Monday, April 8, 2024, will remain indelible in the memory of Messrs Nurudeen Abiola and Taiwo Adeagbo Adigun of the Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA), as well as their families because of the visit of Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, to both men in their modest homes at Binukonu Olunloyo and Oke-‘Badan areas of Ibadan, respectively. The visit appeared both remarkably accurate and remarkably genuine. The expressions on the faces of many of those who were in attendance betrayed their bewilderment. It was a visit neither of the men nor even their relations could have foreseen, but it was a visit that changed the narrative of both men. It was a visit that elevated the profile of the men. The visit sent a message to dedicated and devoted civil servants in Oyo State that their industry and commitment to the ideal the state upholds would not be ignored. It was a visit that sent a message to all and sundry that the governor and the government value the life of every citizen of Oyo State. It was a visit that showed that the well-being of everyone in Oyo State matters to the governor. It was also a visit to send an unequivocal warning to all that any attempt to trample on the rights of the citizens or stand in the way of the law in the state would be resisted by the resolve of the governor and the state’s resources.
However, the buildup to the visit was not exactly a pleasant experience.
The two OYRTMA officials had been about their duties of managing traffic at Onipepeiye, Old Ife Road area of Ibadan, when they arrested a man driving against traffic. The arrest and the ensuing melee culminated in the OYRTMA officials being brutalised by some Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) officers attached to Zone F.
In the days of yore, this would have been handled administratively, with the matter ending up under the carpet and the brutalised men having to nurse their wounds, trauma and shame in the confines of their homes. However, when Governor Makinde learnt of this incident, not only did he resolve to address it, but he also decided to put an end to such ignominious acts. Makinde visited the victims of the brutality to comfort them and assure them of the support of the state government. The governor told the men that those who brutalised them would have a rendezvous with justice as the state would ensure their prosecution. He also visited the Nigerian Immigration Service’s office to underscore his displeasure about the ill-treatment meted out to his men and to register his determination to see that such would never recur in the state.
Makinde and His Love for the Oyo People
Governor Makinde never stops demonstrating his love for the people of Oyo State. Every action he takes as governor speaks to his infinite love for his people. The governor shows the people so much love because he realises love is the ultimate leadership tool.
There is a nexus between love and leadership. The objective of love is to make its object better. Hence, love is never passive but rather passionate; it never takes a rest until its purpose is accomplished. Similarly, true leadership is focused on bringing out the best in people and situations. A leader who loves his people, values them, and dedicates himself to their service. As a result, he makes every effort to protect them from harm and defends them when necessary.
Leaders are called to do for others what they cannot do for themselves, but this becomes feasible only in an atmosphere of love. Leaders wield enormous power, but that power is to be deployed for others’ benefit. Great leaders use their power to add value to others, defend their people, and enhance the quality of life of others by helping them realise their goals and aspirations.
Not only does Governor Makinde love the people he leads, but he also understands the essence of his office and the purpose of his power. He understands that his primary assignment as the state chief executive officer is to protect the people and ensure their well-being. That is why he took it upon himself to visit the OYRTMA personnel rather than send representatives.
The Governor’s action has a long-lasting effect on the people because while he might have explicitly risen in defence of the two OYRTMA personnel, he actually spoke for everyone in the state. He has shown that every citizen is important regardless of status or station. He has also demonstrated the resolve of the state to defend every citizen. According to the law of reciprocity, citizens usually recompense gestures like that. The law says that everyone who has enjoyed a good deed feels indebted to whoever made it possible and looks forward to an opportunity to reciprocate the same. As a result of what the Governor did, Oyo State citizens, whether they are in the civil service or not, are motivated to support the governor in his bid to improve the state. They are also inspired always to give their best for the state, knowing that the state supports them.
Because of what Makinde did, Oyo State citizens will trust him more and go on a limb for their state because they know the Governor has their back. People are motivated to take risks for the state, confident in their protection in unexpected events.
What leaders demand from their followers most of the time is total commitment. However, commitment is not an isolated event but a result of trust. When the people know that their leader will protect them, they grow to trust him, and this inspires commitment in them. When leaders make it abundantly clear that they will defend their people’s interest even beyond the call of duty, they earn in return the trust of such people. One thing about trust is that it cannot be legislated; it is a response to the leader’s attitude to others. A leader who values and cares for his people will easily earn their trust.
On the other hand, when a leader is lackadaisical about the wellbeing of the people, it won’t be easy to earn their trust. The best such leaders can hope to get from them is compliance. The distinction is that those committed are prepared to exceed expectations, whereas those compliant do not. While the committed own the task, the compliant do not. They do not see the task as their own but as the leader’s. So, they are not bothered by its success or failure.
Caring for the people is not quite common in Nigeria. More often than not, Nigerians are made to feel as if they count for little. Those in positions of power often oppress the common people without facing any consequences. Institutions take advantage of the citizens without any help from anywhere. Military men, paramilitary men and police officers denigrate the average citizen without any redress. Even foreigners assault Nigerians within the shores of the country and get away with it. The people need to be defended. That is why they have leaders. When leaders fail to protect their people, the people resort to self help. This is one of the factors fuelling lawlessness and criminality in the country.
Governor Makinde’s advocacy for the helpless and demand for justice demonstrates excellent leadership. When leaders defend the people, the people rise to build a great society.
*Olanrewaju is the Chief Press Secretary to Oyo State Governor.
