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Tag: Asiwaju

  • Asiwaju Olatunde Badmus: This is your life!

    Asiwaju Olatunde Badmus: This is your life!

    • By Dawood Ajetunmobi

    I must confess that the title of this article is not originally mine. It draws inspiration from “Aare, This is Your Life,” a heartfelt tribute penned by Oloye Lekan Alabi in honour of the late Aare Arisekola Alao. It was written following the conferment of Nigeria’s prestigious Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) award by the late President Umar Yar’Adua on December 22, 2008, in Abuja.

    In his work, Oloye Lekan noted that he borrowed the title from a television program titled ‘This Is Your Life,’ produced and presented by Mr. Eamon Andrews of Independent Television in London. This poignant documentary connects remarkable achievers with their pasts through the memories of teachers, classmates, childhood friends, professional colleagues, mentors, protégés, and admirers, who candidly share their experiences with the guests featured.

    However, this piece is not about Mr. Andrews’ programme; it is dedicated to Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland.

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    The scene was set at the Aafin Soun of Ogbomosho, where the clock struck 2 PM. Present were a distinguished assembly of royal figures: Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeeen Adesola Lawal; Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi; Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedeokun Abolarinwa; Olororuwo of Ororuwo, Oba Kamrudeen Olayinka Bello; Soun of Ogbomosholand, Ìba Ghandi AfÍlábí Oladunni Ìláoyè; Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland; Asiwaju Khamis Olatunde Badmus; and members of a branch of the Ayilara family from Ogbomosholand.

    Two hours prior, these visiting dignitaries and Asiwaju Musulumi had embarked on a self-imposed peace mission from Osogbo, Osun State, seeking to engage Soun in a discussion about allowing Imam of Ogbomosho, Dr. Yunus Toliat Ayilara, the opportunity to ‘breathe.” This initiative originated at the behest of Asiwaju himself.

    Upon their arrival at the palace, the atmosphere brimmed with palpable tension, thick enough to be cut with a knife. Members of the second faction of the Ayilara family, invited by Soun for this crucial parley, took turns appealing to the audience, fervently arguing why Dr. Toliat should not serve as Imam of Ogbomosholand.

    When it was Soun’s turn to speak, he began by recounting a conversation with the Orangun of Oke-Ila. “When the Orangun informed me that some individuals and Obas from Osun State wished to meet regarding the issue of Toliat, my initial reaction was one of reluctance. I felt I had endured enough meetings concerning the Imam of Ogbomosho, and I certainly did not want to start the New Year grappling with this matter. However, when I learned that the meeting was requested by Mr. Badmus, I felt a flicker of curiosity. I asked the Orangun, ‘Is he the same Badmus we used to hear about when we were younger?’ He confirmed that he was. My desire to reconnect with that cherished figure from my youth was the sole reason I consented to attend; otherwise, I would have declined.”

    Soun proceeded to speak for nearly two hours, skillfully utilizing his pastoral oratory to articulate his views. By the end of his speech, he had managed to sway the opinions of his guests, casting a shadow of prejudice against Imam Toliat. Nevertheless, he offered subtle hints about what Toliat would need to do to earn some breathing space.

    As the entourage exited the palace, Asiwaju expressed his belief that it was crucial to hear from Dr. Toliat as well, humbly proposing this to the Obas. While they agreed with his suggestion, they insisted that, to honor Soun, the meeting with the Chief Imam of Ogbomosholand should be postponed to a later date.

    That later date arrived sooner than expected. Asiwaju seemed to seek someone who could serve as a safety valve for Imam Ogbomosho, particularly given the strong bias that had developed among the Obas due to Soun’s earlier remarks. On the day of the meeting, as I was preparing to go to court, I received a call from Asiwaju. He said, “Aljazeera, please contact Noibul Imam and ask him to reach out to Imam Offa. If his schedule permits, I would greatly appreciate it if he could join me and some Obas in Osogbo today for a peace meeting.”

    Although Asiwaju could have directly called Imam Offa, he preferred not to impose requests on people. Even among his aides, he refrains from dictating what we should do; instead, we find ourselves looking out for his interests and taking the initiative to act accordingly.

    I managed to connect with Noibul Imam, but he was just about to board a plane, returning from Saudi Arabia after performing Umrah. Unfortunately, this meant he wouldn’t be able to deliver Asiwaju’s message to Imam Offa. The task fell on me instead. When I relayed the message to Imam Offa, he immediately acknowledged that, despite his busy schedule, he couldn’t hear Asiwaju’s words and simply turned away from them.

    The meeting proceeded as planned. Imam Ogbomosho presented his side of the story, and a productive exchange took place, with advice and exhortations offered. Together,  roadmaps for peace were devised; the Orangun of Oke-Ila, who had been a childhood friend of Soun, was assigned to collaborate and work on Soun, while Imam Offa was entrusted with addressing the conflicts among the warring Muslims in Ogbomosho.

    What may come as a surprise to many is that Imam Ogbomosho was not informed about this journey until Asiwaju and the Obas returned. This was a completely selfless and voluntary intervention by Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, one that incurred costs of no less than five million Naira. In fact, during his prayers of gratitude for Asiwaju’s remarkable efforts, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun, noted a significantly higher sum.

    Much like the format of the television show ‘This Is Your Life,’ which reflects on the achievements of its honoured guests, the journey to Ogbomosho brought forth many fond memories. Soun’s heartfelt words about Asiwaju, the commitment of four first-class Obas from Osun State to accompany him, their exceptional willingness to gather at Asiwaju’s residence, and Imam Offa’s readiness to attend the meeting in Osogbo on such short notice—all of these highlight the life and greatness of Asiwaju Khamis Olatunde Badmus.

    This is precisely how history will remember Asiwaju Khamis Olatunde Badmus, just as Soun recalls the memories of forty years.

    Happy 79th birthday, Baba!

    •Ajetunmobi, a lawyer and publisher, sent this piece from Osogbo, Osun State.

  • Legal luminary Niyi Akintola becomes Asiwaju of Ido land

    Legal luminary Niyi Akintola becomes Asiwaju of Ido land

    The Traditional Council in Ido Local government, Oyo State on Saturday installed a legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Adeniyi Akintola as Asiwaju of Ido land.

    The event at Ido Local Government Secretariat attracted Chief Akintola’s wife, Justice Rachel Akintola; former Oyo Head of Service Alhaja Ololade Agboola; Oyo Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade and Chairman of Ido Local Government, Sheriff Adeojo among others.

    Akintola described his installation as unprecedented, saying this is the first time all monarchs in Ido local government jointly endorsed someone to be conferred with a chieftaincy title.  

    According to him: “For the traditional rulers in Ido local government to have counted me worthy for the Asiwaju of Ido title out of all sons and daughters of Ido land, it is unprecedented.

    “This is a signal that it is getting to a time I quit politics, with my new title, I need to be open to everybody; I’m not Asiwaju of PDP or APC, I’m for everybody.

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    “I’m thinking seriously about it and that was what informed my initial rejection of the chieftaincy title not only in Ido but many others towns across Oyo State

    “Though challenges in Ido are enormous ranging from insecurity, infrastructural development and others but i will continue impacting on people’s life’s in Ido local government, and improve on it.”

    Some of the traditional rulers in attendance urged other well meaning Nigerians to emulate Akintola’s gesture and contribute their quota towards the progress and development of Ibadanland.

    According to them, Akintola’s efforts towards shaping the society can not be overemphasized considering his pedigree and antecedents.

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  • OPEN LETTER TO: THE PRESIDENT-ELECT, YOUR EXCELLENCY, ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU

    OPEN LETTER TO: THE PRESIDENT-ELECT, YOUR EXCELLENCY, ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU

    OPEN LETTER TO:
    THE PRESIDENT-ELECT,
    YOUR EXCELLENCY, ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU

    IN RESPECT OF THE REQUIREMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 (AS AMENDED) TO NOMINATE AND APPOINT AN INDIGENE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT), ABUJA, AS MINISTER, FOR A REPRESENTATION IN THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND A FERVENT PLEA FOR COMPLIANCE WITH SAME.

    BY RABIU SAIDU, ESQ.

    Let me start by congratulating Your Excellency for emerging victorious in the most keenly contested presidential election since the return to democracy in Nigeria. As you take charge of steering the destiny of the nation in these challenging times in various spheres of lives of Nigerians, may God Almighty endow you with all the necessary tools, good health and wisdom to enable you lead the nation into greatness in all ramifications.

    I am an indigene/native of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and I write in that capacity. I also write on behalf of myself, all the indigenous youths of the FCT, and the conglomeration of indigenous youths’ organisations in the FCT, Abuja.

    This letter could not have been written at a better time than now because, as congratulatory messages are pouring in, we are sure, you are already considering names with a view to forming Your Excellency’s cabinet as soon you are sworn-in as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, come May 29, 2023. As a committed cum determined democrat, and one who possesses the spirit to quicken the pace of Nigeria into attaining its desired and long-awaited developmental goals, we are sure you will hit the ground running as soon as you are sworn-in. Hence, this letter cannot wait for another time.

    We, the indigenes of the FCT, Abuja, have been bedevilled by myriads of challenges which have led to untold deprivations and annihilation of our sense of belonging, consequently reducing us to second-class citizens in our own land! Your Excellency Sir, as we are sure you are aware, the FCT does not have an elected executive head like a Governor or Mayor who would be directly responsible to the plight of the people of the FCT. Aside from being denied or deprived of the opportunity of the people of FCT electing their own leaders whom would be directly responsible and in charge of their affairs, this pitiful situation, has created a huge gap between the people of the FCT and the Federal Government, thereby, rendering us beggars in our land, as it has always been a long and avoidable journey for every problem or issue we need to relate to the Federal Government.

    Another situation is that, FCT, Abuja, is not known to have a State House of Assembly as the other states do. The National Assembly is said to be there to fill in the gap for legislative business regarding the FCT. However, because of the composition of the National Assembly coupled with the enormity of its primary assignment, which is national legislative business, FCT legislative business, does not always receive the due attention it deserves.

    Again, the people of the FCT are not adequately represented in the National Assembly, as only 1(one) senator, in fact, represents, the entire FCT in the Senate and only 2 (two) Members in the House of Representatives. The FCT deserves and is entitled to 3(three) senatorial slots like every other state of the Federation, and much more members of the House of Representatives, taking its population into consideration. While we appreciate the fact that some of these challenges are precipitated by constitutional limitations, we also know that where laws do not represent and reflect the yearnings and aspirations of the people, such laws, including the Constitution, can be amended. While we urge your Excellency sir, to do something with a view to addressing these challenges when you are sworn-in as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we must however, turn to the sole objective of this letter, as we shall further revisit the said challenges and other issues at the appropriate time.

    Your Excellency Sir, the sole objective of this letter, is simply to humbly and respectfully implore you (when you are sworn-in), to comply with the provisions of sections 147 (1), (3), 14(3) and 299 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) which are to the combined effect that, an indigene of the FCT, Abuja, be appointed Minister for a representation of the FCT on the Federal Executive Council.

    Your Excellency Sir, section 147(1) of the Constitution provides that there “…shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government of the Federation as may be established by the president.” Subsection (3) of the same section provides that any “…appointment under subsection (2) of this section by the president shall be in conformity with provisions of section 14(3) of this Constitution: Provided that in giving effect to the provisions aforesaid the president shall appoint at least one Minister from each state, who shall be an indigene of such state.” The provision of section 14(3) of the Constitution, is to the effect that the composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity and to also command national loyalty. Your Excellency Sir, the clear, simple, ordinary grammatical interpretation of Section 147(1) and (3) of the Constitution is that the president must, mandatorily, appoint at least one Minister from each State of the Federation, who shall be an indigene of that State.

    Your Excellency Sir, it is no more in doubt that the Federal Capital Territory is a state. Section 299 of the Constitution provides that “The provisions of this Constitution shall apply to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as if it were one of the states of the Federation…”. Your Excellency Sir, the Court of Appeal in OKOYODE V. FCDA (2005) 27 WRN 97 page 105, has pronounced on Section 299 of the Constitution and held that by “… virtue of Section 299 of the Constitution of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory is in law a state. In other words, the Federal Capital Territory should be treated as one of the states in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Your Excellency Sir, Section 299 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, is thus clear and unambiguous (and it is settled) to the effect that the Federal Capital Territory is a State. Your Excellency Sir, it therefore, follows that, FCT as a state, is equally entitled to have at least one of its indigenes nominated and appointed as Minister in your Excellency’s cabinet, when you are by the grace of God, sworn-in as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Your Excellency Sir, the provisions of section 14(3), 147(1) and (3) of the Constitution, are no doubt, aimed at ensuring equal and fair participation of all states in the recognition of the diversity of the people of this country and the need to forge national unity, promote a sense of belonging among all the peoples in the Federation. The wordings of Section 147(1) and (3) are also crystal clear and simple. They specifically express the need for the reflection of Federal Character in the appointment of Ministers so that each State has at least one Minister who shall be an indigene of the State.

    However, and unfortunately, despite the mandatory provisions of the Constitution to the effect that each state of the Federation, including the FCT which is in law, a state, must be represented in Ministerial appointments by the president, no indigene, since May, 1999, has ever been appointed minister to represent the FCT in the Federal Executive Council. In other words, successive governments of the Federation have not and never appointed an indigene of FCT, Abuja as Minister in the Executive Arm of the Government of Nigeria. The indigenes of the FCT have been and feel gravely marginalized and psychologically traumatized through this deliberate denial and deprivation of this constitutional right. We are constrained to wonder whom we have offended and what offence we have committed to warrant this seeming conspiracy among those in the corridors of power to consistently dehumanize, humiliate and rape us of our constitutional entitlements! Hence, the indigenes have, for so many years, been involved in non-violent agitations in respect of this issue and have faithfully stayed the course.

    Your Excellency Sir, it is imperative to note that the question of the entitlement of the indigenes of the FCT, Abuja, to a ministerial slot, has been more than settled in the case of PANYA v. PRESIDENT, FRN & ORS (2018) LPELR-44573(CA), where the Court of Appeal, held as follows:

    “By the combined effect of the provisions of Sections 199(sic), 147(1) and (3) and 14(3) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, it is obligatory or mandatory for the President of Nigeria to appoint at least one Minister from the indigenes of FCT, Abuja as a Minister to represent them in the Federal Executive cabinet of the Federation. Failure to appoint any Minister from amongst the indigenes of FCT, Abuja, is a flagrant violation of the constitutional right guaranteed by Section 147(3) and its proviso thereto, Section 199(sic) and Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution…” Per TINUADE AKOMOLAFE-WILSON, JCA (Pp 30 – 46 Paras A – C)”
    (Emphasis Ours)

    Your Excellency Sir, the above decision of the Court of Appeal, is not a mere statement of the law on the issue at hand. The Court of Appeal had in that appeal, set aside the order of the Federal High Court striking out the case of the Appellant, Mr. Panya of blessed memory. The Court of Appeal, then entered judgment and granted the reliefs of the Appellant, including an order directing the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to appoint an indigene of the FCT as Minister for a representation of the FCT, Abuja in the Federal Executive Council. Unfortunately, the judgment is yet to be obeyed. The administration of Baba Buhari, is already at its end and we, the indigenes of the FCT, Abuja have decided to look forward to the future.

    Your Excellency Sir, from the foregoing, you may agree with us that demanding that an indigene of the FCT be appointed minister to form part of the cabinet, is in order as same is not only a constitutional entitlement but also backed by a subsisting order of Court which is, though, yet to be obeyed, binding on all authorities and persons in Nigeria. Nevertheless, Your Excellency Sir, we will not and we are not demanding. We are simply asking, we are most respectfully pleading, we are humbly and literally begging that when you are, by the grace of God, sworn-in as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, you should show us the pity and compassion to comply with the said constitutional provisions together with the subsisting order of Court, and appoint an indigene of the FCT as minister to form part of your Cabinet. If you do this for us, Your Excellency would have left an indelible mark on our hearts and would continue to be in your debt. Your Excellency Sir, we believe you are the product of answered prayers as many Nigerians before the general election did not pray for the emergence of any specific presidential candidates; they rather prayed for the emergence of the candidate who is compassionate, who would listen to the cries of the people, and who would lead the country out of the economic doldrums. Now the country is blessed with Your Excellency!

    Just as you are the product of answered prayers, Your Excellency Sir, kindly be the answer to the prayers (of so many years) of the indigenes of the FCT, Abuja. Your Excellency Sir, FCT, Abuja, has so many personalities who are enormously qualified to take up any jobs in your Cabinet, ranging from experienced economists, chartered accounts, engineers, seasoned administrators, medical doctors, seasoned lawyers, political scientists etc. Your Excellency Sir, we respectfully urge you to commence your administration with a symbol of hope and new dawn for Nigeria’s progress by wiping the tears of the indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Your excellency Sir, our request is harmless and it is totally within your powers to grant. Aside the fact that our request does not suffer from any constitutional inhibitions to warrant its refusal, the grant of same would simply cost you nothing, but mean everything to us.

    Your Excellency Sir, let it be said someday that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the dreams of the indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, came true!

    May the Almighty Allah protect you and guide you as you steer the affairs of Nigeria, Amin.

    RABIU SAIDU, ESQ., is an indigene of
    the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and
    a legal practitioner who can be reached
    via saidurabiu@gmail.com

  • Asiwaju and the Yoruba leadership question

    That no single political leader in the whole of Southwest and indeed in the entire country has been able to match Awo’s visionary drive, uncommon selflessness, political sagacity, thought articulation and leadership, immense contribution to the improvement of the lot of the masses and the general development strides nearly 32 years after his death is now beyond contention. While there exist many genuinely striving to mirror the political thoughts and achievements of this Yoruba /national icon with outcomes or achievements that are indeed cause for inspiration – there are also evidences to show that in terms of the quality of political leadership and vision that has evolved in some respects, what we have seen are mere pretentions and lip-service to Awo’s political and economic vision and ideals – even sometimes rather hilariously manifested only in the copious donning of items of dressing which were associated with this remarkable leader, as if this alone translated to advancing his political thoughts and promoting the common good.

    More pressing is the need to seriously dissect how the Yoruba have fared since the exit of the sage – with particular focus on what has transpired since the advent of the fourth republic and to attempt a projection into the future in the context of the new Nigeria whose template the Buhari Presidency is well on the path of defining and advancing. That inevitably leads to the leadership question and raises the clear poser, that more than ever before – are we not at a time when a unifying and visionary figure – able to fit in the shoes left by the late sage is required to galvanise, refine and articulate those progressive ideals for which Southwest has been at the fore-front – demonstrating and sustaining thought and development leadership within that vison of a new and great Nigeria?

    In the face of some discordance and I dare say reactionary thoughts and action now seeping into Southwest with clear potential to undermine progressive thinking, I argue that, at no time other than now are we more urgently in need of a formal “anointing” of a new Yoruba leader

    How have we fared since 1999? The story has been mixed but I will contend that while some modest progress has been made in term of advancing the common good, much more could have been accomplished. There have been some cheering examples such as the demonstration of progressive thought and action fired up in Lagos under Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, well nurtured by Babatunde Fashola and now blossoming under the direction of Akinwunmi Ambode. Yet, there also exist evidences and theatres of awful disappointments such as we have seen under Ayodele Fayose in Ekiti where visionary leadership, thought and action were replaced by an obscene and crude show of power, a concern for the poor only manifested in the coinage of empty phrases such as “stomach infrastructure” and opportunistic photoshoots with the poor while substantial and new thinking and action in respect of advancing the common good clearly suffered. The need to re-invent Southwest such that the progressive strides that have been made are not only sustained but rapidly accelerated as well as ensure that such sad spectacles of failures and under- achievement that we have witnessed remain buried in the past and are not allowed to discolour the present and the future that we seek-  make it imperative and urgent that an individual rallying figure with the right progressive bent, considerable political stature, visionary thinking capabilities and fair and  humane character disposition is now “anointed” to ensure and superintend that transition to a new level of rapid growth and development in Yorubaland which can act as shining example and impetus  of growth in a new Nigeria.

    Let’s not beat around the bush, that political leader whom the cap fits is Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The Lion of Bourdillon has such towering democratic credentials that make him stand out clearly. No wonder President Buhari described this Yoruba cum national leader as a great pillar of our democracy in his 67th birthday message to him. His courageous and vigorous fight for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate of late MKO Abiola, putting personal safety and comfort at risk for that which is just represents one example of his sacrificial pursuit of what benefits the majority –putting aside and indeed not minding personal discomforts or danger which he may or could suffer.

    His democratic credentials and commitment to progressivism is not only what stands him out and make him worthy of leading the Yorubas in the re-engineering of a new Nigeria. No Yoruba leader, after the legendary Chief Awolowo, has achieved such success in political leadership mentorship as Asiwaju has done. We are witnesses to quality leadership talents that have been nurtured under his wings and released for exploits. Several names come to mind – Vive President Yemi Osinbajo, Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, Kayode Fayemi, Femi Gbajabiamila,  Babatunde Fowler, to name a few. There is this uncommon trait, tendency and magnet in Asiwaju that not only draws talents but is also remarkably at ease with the plurality of thoughts that inevitably these pool of minds engender, believing rather that group or collective effort and action is bound to be enriched by such array of talents and diversity of thinking, consequently enhancing the stature of the leader and collective governance outcomes. This is of course a marked departure from what has been seen elsewhere where some prefer to surround themselves with an array of people grossly deficient in thought in the vain belief that their leadership positions are sustained through such narrow and misguided course of action – of course with predictable consequences for the people.

    Equally of note and aligning with his mentorship skills is a certain broadmindedness that has enabled him to bring together people without focusing on narrow sentiments – only mainly concerned about outcomes and the collective good. I found it quite interesting and remarkable that while as governor of Lagos State – as opposed to what some others with limited view and depth would have done – he recruited into his government a good number of talented individuals with origins outside of Lagos based on a mindset that what was most important was delivering for Lagos. Names such as Lai Mohammed from Kwara, Professor Osinbajo from Ogun, Dele Alake from Ekiti, Rauf Aregbesola from Osun, Femi Lanlehin from Oyo, Wale Edun from Ogun and Ben Akabueze from Anambra featured very prominently.  And he did deliver – laying the template for a modern, progressive Lagos

    An important attribute of a progressive is the ability to set the tone of creative thinking ahead of the future for his group and people. This is exactly what Franklin D Roosevelt did when he said “I venture the challenging statement that if American democracy ceases to move forward as a living force, seeking day and night by peaceful means to better the lot of our citizens, fascism will grow in strength in our land.” In the context of Nigeria, Awo was in the fore-front of defining the tone of political thinking in his time at the level of the Southwest region and in the country. In contemporary political discourse, Asiwaju has helped to shape current thinking around critical issues such as restructuring, fiscal federalism and economic re-engineering. The Southwest and indeed the country needs a leader who can be a strong vehicle for aggregating and refining current thinking around critical issues of the time. Asiwaju fits the bill.

    A new Nigeria is evolving under President Buhari and the Southwest needs to re-invent itself in that quest for progressive vision, templates and action that can be worthy examples and input for Nigeria’s growth efforts. Under the leadership of the sage – Awo – the Southwest effectively set that tone. That now needs to be vigorously advanced. Time to “anoint” this leader.

     

    • Prince Ehinlanwo, an information technology and management consultant writes from the United Kingdom.

  • Asiwaju’ll reconcile APC before 2019 – Party chieftain

    The intervention of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu-led National Reconciliation Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), will bring about the total reconciliation in the ruling party. A leader of the party in Lagos East senatorial district, Chief Lanre Razak, made the assertion in his hometown, Epe, at the weekend while commending party leaders and members for their orderly conduct during the ward congresses across the state.

    “Our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has been given an assignment to reconcile the party; I have every confidence that he will achieve the task given to him by President Muhammadu Buhari. Before the 2019 elections, our party will be fully reconciled by the Tinubu-led committee and this will go a long way in ensuring victory for APC here in Lagos and across the country,” Rasak said.

    “Some people expect that we would have crisis riddled congress but you can see for yourself that the whole process is peaceful. The APC has showed that it is the party to emulate. Again there is no party that is devoid of crisis. We have a good crisis management mechanism in place. I commend all our newly elected officials. We are very lucky to have observers from INEC who have just witnessed the process of the ward congress here,” he added.

  • Buhari, Asiwaju and 10th Bola Tinubu Colloquium

    This year’s Bola Tinubu Colloquium, marking the 66th birthday of Asiwaju Tinubu, may have come and gone, but it was an occasion many will not forget in a hurry. The galaxy of dignitaries in attendance, the high quality of presentations made and speeches delivered and the moving accounts rendered by beneficiaries of the social investment programmes of the government made the event a highly memorable one. This 10th edition of the colloquium confirms the platform has come to be accepted as a forum for the critical interrogation of the nation’s problems and presentation of substantive ideas for the way-forward.

    This year’s theme- ‘Investing in People’ was particularly apt. It drew attention to governmental programmes improving the lives of many poor and vulnerable Nigerians. It was eye-opening to see and hear people from all parts of the country narrate how a particular government programme that invested in ordinary people enabled many to leave the ranks of the unemployed or poverty-stricken by starting their businesses or acquiring skills that enabled them to gain employment. Students emotionally recounted how the school feeding program enabled them to have at least one solid meal a day and how this has been a magnet for them and others to attend school by overcoming the hunger and poverty that previously kept them away from the classroom.

    President Muhammadu Buhari who had attended the 8th edition of the colloquium held in Abuja made a return at this year’s event. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who leads a committee of Tinubu’s associates to organize the annual programme, did a superlative job with this event. At least 20 state governors, captains of industry, prominent traditional rulers from across the country, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries attended.

    In a powerful speech, Vice President Osinbajo recounted how the idea for the colloquium was born and its essence. He said the idea was based on Asiwaju Tinubu’s encouragement of lively debate and discussion among his cabinet and other advisors while he was Lagos State governor. The Vice President explained the philosophy behind the social investment programmes of the Buhari administration, emphasizing that the establishment of this social safety net was unprecedented in Nigeria. This feat was even more impressive considering the lower oil prices and diminished revenues this government faces as opposed to the prior PDP administrations. The VP did not mince words in drawing a clear distinction between the APC Buhari government and the PDP government it supplanted. He said the government of President Goodluck Jonathan wasted and squandered money when oil prices were high. The Jonathan government engaged in record corruption instead of investing in the people, though it had greater means to do so.  The Buhari government has been able to do much more for the people although it has less money, Osinbajo stated. He said Nigerians should remember that the PDP lost and looted on a grand scale. Thus, they should not be again given the reins of government as they will only repeat their financial hijinks.

    Also at the event, there were  presentations on the government’s Social Investment Programme by the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, and National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) by the National Coordinator of the programme, Mrs. Abimbola Adesanmi. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and Youth Employment, Mr. Afolabi Imoukhuede, spoke on N Power Programme and Job Creation, Executive Director, Bank of Industry and Coordinator, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, Mrs. Constance Lewechukwu, spoke on the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme ‘Market Moni’ while the Special Assistant to the President on Social Investment, Hajiya Maryam Uwais, dwelt on the National Cash Transfer Programme. Some of the beneficiaries of these programmes came on stage to speak about the benefits they derived from the programmes and their experiences.

    The 10th colloquium offered a platform to explain the government’s social investment policies and programmes to the people. This was appropriate given there is a lack of awareness in some quarters as to the efforts undertaken to establish a social safety net adequate to the needs of the people.

    Now a few clarifications. One, some commentators have argued the colloquium was like a 2019 campaign launch for President Buhari. Not so. The event was to draw a sharp distinction between the progressive ideals and resultant people-oriented policies of the APC and the corrupt banality of PDP style governance. As one of the leading progressive voices in the nation, Asiwaju Tinubu was pleased to have received such an explanation of government programmes on his birthday.  The colloquium served to underscore that the government indeed remained faithful to the APC’s progressive creed despite the budgetary and other constraints faced. No PDP government can claim the same loyalty to ideals and to the people.

    President Buhari himself spoke at the Colloquium, affirming his commitment to reform and improve Nigeria despite the hardships those who benefit from the status quo may concoct to deter the drive for a better, more just nation.   The president had said: “I am happy to be here with you to celebrate the birthday of my friend and political partner, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  I call on all Nigerians to join me in celebrating this man.  Asiwaju Tinubu is widely known as a political strategist.  But strategy is barren unless wedded to a higher purpose than just itself. Here, Asiwaju also sets himself apart.  I have come to see him as a man who cares about people and who is a fountain of ideas for economic development and improving the situation of the common man and woman.  He is a true humanitarian and we appreciate his contributions to Nigeria’s and Africa’s progress”. Later, Asiwaju Tinubu would also speak highly of the president and his commitment to progress despite the undermining antics of those opposed to change.

    Two, some others including a few writers also alleged that Asiwaju deliberately skipped some dignitaries among them ministers and traditional rulers when recognizing people at the colloquium. Some specifically tried to make heavy weather over the unintentional omission of the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN),

    a former governor of Lagos State. These people seek to stir a tempest in a teaspoon. Those in attendance saw how Asiwaju was emotionally moved by the honour done him by the presence of some leading Nigerians present to the extent that he put aside his prepared speech to speak extempore. He did so out of a feeling of gratitude not pettiness. At such moments, the exactitude of protocol can escape a person. There are many that Asiwaju probably wanted to acknowledge but did not simply because of uniqueness of the moment.

    That Fashola was there only contributed to the fullness of that moment. Asiwaju would not have stained such a special time by knowingly refusing to recognize Minister Fashola or anyone else for that matter.  Over the years, Asiwaju has repeatedly and publicly acknowledged the fine place that Babatunde Fashola holds in the history of governance of the state. Those who now try to spark enmity should find more constructive work for their overactive imaginations.

     

    • Rahman, former Editor, THISDAY on Sunday Newspaper, is Media Adviser to Asiwaju Tinubu.

  • Asiwaju: Initiator of Greater Lagos @ 65

    Watching proceeding from a comforting position during the 9th Bola Tinubu Colloquium at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos recently, I could not but admire the assemblage of great people and minds, all out to salute the astuteness and courage of a greater mind, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu at 65.
    I watched accomplished elder statesmen, technocrats, politicians, political office holders, head of parastatals and agencies, governors, senators, company CEOs, LG chairs and grassroots leaders and professors smother to get his attention, so they can wish him many more sagacious years. Politicians came from far and wide; from his ruling party and opposition PDP and all frolics around him to echo their personal birthday wishes. President Muhammadu Buhari aptly captured this mood when, in his delivered message, described the APC national leader as the ‘Asiwaju (Trailblazer) of the universe’.
    Tinubu’s political knowledge and influence transcends boundaries. He is like the proverbial king that sits in his palace, yet knows what goes on home and abroad. He is a national leader, operating at the very height of party system, yet remains close to his roots, and able to direct affairs of local government politics. In-fact, that is where he derives his power-from his people-who, it does not matter where they are coming from, he knows them and they know him.
    It does not matter if he is a governor sitting on top of the country’s novel state, or senator, or local government chairman, or still, a ward leader, Asiwaju easily identifies with each one of them, he acknowledges them by name and understands their constituencies like the back of his palm.
    That is why he has remained head-above-shoulder of other politicians in this clime.
    Like American poet Criss Jami had written, “Great minds think alike because a greater mind is thinking through them.” Asiwaju is the greater mind behind great minds. And, quite many can attest to this.
    Though, difficult to unravel the puzzle called Tinubu, the story of Lagos is the story of Tinubu, and as a ‘Lagos Boy’ and keen follower of ‘Tinubu’s Politics’, I would attempt to paint him through his political path in Lagos.
    How do you know a great leader? Jack Ma, Chinese billionaire and founder of Alibaba Group says, “A leader should be a visionary and have more foresight than an employee.”
    From the moment Tinubu took over the mantle of Lagos State 18 years ago, you’ll know he’s a man of immense vision and he was crystal clear about the future of Lagos. He had projection of a Greater Lagos and came up with a blueprint to arriving there.
    And, like French Emperor said, “In today’s complex and fast moving world, what we need even more than foresight or hindsight is insight,’ Tinubu has mastered the act of foresight, hindsight and insight because they all work to bring out the greatness of man.
    Like Nostradamus, the man that saw the future, he saw clearly the greatness of Lagos, but with hindsight, he discovered the stumbling blocks and that answer lies within and not without-the insight to project greatness from inside. For Lagos to work, he understood that he must make leaders like him and he was not afraid to galvanise ordinary people and transform them into extraordinary minds to facilitate his dream.
    True, many, maybe out of sheer pettiness and selfishness, fell by the way side, he did not stop believing in people, and that is why he remains relevant today.
    In this wise, many have called Tinubu different names, The grand planner, The Builder, The Trailblazer, The Game changer, and The Transformer, but I chose to call him ‘The Initiator’.
    He dared the odd to see the possible rather than the impossible and initiated the Lagos blueprint and ensured that it is followed through. Though, few could see where he was going, he stayed true to his plans and was always talking about it. He saw the stumbling blocks, both small and great, some he even created, and he employed dynamic methods; for some, persuasion, for others, association and at times, force to move them away.
    Like Lee Kuan Yew, the initiator of Modern Singapore and the greatest leader the Southeast Asian country has known, Tinubu is fearless yet respects and has so much love for his people. Yew was once asked if he truly interferes in the private lives of citizens, his answer, “Yes, if I did not, had I not done that, we wouldn’t be here today. And I say without the slightest remorse, that we wouldn’t be here, we would not have made economic progress if we had not intervened on very personal matters-who your neighbour is, how you live, the noise you make, how you spit, or what language you use.”
    Lagos is indeed working and is today the pride of other states in Nigeria. While, many states are grasping with unpaid salaries and unfinished project due to low federal allocation occasioned by economic recession, Lagos is flourishing, building bridges, constructing new roads and paying salaries and allowances of its staff by 25th of the month. It is also creating more jobs and empowering thousands of youths.
    New cities are springing up, new lands and new mega companies. This is the Lagos that Asiwaju Tinubu saw many years ago and worked acidulously to create. I’m bold to say that there is no other state like Lagos in Nigeria today, yet Lagos does not get the biggest federal allocation. Like its initiator, Tinubu, the bridge builder and great leader, Lagos had simply looked within to generate great people, great plans, and great wealth.
    Like all great men, adversary dogs Tinubu’s path like a shadow, even his beneficiaries have turned around to haunt him, but Asiwaju is a man with a large heart. A heart that is even larger than him. He loves to give and give and that has been his staying power and his saving grace. That is the edge that he has maintained over other Nigerian leaders, and what has set him apart and above.
    Asiwaju is a man of many parts: a bridge builder, philanthropist, master strategist, and patriot who in many ways have raised the standard of civilization and human dignity.
    Nigeria owes Tinubu a huge gratitude for his determination, consistency, doggedness, vision and fearless disposition in the strengthening and enthronement of good governance in the country.
    Like South African leader Nelson Mandela, he is a believer of humanity. He is astute in politics, yet soft as a dove, I don’t know how many politicians can exhibit these two traits well like Asiwaju. He is a consummate talker, especially when he has an idea to sell, yet he listens and is always willing to bow for common good.
    He knows when to bare his fangs and when to hold his tongues and when to hold his feet down.
    I wish Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the encyclopaedia of politics, our leader, well, as he celebrates 65 and many more years ahead.

    •Hon. Ajide writes from Lagos.

  • APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

    APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

    Bola Ahmed Tinubu a.k.a. Asiwaju or Jagaban (born 29 March 1952) was elected Senator for the Lagos West constituency in Lagos State, Nigeria in 1993, just before a military take-over in December 1993. After the return to democracy, he was elected governor of Lagos State, holding office from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007.

    He is an influential member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party; he also holds both the chieftaincies of the Asiwaju of Lagos and the Jagaban of the Borgu Kingdom in Niger State, Nigeria. He is the National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) party with President Muhammadu Buhari.

    His political career began in 1992, on the platform of the Social Democratic Party in the faction of the Peoples Front led by Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and other politicians in the faction such as Dapo Sarumi and Yomi Edu when he was elected to the Nigerian Senate representing the Lagos West constituency in the short-lived Nigerian Third Republic.

    After the results of the 12 June, 1993 presidential elections were annulled, Tinubu became a founding member of the pro-democracy National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which mobilised support for the restoration of democracy and recognition of the 12 June results. He went into exile in 1994 and returned to the country in 1998 after the death of military dictator Sani Abacha, which ushered in a transition to civilian rule.

    In April 2007, after the elections but before the new governor had taken over, the Federal Government brought Asiwaju Bola Tinubu before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for trial over alleged illegal operation of 16 separate foreign accounts. In January 2009 the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) cleared Bola Tinubu of charges of conspiracy, money laundering, abuse of office and official corruption in relation to a sale of V-mobile network shares in 2004.

    Tinubu is married to Oluremi Tinubu, the current Senator representing Lagos central. His mother, Abibatu Mogaji died on June 15, 2014, at the age of 96.

  • Asiwaju Unity Forum inaugurated

    Asiwaju Unity Forum inaugurated

    A non-political pressure group, Asiwaju Unity Forum has been inaugurated in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

    Hundreds of stakeholders converged on Aquaterra event Centre at 1st Avenue, Festac Town Lagos to witness the inauguration of the forum.

    Declaring that the launch was a huge success, a royal father, Oba Mobadenle Oyekan the Onilado of Ilado and Inagbe Islands told the audience that the presence of the different ethnic nationalities attested to this.

    According to the monarch, the people of Amuwo Odofin had resolved to be united with a view to move the area forward in the scheme of things in Lagos State.

    Oyekan expressed support for Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, saying  “If his opponents in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulated him for doing well, I think I cannot do less,” he said.

    He, however, maintained that Amuwo Odofin was short changed in the scheme of things and the objective of the AUF was to ensure a reversal of such trend.

    Speaking at the inauguration, a  stalwart of the APC and the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Nurudeen Eyinfunjowo promised to inform the party’s leadership about the postulations of the group and finding solutions to the issues they had raised.

    Some of the personalities present include: Onisiwo of Tomaro and Abagbo Kingdom, Oba Musiliu Onisiwo; APC chieftain, Alhaji Nurudeen Eyinfunjowo; Eletu of Ilado and Inagbe Island, Chief Bashir Adeniyi Dosumu; Chief Opeluwa Mondiu Lawal; Alhaji Umar, Sarkin Hausawa of FESTAC Town; Chief Kingsley Ugonachi and Engr. Makuo Emesiani amongst others.

    Groups who were represented by their leaders in Amuwo Odofin  include: the Arewa, Ndigbo, Edo, Hausa, Fulani, Itshekiri Yoruba and the Youth groups. Leaders of these groups later posed for photographs with Alhaji Eyinfunjowo. They promised to meet again soonest.

  • Asiwaju @ 65: To fight is to live

    Asiwaju @ 65: To fight is to live

    He who has not discovered what he/she can die can die for is not fit to live. – Martin Luther-King

    The organizers probably only intended an entertainment for charity. But, beyond raising cash for the needy, the brainchild of the novelty duel would, at the end, find they have also helped fashion an enduring allegory for what often animates enlightened conversations in Nigeria today: the Tinubu role in the nation’s riveting political narrative in the last two decades.

    Sure, pitting world heavyweight boxing champion Evander “the real deal” Holyfield against Asiwaju, a warrior in Nigerian politics, in a bout slated for May in Lagos is the stuff legends are made of. What Bola Tinubu lacks in physiognomical weight against the Goliath from Atlanta, for instance, he easily makes up where it counts most – will power.

    But the real excitement should be more in the countdown. Will there be the customary weighin ritual where the combatants, flaunting sweating 6-packs, exchange icily cold stare before television cameras transmitting to a global audience? Will ex amateur boxing champion Wale Edun (the inspiration behind the monthly Lagos amateur boxing tournament) volunteer to be sparring partner to much older Jagaban ahead of the big night? (As a former amateur boxer himself, this writer can vouch for Mr. Edu’s terrific footwork and even more terrifying hands combination).

    Now, the evaluation of the arsenal. As any Tinubu insider will attest, Asiwaju’s most dreaded weapon against neighbourhood bullies while growing up in Isale Eko was a ferocious head-butt. Could that also be deployed after the sound of the bell against the man whose mystique is partly framed by the humbling two decades ago of the once menacing Mike Tyson?

    Then, the dramatic punch of Professor Wole Soyinka, a literary giant with global reach. With his immaculate white mane that readily evokes the shadow of boxing icon Don King, it will be interesting to observe Kongi’s agility in still “holding rapid dialogue with” his feet even at 83 while officiating the exchange of blows and upper-cuts in the rope square on the night ahead… Now, away from the sweat-bespattered arena of “the noble art in self-defense”.

    In characterizing Tinubu as the “Asiwaju of the universe” on Tuesday, boxing could not have featured, even remotely, on President Buhari’s mind. In his tribute at a colloquium held in Lagos as prelude to his 65th birthday Wednesday, PMB further described the celebrant as “the most outstanding politician of his generation”. Indeed, the president only restated what is already well known.

    Viewed closely, the theme of struggle and liberty is easily discernible in all of Asiwaju’s political engagements. They remain a study in uncommon courage, forbearance in adversity, grace in denial. Those who dare him don’t know him; those who know him never dare him. He carefully picks his friends. He relishes the company of activists and the likes.

    His titanic exploits and huge sacrifice in NADECO in the 90s while Abacha tormented the land are already well documented. The illustrious memory of that struggle is what, according to him, now partly finds constant expression in the motif of a broken chain embroidered in his cap. (The now recognizable Asiwaju insignia, that is.) As he puts it, the broken chain epitomizes freedom.

    What’s more, if you come over to his private office on Lagos Island, a giant signpost, “The Freedom House”, welcomes you. Since 1999, compared to the poverty of ideas and acute leadership bankruptcy suffered at the national level for the 16 straight years PDP controlled Abuja, Tinubu’s Lagos has continued to sparkle as the ultimate center of innovation and excellence, holding aloft the flicker of hope for other states.

    Nothing readily illustrates this perhaps more than the very location of the forthcoming novelty boxing fight. Planted in a soil reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean, the emerging Eko Atlantic City is a shining monument to human ingenuity in seeking to quench a megacity’s thirst for more land space and, at a personal level, a golden testimony to Tinubu’s fecundity as a man of ideas.

    From being the “last man standing” in 2003 in the South-west after Obasanjo’s ambush of the Alliance for Democracy confraternity, Tinubu held out bravely in Lagos in the subsequent years against the rampaging PDP. With an uncanny application of populism, uncommon daring and innovative ideas, he inspired a progressive resurgence that eventuated in ACN’s total control of South-west in 2011, except Ondo State. Of course, that created the momentum that would alter, on a seismic scale, the national landscape in the years ahead. If Hurricane Buhari overwhelmed Jonathan in 2015, it was only because, for once since June 12, the usually fractious progressive community across the nation agreed to pool their resources together and confront a common enemy. The turning-point was undoubtedly Tinubu’s self-sacrifice in accepting to forgo his own personal ambition and putting in the service of the renascent progressive coalition his vast political assets. Since Buhari took over in Abuja, opinions are definitely divided today if Asiwaju has got a fair treatment relative to his toils and whether sufficient space is created for the infusion of his fabled winning ideas in the governance process at a time of economic pestilence. Some would argue he was too trusting to agree to lead a battle without first agreeing on the terms of compensation after victory. Regardless, only those who don’t know Tinubu intimately would, by any stretch of imagination, continue to peddle the fallacy of any regret on his part. In planting the seed, a farmer acts in faith. It is rarely within his powers to also determine how bounteous the harvest would be. Before throwing himself into any battle, all Tinubu often bothers about is whether such is consistent with his core value as a human being – social justice, the pursuit of what is best for the community. The formula for sharing the war booty can wait. So, in spearheading the coalition against PDP between 2014 and 2015, Tinubu must have reached a personal conclusion that the clearly sybaritic and clueless Jonathan now posed grave danger to Nigeria’s continued survival as a corporate entity. That principle was very much in evidence in 2011. Apparently not unmindful of the just cry of the people of Niger Delta over the years for power shift, Tinubu would seem to have chosen not to mobilize fully his political forces against Jonathan in the South-West in the historic presidential election of that year. It was, therefore, not a coincidence that Jonathan won big in Yorubaland in that poll, save in Osun State where hard-tackling Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for once, broke ranks. But in appreciation, one of the earliest projects embarked on by Jonathan with much zealotry after being sworn in was to put Tinubu on trial at the Code of Conduct tribunal over what turned out to be false charges. The cost of that political folly must have dawned on Jonathan four years later following his forced return to his native riverine Otuoke, humbled and battered electorally. Jagaban had resolved to stake his all to rout PDP from Aso Rock. At a personal level, to say Asiwaju is a reporter’s delight will be an understatement. As governor, he preferred to host journalists at informal sessions periodically to foster personal relationship, deftly seizing the moments to create for them a sense of ownership of his administration. On the whole, his charms derive largely from his humility, not deeming it belittling to share even the darkest secret or seek the opinion of someone who, by stature and status, could not be considered an equal. All he has to establish first is your trustworthiness. As administrator, his strength lies in surrounding himself with mostly those who can disagree with him. In an environment where only sycophancy seems most desirable and fashionable, this is quite significant indeed. In fact, Tinubu craves intellectual jousts, often at the dinner table. At such moment, you could mistake him for a hyperactive schoolboy, either punching the air or banging the table while marshaling his point before equally unyielding quarries, luminaries of varying talents themselves. From such hot distillation of ideas, what then emerges as consensus at the Bourdillon roundtable is a robust prescription to identified challenge. So, when at a crossroads vis-a-vis policy options, it is often this formidable faculty Asiwaju engages. And when in the dark at personal level, it is the sense of judgement of that inner circle Tinubu depends on. The depth and range of that leadership recruitment and grooming process is clearly reflected in the constellation of Tinubu boys and girls who today occupy the commanding heights of the nation’s political economy and are individually proving their mettle. In a close encounter, Tinubu is not your fasttalking braggart. A man of deep emotion, he carefully picks his words in a deep guttural voice, gesticulating occasionally. But don’t be fooled; behind that seemingly vacant stare is an encyclopedic mind. No less engaging is his self-humour. He would recall with nostalgia his early childhood exploits on Lagos Island under the wings of a doting father. As was common with Muslim homes then, an Alfa (Islamic tutor) was contracted by Pa Tinubu to teach his brood Koran verses at home after school hours. To get pupils to memorize long verses, most Alfas took extraordinary measures, especially a generous application of “atori” (horse-whip). So, for then little Bola and other kids, the mere thought of Alfa was a source of fear, if not terror. For a long time, Pa Tinubu would only sit in his reclining chair in the veranda, savoring the evening breeze, not bothering to enquire what transpired between the bearded Alfa and the kids in the courtyard behind. But following a shriek cry by one of the kids one day, the old man broke his rules by walking over. To his chagrin, he met the Alfa still thrashing his beloved little Bola mercilessly not just with a big whip; his left hand clutched another one. Many decades later, Asiwaju, a glint of boyish mischief in his eyes, would recall what had transpired next that fateful evening: “My daddy came to our rescue by telling the Alfa off, ‘Will you stop this nonsense! I pay you to teach my children Koran, not to kill them for me with cane!!’ ” Of course, that was the last day that particular Koran teacher came to their home. In yet another fit of self-humor, Asiwaju would recount, with photographic clarity, his ordeal at the hands of night marauders during his early days in politics in the early 90s. The party caucus had just risen from a meeting ahead of a campaign date. As the treasure, he was handed cash to share to the foot-soldiers the following morning. Later that night, he was barely half-asleep in the hotel room when a cold hand violently roused him. Looking up, what he saw sent shivers down his spine: a gunman stood by the bed menacingly. Quickly wiping the last trace of sleep off his face in the half-lit room, Asiwaju’s instinct to duck vanished the moment he beheld two other assailants brandishing equally dangerous weapons just on the other side of the bed. Given the timing of that unholy visit, he needed no reminding that his quarries were acting on insider information. Realizing the futility of resisting in the circumstance, he did the most sensible thing by not waiting to be asked before dragging out the bag of cash he earlier carefully stashed away under the bed. His recollection: “I found myself cooperating without a question.” To see the emotional side of Asiwaju, you only need to steer your conversation to his very humble beginning or the question of comradeship or loyalty to friends or ideas. He never forgets a favour, however minor. Just as he is ready to stake his life defending anyone he considers a true friend. Little wonder he is fondly called the “Lion of Bourdillon”. •This piece, slightly abridged and updated to reflect recent developments, first appeared as a chapter in a collection of essays entitled “Asiwaju – Leadership In Troubled Times” published in 2012 to mark Tinubu’s 60th birthday.