By Olaniyi Ajibola
The ancient Greek Philosopher, Plato, in his famous seminar work titled ‘The Republic’ gave a logical insight on the ideal and requisite credentials of a true leader, with particular emphasis on intellectual capacity and moral standing, firmly rooted in unflinching consistency.
Plato’s analysis of this concept revealed that the location of strength of individuals ultimately determines various capabilities, arguing that those whose strength domiciled in their head are the philosopher kings with necessary capacity to govern as true leaders, while those with their strength domiciled in their chest and stomach are better as Soldiers and Capitalists respectively.
Unfortunately, the largest number of leaders in this part of the world are either individuals whose strength domiciled in their chest or stomach as the case may be, making them brutal, ruthless and unrepentant kleptomaniac; seriously unfit to lead the people.
The philosopher kings on the other hands are responsive and responsible in all ramifications, they are individuals with vision and passion to serve their people in all honesty and compassion, driven by creativity and courage to selflessly take bold steps for the greater benefit of their people.
While there is acute shortage of these attributes among many leaders in sub-sahara Africa, the possession of it conspicuously stands others out with attendant honour and deserving respect among followers and associates alike, earning them loyalty even in the face of suffocating temptation.
Without mincing words, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is one politician in Africa with identity of profound consistency and rare capacity for leadership recruitment. Many believe he has a long history of identifying the best among equals to lead and he has never got it wrong all along.
Tinubu’s legacy in Lagos with regards to assigning responsibilities in different capacities is indeed top notch, which has produced many leaders of impacts over the years, and the legacy continues to reverberate nationally with profound magnitude.
Of course, this capacity of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu strategically made him to discover the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, as a reliable ally and dependable partner in the South West and the entire Southern Nigeria.
Beyond scheming and chicanery of some expired politicians operating in Ogun State, who are still ignorantly living in the past, the capacity of President Tinubu to sagaciously sees beyond the past made him comfortably and confidently worked with Prince Dapo Abiodun since the beginning of his administration in 2023, the partnership that continues to yield fruitful and enviable results as struggle for reelection of Mr. President in 2027 gathers momentum.
It is obvious that Governor Dapo Abiodun has carved a powerful niche for himself in the political space of the Southern Nigeria and across the country, considering his constant assertions and vocal position on national issues of interest as well as his brilliant contributions to the development of the region at all times.
As the Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun has tremendously displayed leadership capacity and great commitment on array of issues confronting the 17 southern states.
Certainly, President Tinubu indeed needs a leader like Prince Dapo Abiodun to complement his efforts towards the implementation of his Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in the South West geo-political zone, the ancestral home of the President.
It is on that note that I considered as laughable , the lamentation and frustration of a drowning former leader in Ogun State, who is presently crying over spilled milk with so much bitterness.
One could see the hands of Esau and the eloquent voice of Jacob in the piece purportedly written by one Alex Olutunbosun some days ago, which was published by Thisday, where the author in careless expression of delusion out of unimaginable frustration complained about the leadership status of Prince Dapo Abiodun in the South West.
By the tone of his narration, the notion behind the write-up became shamelessly naked for everyone to see and regrettably pointing towards the change of leadership in Ogun East Senatorial District, where the people unanimously endorsed a Philosopher King over a ruthless kleptomaniac.
The people of Ogun East were clearly convinced by the unprecedented performance of Prince Dapo Abiodun as the head of Executive organ of government in the State and confidently resolved to assign him with more responsibilities at the red chamber of the National Assembly.
Ironically, the issue of rebellion as mentioned by the author is far from the political ideology of Governor Abiodun but shares close affinity with the mentality of Olutunbosun’s paymaster.
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu would never forget the man that betrayed the progressive tendency in 2003, who out of rebellion and selfish consideration made Ogun State lost the governorship to reactionary Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).
The President can not also forget the rebellious display that characterised the Mega Rally of APC at MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta now MKO Abiola Sports Arena, in the build up to the gubernatorial election of 2019 in Ogun State.
However, Governor Abiodun, in his usual sense of consistent loyalty and gratitude has formally presented the official results of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Ogun East Senatorial District to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Governor, in his remarks commended the President and leader of the party for his inclusive democratic policies, particularly his insistence on direct primaries, which he said have enabled members of the APC to freely exercise their franchise, while also fostering a stronger sense of belonging and ownership within the party.
He described the successful conduct of the primary election as a reflection of the unity, strength, maturity, and democratic spirit within the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, as he reaffirmed his commitment to continued service, noting that his aspiration to represent Ogun East Senatorial District in the Senate is driven by the desire to further advance development, peace, inclusiveness, and economic prosperity in Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.
This is indeed a partnership that works between two philosopher kings of repute. While agents of rebellion will continue to live in utmost regret and frustration, President Bola Tinubu, in collaboration with progressive and reliable leaders in the South West, led by Prince Dapo Abiodun is on the path of victory comes 2027.
Ajibola is a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Communications
