In the political trajectory of a multi – faceted ethnic diversity like ours, there comes a time when leaders who hold position of leadership must grow above minutest conjectures that has the propensity to divide rather than unite.
In an ideal situation, it is not out of place to demand inclusivity, equity, fairness and justice where there is a perceived lopsidedness and marginalisation in the share of power.
But in a disadvantaged position in which Kogi West found ourselves, it would amount to nullity if we fail to explore the viable options of negotiation, building alliances with other Senatorial Districts and placing premium on the indigent majority first over personal ego – massaging.
What if we follow due process? You may ask – what is due process?
Due process is a calculative attempt to garner support of the other districts (Kogi Central and Kogi East) thereby maintaining our readiness and showing reasons why it is our turn to take up the mantle of leadership of Lugard House come 2031.
In 2028, Kogi West should be politically strategic not to field a candidate against the incumbent governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Going by the template, Kogi East have served out their 16 years reign. God’s willing, Ododo should maintain the tempo till 2031, then Kogi West will be in a vantage position to claim to their right going by the gentleman agreement/ promise espoused during former governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello.
This political masterstroke was re- echoed by a community leader, builder and philanthropist of immense reputation, Engr. Dr. Prince Olatunji Olusoji during the epoch – making Kabba Day 2025 celebration.
The pragmatic, proactive and business mogul was unequivocal in his speech stating reasons why Kogi West must anonymously support Kogi Central to complete their 16 years tenure and in return gets the same favour from other districts that make up the state.
Dr. Olusoji emphasized the need for us (Kogi West) not to throw caution in the wind and then expect a miracle from the blazes. He was unapologetic on the need for us to be cautious, strategic, patient and not be hoodwinked by perennial political masqueraders, who are all out to safeguard their purse and protect the interest of their political godfathers.
The Asiwaju of Ayere Kingdom further stressed the imperative of the non – negotiability, indivisibility and iddisolluble unity of Kogi State. Yet, we must negotiate and re- negotiate for the greater good of humanity in Kogi West extraction.
In other words, power is never fought; it is negotiated.
Power is given to those who have tables prepared for negotiations and not to those who say the table belongs to them — for only they have the resources that form the table
This is the time that we should be conversant with the fact that any political investment that is anchored on massaging the ego of influencer few at the expense of the common man is absolutely nothing far from selfish investment.
In life, no matter our prejudices, we must be fair to genuine efforts rendered by someone like Dr. Olatunji Olusoji – not incubated in personal fiefdom.
Make no mistake, those who genuinely want power don’t fight for it, they negotiate it — the great Obafemi Awolowo with his brilliance and sagacity didn’t eventually get the power he craved for because he fought for it, the same way MKO Abiola took the fight to the power brokers frontally instead of negotiating it.
In Kogi State, no political gladiator should be perceived as wicked or power – mongers.
The problem has been that the “victors”, or those who control power at each round of negotiation have unilaterally defined the structure, composition and politics of the state undisturbed.
At least, we can now infer from the reverberating echoes of Dr. Olusoji that the time to build an all – inclusive governance in Kogi State should be tailored towards 2031.
Undoubtedly, Kogites want to live in a united Kogi. It is important, therefore, that we do not conflate the issues by our unguarded utterances and actions.
As Kogi West Indigenes, our request should basically about building an all – inclusive and equitable Kogi State; one in which your worth and position are determined not by where you come from or your religion; a state founded on a popular constitution validated by “We the People.”
On a final note, let us emphasise that power rotation in Kogi State has become a ” categorical imperative”
Power rotation has come to stay given our support and patience, not by splitting the state.
Power rotation is about enhancing citizenship rights and the existential confidence in the state. We should also note that we can’t take on our problems without a generally acceptable and workable structure.
Kogi State unity in diversity is negotiable; don’t take it for granted.
It is dangerous complacency for any leader in Kogi West to ignore the fact that what unites us far outweigh what divides us.
According to Dr. Olatunji Olusoji, we can’t decree power rotation, we must incubate, cultivate and nurture it to come to fruition hopefully 2031.
– Tony Oloniruha, a Political Analyst and PR Consultant writes from Kabba, Kogi State.
