well in contradistinction to few opportunities available to the
younger generation. Recall the decaying conditions of old banks operationally taken
over by younger administrators then and the sudden turn arounds that followed.
The Nigerian youths, in rejoinder to the military general are evidently adept,
and should be given a chance in the polity instead of being reduced to
officious bystanders in perpetuity. In fact, as soon as the present
administration succeeds laying a sustainable framework, a paradigm shift is
inevitable. The world is changing speedily on daily basis and those that reject
change should be made to adhere albeit within the ambits of civility. The next
political dispensation may likely witness a political revolution in the country
between these two taxonomies; the worn-out and new generation leaders.
The savoir-faire in the present generation
which also manifested by unprecedented visit of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye
Ogunwusi to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on his 45th
coronation anniversary last year; the first in the history of Ife monarchy
since 1937 cannot still be overemphasized and clearly attested that youths are
malleable to adapt to contemporary vicissitudes and realities. The young
monarch broke the first protocol by prostrating unusually in a church service in
submission to the Creator. The action simultaneously generated both criticisms
and encomiums from sundry quarters. Unequivocally, he addressed it, made it
bold that the supreme ruler is the Almighty-God and therefore holds no apologies
for those aggrieved over his action instead vowed to do the same times all over.
The heroic visit ended supremacy battle
which lingered between the Alaafin and Ooni monarchy over the years and
manifested irrepressibly during the reign of his predecessor, Oba Okunade
Sijuade. The squabbles had climaxed to an extent that the two monarchs existed
in isolation without any form of reverence to each other. The Ooni who since
his coronation maintained exemplary propensities selflessly embarked on the uninvited
visit to celebrate with the Alaafin despite his comparable high-office, solely
on the overall interest of the people. Indeed, this is leadership exemplified;
making the people a priority, thereby crucifying personal ego on the altar of
communalism unlike what is obtainable among the present leadership class. This irrefutably demonstrated that youths are
more animated, effervescent and ready to lead. Ooni energetically remarked;
“It is a new dawn for all Yoruba sons
and daughters around the globe. We are friends and not enemies. I am here today
though not invited but as the Arole Oduduwa, the onus is on me to felicitate
with all sons and daughters wherever they are and to show my solidarity for any
of them. I am ready to damn any consequences or insinuations from anywhere; my
mission here is to preach peach among the Yoruba, both home and abroad and I am
ready to work with the Aalafin of Oyo, Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi, to project the
unity and love which we believe existed in the days of our forefathers”.
To the host who was flabbergasted, he
responded, “May your reign be long, Ooni. I am happy with Ooni Ogunwusi’s moves
to unite all Yoruba Obas. This special visit was done last in March 1937 that
was the first time the kings inn Yorubaland met in Oyo town. Today, history was
made with the visit of Arole of Oodua Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and I feel
delighted to host you and to reassure you that I will be ready to work with
you. I had a close relationship with Ooni Adesoji Aderemi and I did not want to
relent my bound with any Ooni of Ife that assumed the post, but everybody has
his own little differences”.
Indisputably, Ooni’s ebullient dispositions
above attest to the intellectual capacity and exceptional leadership qualities
inherent among the youths in the country, not just only in the traditional
sphere but extended to political and corporate governance. The outstanding exploits
in the private sector are traceable to the youths; hence, if more opportunities
are made available particularly in the leadership of the country, without a
doubt, excellent results would auspiciously occur. Nigeria urgently needs innovative
leaders who will be ready to do the needful and damn the consequences rather
than keeping to faulty trends and frequencies engraved in ancient books for
several centuries at the expense of societal progression.
Undeniably, the youths of the nation have
been subjected to excruciating ostracism by this outgoing generation. Presently,
to acquire education in good schools which is a basic right of every young
person is exclusively for those in this class who are capable of meeting the
financial commitments unlike in their time. Even the missionary schools that
used to be a saving grace are presently no-go areas for the average class who even
contributed to the building funds. Obviously, there’s nothing in the pipelines
for the upcoming generation. President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is quite
excusable knowing that it is a child of necessity due to undeniable absence of
a viable foundation upon which the youths can take-off from, particularly the extraordinary
willpower to touch the ‘untouchables’. Its mission is no enigma. However, with traits
like that of Ooni Ogunwusi and a whole others, quintessentially, Nigerian
youths could be trusted with leadership and civic responsibilities to take destinies
in their hands. As 2019 draws closer, it may not be business as usual.
Umegboro, public
affairs analyst/social activist, is the head, Pinnacle InfoGallery
(www.pinnacleinfogallery.com)
To trace in DAILY TRUST newspapers, click here >>> http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/opinion/ooni-s-panache-a-quintessential-of-new-generation-s-willpower/170424.html
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