“You suffer from the oldest delusion in politics. You think you can change the world by talking to a leader. Leaders are the effects, not the causes of changes” – Alasdair Gray, Lanark
I am always amused to hear some politicians dropping statements such as “it’s my turn; it has been zoned to a particular area or region…” These are slogans aimed at hypnotizing gullible electorates to unquestionably line up behind them. The question is: when has it become the norm to secure public office through turn-by-turn mobilization?
Reminiscent of President Tinubu’s speech in Abeokuta in 2022 during his bid for the presidential ticket of APC, Waheed Adebayo Adelabu airs a sense of entitlement to occupy the highest public office in Oyo State. His statement, “It’s my turn”, has sparked conversations across the State, especially as it reechoes the phrase used by President Tinubu during his presidential bid. Political pundits believe that Adelabu’s declaration is misguided, self-centered and an affront to the electorate, that seem taken for granted.
By the way, who did Adelabu strike a deal with, to take over the baton of leadership of the pacesetter state, after Makinde? What has he sown into Oyo state that he hopes to harvest? What contributions has he made to the development of the state that entitles him to such unqualified support? Or could he be banking on promises of some political heavyweights whom he has served, to compensate his services to them by simply enthroning him, using the electorates as foot mat? These and many more beg for answers.
Adelabu’s posturing shows a man who believes he could safely adopt the mantra of Nigeria’s political maverick, the Maradona of our time, whose strategic, tactical and deft maneuverings, denigrate the strides of the military emperor of yore, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.
The icon of Nigerian godfather politics thought to evoke sympathy and political concession when he was being tactically shut out of a platform to which he had sacrificed so much to build. He deployed the native intelligence of ethnic mobilisation against opposing ethnic gang-up that caught the entire political space napping. His Emilokan statement which went viral and has gained traction in the course of time, is now commanding followership.
Interestingly, the its – my- turn mantra may not resonate with the stakeholders in the governorship race of Oyo State. The Tinubu – Aso villa occupation entitlement campaign, finds no connection with Adelabu’s claim to the throne of Oke-Agodi house. Those who sold the dummy to him would be surprised it would not sway the people in his favour.
Speaking with supporters and party loyalists, the minister said his political journey and experiences both in business and government have positioned him to serve Oyo people better than anyone else. “I have paid my dues, I have waited my turn, and 2027 is my time to lead Oyo State to greatness,” Adelabu reportedly said.
This is laughable! I heard him describing himself as the “most qualified and prepared” to take over from the current governor, Seyi Makinde, when the state goes to the polls in 2027.
O! What an infatuation! In democratically saner climes, even those who have contributed so much to their community as non-political actors, still go an extra mile to justify their plea to the electorates to entrust them with power. As for Adelabu, is there anything citizens have benefited from him despite his personal fortune and wealth acquired through whatever means? What is Mr. Adelabu’s contributions to the growth and development of the state in material or non – material terms, that his “I have paid my dues…” campaign hinges on? What greatness is he talking about that he would foster on the state beyond the usual watery promises of the typical Nigerian politician to turn the earth to heaven only to make life more hellish for the common man or at best give them peanuts in place of tangible qualitative and lasting development? What will Adelabu do than to acquire every available space in Ibadan as he moves around chest – beating? It is deeply troubling to think that someone aspiring to such a dignified office allegedly operates a secret hit squad in and around the state. Undoubtedly, this is not the type of person Oyo people would be proud to have, as the next chief executive of the state.
Who Oyo State needed as its next helm’s man is someone with solid pedigree and who has their interest at heart, not a superfluous political character. It is not your turn sir, as you have proclaimed. Obviously, the state is not looking for another Mr. Buy Ibadan or Oyo State.
The question I would again want Waheed Adebayo Adelabu to answer honestly in order to justify his claim that it is truly his turn to govern the state is – what has been his contribution to the development of Ibadan – his homebase over the years – to qualify him for incontestable adoption by the people?
I am beginning to see a dangerous trend of sentimental manipulation of citizens and castle – in – the – air promises by dubious characters parading as saviours. A self-absorbed political class that sees the electorate as mere stepping stones to actualize their grand ambition to occupy public office mostly for self-gain. It is high time to call their bluff or subject them to rigorous psychological and dispositional examination.
It is pertinent again to ask Adelabu, what qualifies him for this office? Aside the normal constitutional requirements, can he (Adelabu) boast of a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people and a deep understanding of governance at the grassroots level? In all his public life, can he boast of being honest, fair, and sufficiently trustworthy to earn the public’s confidence? Can he present any actionable roadmap for development for which he is ready to be held accountable, without deploying the usual Nigerian “big man” self – defense mechanism? One doubts if Adelabu has what it takes to run a functional and highly effective government and a people – oriented leadership.
It is true that this ‘diaspora’ politician may not be new to the state’s political arena as he first entered the governorship race in 2019 when he ran under the banner of the All-Progressives Congress (APC). Unfortunately, he lost to Seyi Makinde of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who won by a wide margin, due to the malfeasance of his inner circle and his own foul character. His arrogance earned the party in the last two general elections terrible defeat including the last bye- election in the state where APC lost woefully its natural constituent in Ibadan North Local government. Political observers believe Adelabu’s present audacity may stem from the current political strength of the APC in the South-West region, where the party maintains significant control.
This notwithstanding, one hopes that the Minister does not have the feeling that the entire people of the state are that gullible as to be hoodwinked by an ‘emilokan’ mantra. And let it not be that the grave yard silence of notable personalities in the state is a sign of possible genuflecting, reminiscent of the attitude of Ibadan people expressed in the song during the great peculiar mess his granfather exhihibited while he operated as the arroehead of the defunct Ibadan City Council local government “ma a kowo wa na, tapa loni igungun…” which literally translates: “continue to squander our resources, no one dare challenge you”, under the senior Adelabu, in the 1950s. That era is gone for good. This generation would not permit such foolishness.
In fact, the majority of the residents of the state are of the opinion that Oyo needs a leader who connects more directly with the people rather than one who depends on political slogans or federal influence.
Adelabu should therefore justify his qualification to govern Oyo State in 2027. He needs to show us his scorecard as Minister of Power for more than two years and his contributions to the development of Oyo state before pitching for the people’s mandate.
Being a Minister doesn’t mean you automatically understand the people’s day to day struggles. Oyo people are wise; they won’t be carried away by rhetoric. name droppings or slogans.
*Lanre Ogundipe is a Public Affairs Analyst, Former President Nigeria and African Union of Journalists
