By Inwalomhe Donald, Osogbo
SIR: Prof Alade Fawole in his article ‘BOS: Beyond mere title repudiation’ on page 19 of The Nation of 15th, November, 2019 stated that Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu made it known recently that he had decided to forsake the title of “Your Excellency”, a title he had been addressed by since his inauguration on May 29. He would rather be referred to simply as “Mr. Governor.”
His rejection of this grandiose and immoderate title, and embrace of simplicity, would appear to have stemmed from his deep and profound conviction, according to him, that “Only God, the Almighty, the Creator, the Protector is the Most Excellent” and “No man can share His eternal qualities.”
He is entitled to his philosophical convictions, as well as his desire to stand out from the crowd. No one can seriously disagree with his assertion that no mortal man should arrogate to himself qualities that belong only to the Almighty God.
I want to advice Prof Alade Fawole not to pre-empt Governor Sanwo-Olu on his deep and profound conviction.
Prof Fawole said that, truth be told, Governor Sanwo-Olu is neither the first nor the only one to distance himself from such pompous, extravagant and undeserved reverential titles.
Two contemporary examples will suffice. Before him were Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, who opted to be addressed as “Ogbeni”, and Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State who goes by the title “Arakunrin”.
It is difficult for Prof Fawole to know whether they went beyond the mere repudiation of honorific title to bring substantive and lasting alteration to how states are governed.
We must commend Prof Fawole of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife for highlighting the contemporary advocates of demystification of power, particularly at the executive level, which several other commentators have ignored.
For the records, former Governor Aper Aku of Benue State equally repudiated the unconstitutional, irrelevant and obnoxious appellation of “His Excellency and Executive Governor” that is prevalent in our clime.
He was however unfair in his subtle denouncement of Ogbeni and Arakunrin, as to their motives and purpose. Arakunrin is still a work in progress but Ogbeni’s two-term tenure must not be malicious rubbished. Whereas comments are free, facts are sacred, Ogbeni walked his talks.
On what Ogbeni did in office, it is best to look at the intangibles: he donated his eight-year salary to the state. This sum went into education, healthcare, social investments such as stipends to the elderly, widows, school feeding, O’YES.. Ogbeni promoted OMOLUABI ethos the lost ethical and moral compass of the Yoruba people.
Ogbeni pioneered the massive youth engagement programme OYES that turned Osun to the most peaceful, secured and lowest poverty index in Nigeria. Ogbeni promoted healthy living through monthly mass participation and community based “ WALK TO LIVE “ programme which covered the entire state.
Read Also: Sanwo-Olu drops title of ‘Your Excellency’ opts for ‘Mr. Governor’
Ogbeni introduced Destitutes Rehabilitation scheme that removed and rehabilitated scores of destitute especially those with mental challenges. Ogbeni enumerated vulnerable and distressed senior citizens in Osun with the help of Professor Ogunbameru of OAU an expert in gerontology and put on a monthly stipend of N10,000 for for years.
Ogbeni gave fifty thousand grade 12 students of high schools OPON – IMO to aid learning.Ogbeni revived Calisthenics for our teenagers to inculcate cooperation, coordination, concentration and creativity. Ogbeni pioneered all-night civic engagement programme for interaction and information of citizens.
Sir, this is beyond mere title repudiation for pride and style.
The former governor said though acquiring new houses, cars and other related property might be desirable as a governor, but added that they were no longer of necessity to him and that what was noble and honourable for him to do was to donate his salaries for the eight years he was governor for the good and benefit of the government and people of the state.
Ogbeni in several fora said he built no house in Osogbo, Ilesa, Lagos or any other place throughout his two-term tenure. He had no bank account anywhere in the world during that time.
He said sticking to only essential needs either at the level of individuals or a country would enhance investment and productivity.
Prof Fawole should extol the leadership quality of Ogbeni, especially his passion for selfless service to mankind as demonstrated by the forfeiture of his salaries for eight years.
I want to appeal to the Professor to admonish more Nigerians to emulate Ogbeni the man that donated his salary to the state to develop education and health care in Osun State.
Nigeria needs more people like Ogbeni who can give their all for the benefit of mankind and poor Nigerians.
- Inwalomhe Donald, Osogbo, inwalomhe.donald@yahoo.com
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