The Ibadan Discourse Group (IDG) recently held a national discourse in honour of the late Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, a model of sacrificial leadership, at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan. The event, themed “Fajuyi: Essential Values for National Leadership,” brought together intellectuals, students, and pressure groups to reflect on Fajuyi’s leadership qualities and their relevance to Nigeria’s current challenges.
In his speech, the Chairman of the event, Chief Adebisi Adesola, described the occasion as apt, given the state of the nation and the ongoing debate on purposeful leadership.
He emphasised the need for Nigerians to emulate Fajuyi’s values of sacrifice, hospitality, and courage, which he believes can serve as a foundation for restoring value-based leadership in the country.
Dr. Adesola noted that leadership has been a significant problem hindering Nigeria’s progress, with each change in leadership attributed to poor performance. He cited the example of former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticising his successors, and stressed the need for a change in approach.
The Patron of IDG, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, extolled Fajuyi’s virtues as a brave soldier and good administrator, highlighting his loyalty to leadership and his role in quelling the Operation Wet West political crisis in the Western Region.
Guest lecturer Prof. O.B.C. Nwolise emphasised that good leadership is rooted in peace, development, and the well-being of the people. He stressed that lawlessness, not lack of leadership, is Nigeria’s greatest challenge.
Prof B.C. Nwolise proposed several solutions, including the reconvening of the Southern Governors’ Forum and the establishment of a team to explore philosophical songs as a means of teaching sacrifice.
Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, a former Governor of Ondo State, described Fajuyi’s choice to die alongside his friend and superior as a rare act of loyalty and selflessness. He called for restructuring Nigeria’s political system to reflect its diverse nature and condemned election rigging as a form of civilian coup.
Call For Value-Based Leadership
The event concluded with a call for Nigerians to emulate Fajuyi’s discipline, fearlessness, and integrity. The Ibadan Discourse Group plans to use creative art to drive unity and development, including the possibility of making a historical film to tell Fajuyi’s story.
