PART 1
“One of the great liabilities of history is that all too many people fail to remain awake through great periods of social change. Every society has its protectors of status quo and its fraternities of the indifferent who are notorious for sleeping through revolutions. Today, our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change (Time).” — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The emergence of Governor Dapo Abiodun as the Executive Governor of Ogun state in 2019 was regarded by many as a pacesetting figure for development and a good omen to the gateway state, whereby a new productive system of governance would be birthed, which will equally hinder dictatorship and bad leadership. The past regimes poorly developed and wasted the resources allocated for the Local Government System in Ogun state. Now, in the helms of power, we have a refined and sound gentleman like Governor Dapo Abiodun, whom we trusted would grow our environments with a new proactive and productive style of leadership, but to no avail.
Mr. Governor sir, the issue of Imeko-Afon, in relation to the forthcoming Local Government Election is quite disturbing and worrisome.
Why is a less popular and aged man imposed on us?
Around the world, the News is no more in obscurity that there is a widespread agitation for the involvement of youth in governance
In the cause to engage an aged man to hold an elective office; two criteria must be measured – the popularity level and the acceptability level. When these criteria are rated low, it is needful for the decision makers to seek a more cerebral, courageous and educated youth with a sound leadership trait.
Sir, the imposition of Alhaji Yahya Fadipe as the All Progressives Congress’ candidate in the forthcoming Local Government election is not only an insult on the entire Imeko-Afon people, but a slap on the Youth of the local government who have laboured to be educated.
Who is Yahya Fadipe?
This is a man with thuggery background that has committed many atrocities in the past and still presently, perpetuating immoralities. Here is a man that has physically assaulted people in the name of politics. What a brand!
Here is a man with no known records of any educational qualification and those he claimed to have possessed are questionable.
Yahya Fadipe by alias ‘Afro’ is not a popular party man within his zone, let alone, his ward. He is a bad product with few followers who cannot deliver his polling unit due to his previous and present antecedents.
We are still in great shock as the elders in our local government chose not to listen to wise counsel to give us not just a youth, but those with good records who are loved by all. We have array of youths who can take our dear local government to enviable heights amongst the followings; TPl Paul Ayoola, Hon.Wasiu Olorode, Mr.Ganiy Najeeb Olatunbosun and several others.
Most certainly, history would not be kind to our leaders who in one way or the other participated in this crime against the good of Imeko-Afon by depriving their crave for the growth and development of the local government area, ranging from Alhaji Jemili Akingbade, Alhaji Gboyega isiaka, Alhaji wasiu isiaka ,Senator kayode Oladele, Hon. Salimon (Sonto) and others. We would not forget in a hurry that they sold our golden opportunity all for material and political gains.
We know it is not too late, you can rewrite your name in gold to get the youth with track records onboard as the next Executive Chairman of this local government. Failure to right the wrong, the youth would not hesitate to mobilize ourselves irrespective of our party affiliations and vote for any Political Party that has the interest of the youth at heart and displays a wondrous recognition for us.
Saburi Babatunde,
Convener, Imeko-Afon Youth Coalition.
WATCH OUT FOR PART 2
