In Defence Of Governor Ajimobi – Senior OAU Lecturer Speaks

 

Governor Abiola Ajimobi

Let’s get straight to the point. I have seen a lot of comments, satirical posts and innuendos about Governor Abiola Ajimobi after he lost his senatorial election and his candidate for governorship election losing as well.

It was mockery at the best, and like the Yorubas would say, yeye lo ma ndun niyan (being mocked is painful). In short, he was the butt of cruel and unmerciful jest. Some went to counsel others on how to raise a child not to be or grow up like Ajimobi, bringing in Yoruba mythical communalism and Omoluabi concept.

Yet, Ajimobi typifies a lot of us Nigerians. In a way most of us are the unknown Ajimobi. Once we get some coins in our pockets, we become rude and arrogant. Getting to power is even worse. Then we become uncontrollable, irascible and pompous.

A constituted authority indeed! The loss of ethical compass and donning of invincible toga when mortal men get to power in Nigeria has become the norm rather the exception.

This accounts for why a lot misbehave when they get to power, forgetting that positions, governmental or otherwise, whether elective or selective, is transient. So, as we laugh at the current electoral misfortune of Governor Ajimobi, let us take a look at the mirror and see the Ajimobi in us.

Olugbemiga Samuel Afolabi holds B.Sc, M.Sc and PhD degrees in Political Science and teaches same at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria.