I read the various commentaries about the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s encounter with the protesting students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH), Ogbomoso with trepidation.
I held the view that most of the commentators were largely unfair to Governor Ajimobi, who out of his ‘magnanimity’ and ‘love’ for the students had to put on hold an all-important State Executive Council meeting of the day.
I was wondering how much we have degenerated as a people to haul abuses at our political leaders, particularly an exalted position of the Office of Governor of a leading state like Oyo. I was so touched that I was about calling on behalf of my brother and friend the Governor, some of the names I saw in the corrosive attack on the person of Governor Ajimobi and his exalted office.
Shockingly however, a good Samaritan sent me the video clips of the Governor’s encounter. I was simply dump and overwhelmed. I lost my composure and I couldn’t close my mouth for some time! I went back to read the comments all over. It had increased in terms of number and disapproval.The language of vehemence was in bad taste. Ostensibly, many of the commentators were visibly angry and rattled by the Governor’s outburst. Along the line, I stumbled on another angle posted by my brother, Mr.Yomi Layinka, who has the singular misfortune of being Governor Ajimobi’s spokesperson at the twilight of this administration. A thorough-bred,versatile and intelligent professional, Mr. Layinka’s bravery to save his boss unfortunately refused to fly! It happens like that occasionally when one manages a cantankerous and a rabidly egoistic principal like my brother.
The worst of military governors,with all the paraphernalia of dictatorship, will not go to this ridiculous extent. It is quite shameful that this is happening under a civilian rule, particularly at the political headquarters of the Yoruba race.
After I recovered from the traumatic fit occasioned by the Governor’s sacrilege, buoyed by the sad truism that he was operating from the epic centre where Chief Obafemi Awolowo once held sway, I came to one definite conclusion. GOVERNOR AJIMOBI NEEDS OUR PRAYERS.
In a season of anomie like this, when the respected Elders and the politically sagacious Elites of Ibadanland have resigned to fate; the traditional institutions have withdrawn into their shells; the state intelligentsia have distanced themselves; remarkable and colourful politicians are standing arms akimbo and virtually everybody are waiting and praying for Governor Ajimobi’s tenure to just come to a quick end, all we need most is prayers for the land.
The situation becomes worrisome,as everybody working with the Governor seem to have lost their voices and possibly,their humanity.For many, they are enduring the job for the pay as their individual experiences were nothing to write home about and their conditions very pitiable. Who will blame them? This economy is very inclement!
Even though, the Governor have lost many of his very good and dependable hands due to what many have described as arrogance, caustic mouth and poor human relations. Despite his legendary flawed character, he is still blessed with a handful of highly cerebral, patriotic and hard-working professionals
who know their onions. But the Governor is one person who listens only to himself and, or possibly his co-traveller and deputy governor,Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi!
In this quagmire that we have found ourselves, and in the best interest of the future of Oyo State and its citizenry, we all need to pray fervently to avert the calamity and permanent damage Governor Ajimobi’s abysmally poor conduct is capable of causing the totality of Oyo State and precariously the future of our children.
The question that is germane here is :Who will save Governor Ajimobi from himself? When a bull enters a Chinese shop, it requires tact, wisdom and a great deal of careful handling to ensure its peaceful exit,lest the expedition becomes catastrophic!
It is incontrovertible that my brother, Governor Ajimobi needs help.It will not be appropriate for us all to abandon him at this point in time. After all, we are the reason for the CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY temporarily in his care.
Weeping may stay for the night, but JOY comes in the morning. -Psalm 30 :5
God bless Oyo State.
God bless Nigeria.
