Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
As the 2019 general elections beckon, political leaders in the country have again been asked to desist from selfish leadership and return powers to the people by using their privilege positions to better the lots of Nigerians and not to amass wealth for themselves and future generation.
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, made this call yesterday at Ikeene country home of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo during a colloquium organised by Yoruba Unity Forum.
Oba Ogunwusi bemoaned the selfishness of our political leaders who would rather use their vantage positions to impoverish the people, amass wealth for themselves and generation unborn than working for the development and prosperity of the people who elected them.
The first class royal father said the genesis of myriads of problems confronting the country emanated from this wicked act and that until our political leaders began to live for the people, the search for a country of our dream where things work would forever remain elusive.
Oba Ogunwusi said ” it is even sad that many of our political leaders in Yoruba nation are also guilty of this selfish acts. Many of them have even eaten tomorrow of their unborn generations. This, no doubt is strange to Yoruba culture and ideals which promote good governance. Nigerians are yearning for good governance. Our political leaders must be accountable by returning power to the people and work for their prosperity. They should always remember that power ultimately belong to God”.
The royal father urged Yoruba nation to close ranks and be united in purpose maintaining that it was only through unity and cooperation that the Yoruba race could make progress and achieve greatness.
In his welcome address, the chairman of the forum, retired Archbishop of Ilesha Diocese, Methodist Church Nigeria, Bishop Ayo Oladigbolu disclosed that Nigeria is currently ravaged by forces of terrorism, corruption and defective constitution calling for a united front to tackle these monsters for a greater Nigeria.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr Olatokunbo Dosumu Awolowo stated that as 2019 general elections approach, Yoruba nation should be united in not asking for a saint but a trustworthy and selfless leader ready to provide good governance, allow for restructuring of the country and possesses the foresight and capability for knowledge driven economy that would help the country compete favourably well with other nations of the world.
Other dignitaries and speakers at the event included Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi represented by Bashorun Yusuf Akinade Olayinka, Prof Banji Akintoye, Dr Olunloyo, former governor of old Oyo State, Sen. Femi Okurounmu, Chief Gani Adams, Aare onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Dr Yinka Odumakin among others.
