In the wake of the unfolding traditional dispute in Egbe and the allegations levelled against Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, respected scholar and literary figure, Prof. Tunde Olusunle, has offered a perspective that blends caution, reflection, and a strong call for unity.
A Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors (FANA), Prof. Olusunle’s intervention is not merely political commentary—it is a cultural and communal appeal rooted in firsthand observation and deep familiarity with the Egbe community.
Drawing from his experience as a Special Guest at the Egbe Mekun Day celebrations last October, Olusunle recounts his personal assessment of the senator’s contributions to his hometown. According to him, what he witnessed went beyond hearsay. With the curiosity of a seasoned journalist, he undertook a direct tour of key projects attributed to Senator Karimi—projects he describes as transformative and impactful.
Among these were a fully equipped Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre at Titcombe College, a purpose-built Forward Operating Base (FOB) to enhance local security, and an ultra-modern palace for the Elegbe of Egbe. To Olusunle, these developments are tangible evidence of a leader deeply invested in the progress of his people.
He further highlights the human capital development initiatives spearheaded by the senator, particularly a scholarship scheme benefiting numerous youths and the facilitation of sustainable employment opportunities for many others. These, he suggests, are not just political gestures but meaningful interventions with long-term implications for the community.
However, beyond cataloguing achievements, Prof. Olusunle’s message addresses the tension currently surrounding Egbe. Without dismissing the seriousness of the traditional dispute or the allegations in circulation, he cautions against what he terms “needless distracting bickering and snide remarks.”
His stance is clear: this is a critical moment that demands solidarity rather than division.
Invoking the familiar African parable of the broom, he underscores the strength found in unity. Individual broomsticks, he notes, are weak on their own but become formidable when bound together. For Egbe—and by extension Okunland and Kogi West—this metaphor serves as both a warning and a guide.
Olusunle also raises a note of vigilance, warning of external forces he metaphorically describes as “hawks” and “vultures” seeking to exploit internal divisions. His message suggests that disunity within the community creates openings for outside interference, much like “the lizard only finds haven where there are lacerations in the wall.”
In essence, his intervention reframes the ongoing issues not just as a dispute or a political controversy, but as a test of communal cohesion and maturity.
While opinions may differ on the allegations against Senator Karimi, Prof. Olusunle’s position emphasizes the importance of measured judgment, internal reconciliation, and collective progress. His call is not for blind loyalty, but for thoughtful unity—anchored in shared identity and a commitment to the greater good.
As Egbe navigates this delicate moment, his words resonate as both a reminder and a challenge: that the strength of a people lies not only in their achievements, but in how they stand together when it matters most.
