Rather than join the crowd to sing cacophony of songs of praises and struggle to coin high sounding phrases of congratulatory messages aftermath of the Supreme court judgement that unanimously affirmed him as the authentic winner of the November 2023 Kogi state gubernatorial election, as an unapologetic Okun son, if Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is an Okun Yoruba son like me, what advise will I give him to make him excel.
In the first place, as an Okun citizen of the western Senatorial District of Kogi State, the governor must have known that his people have an uncompromisingly rich cultural heritage, known for a strong sense of community and values. As a fellow Okun man, I would start by advising the governor to uphold the principles of integrity and the virtues of omoluabi that are deeply ingrained in our Okun culture.
In the face of the vast amounts of money being offered to the Nigeria state governor forum by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I will remind him it is important for him as a proud Okun son to remember the importance of preserving his name and family name. It is easy to be swayed by the allure of money, wealth and power, but true greatness lies in upholding one’s values and principles no matter the circumstances.
The concept of omoluabi, which emphasizes attributes such as honesty, respect, and integrity, is something that every true Okun son/daughter strives to embody. By staying true to these values, the governor can ensure that his actions and decisions are guided by a sense of morality and responsibility towards his state and the people.
I certainly will remind the governor that,in a country where corruption and unethical behavior are shamelessly rampant, it is more important for him in the position of a state governor to set a positive example as an Okun son and show that it is possible to achieve success without compromising one’s integrity. By doing so, he can inspire others to follow in his footsteps and help build a better future for our people and our state.
I will tell him point of blank that, if you steal Kogi State money as a governor, Okun people, your fellow Okuns will distance themselves from you and your family if EFCC or ICPC or even Nigeria Police come after you at the expiration of your tenure. Okun will abandon you because they are not brought up to associate themselves or defend thieves, ‘even if na my mama born you’. Good name, I will remind him are far better than gold and Siver, Naira and Dollar….
I will remind him that no Okun will go to court to riot or carry placard if he is changed. They are not brought up to cover up thieves or any thieving public official. We stand against corruption and uphold the values of honesty and integrity.
For emphasis, Okun people are not brought up to cover up thieves or any thieving fellow no matter his position. If this is why others say ‘Okun people are not united’ we will proudly remain so.
As an Okun son, we have been raised with strong values of honesty, integrity, and accountability. We believe in the importance of upholding good moral values and standing against corruption in any form, especially when it comes to stealing public funds. It is unacceptable for an Okun leader to embezzle state money meant for the development of the people and expect to be supported or defended by the people.
If an Okun governor of Kogi State decides to steal money meant for the development of the state, i will not hesitate to tell him to his face, again and again that the people of Okun will distance themselves from him and his family. We, as Okun people value our reputation and integrity above all else, and we will not associate ourselves with individuals who tarnish his father’s name or the good name of Okun Nation.
Now to our Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ! In Yoruba mythology, Ododo is linked to various deities and spiritual beings who are associated with love, fertility, and abundance. Offerings of flowers are often made to these deities as a way of seeking their favor and blessings.
The name Ododo carries a deeper meaning of faith and hope for the future. Just as flower blooms and grows into something beautiful. The people believe that they too can blossom into their full potential and achieve greatness. The blessing of Usman Ododo is a reminder to the people of Kogi State to stay optimistic and have faith in the journey ahead.
As Usman Ododo looks to the future of Kogi State, he must also consider his own legacy. After his years of service as governor, how does he hope to be remembered by the people ? By staying true to his values, taking decisive action on key issues, and prioritizing the needs of the people, Ododo can leave a lasting and positive impact on Kogi State that will be remembered for years to come.
It is important for us as Kogi citizens to support our leaders. We must also hold them accountable and ensure that they serve the people with honesty and transparency. Let us all strive to build a society based on justice, accountability and good moral values.
– Musa Bakare writes from Lokoja, capital of Kogi State Nigeria.
