Category: Column/Opinion

By Abiodun AWOSANYA It is tempting to wish for the same dynamics that was championed by the likes of enigmatic Late Pa Obafemi Awolowo as argued by some. The dynamics have been constantly viewed as great standards for progressive democracy. However, the reality of today’s democracy means that we should desist from undue condemnation of our polity. It is, of course, interesting to compare the prevailing processes of choosing candidates in today’s political climate with what is obtained during Awolowo’s era. However, I argue that a more interesting adventure is…

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Eleyes (witches) should not win in a fight against Abija By Bashir Banjoko In most Hollywood blockbusters, there’s an unwritten rule: good triumphs over evil, heroes prevail, and villains face justice. The audience leaves satisfied, believing in moral order. But what happens when you’re watching a movie where that comforting formula is turned on its head? What if the narrative we’re living through in Nigeria seems to be one where the antagonists have not only escaped punishment but appear to be writing the script? For decades, Nigeria’s story has unfolded…

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By Bashir Banjoko What Political Leaders Can Learn from Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo As we prepare for the primaries for the forthcoming local government and local council development area election in Lagos State, I would like to use this installment to draw from the lessons that the late sage and Baale of the Ijebus, Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo taught us about one of the key pillars of democracy – the ability of the people to make a choice! Every election presents the opportunity for stakeholders to decide who the flagbearers…

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By Bashir Banjoko When Nigerians discuss their politicians, the conversation often descends into cynicism, with tales of grand promises leading to meager results. Against this backdrop, the story of Babajimi “Jimi” Benson — fondly called JB by constituents — offers a compelling counternarrative that demands our commendation. Since his election to the Federal House of Representatives in 2015, Benson has methodically dismantled the conventional excuses that have long stunted development in Nigeria’s growing communities. His work in Ikorodu Federal Constituency presents a pointed rebuke to the politics of limitation that…

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By Rotimi Ogunleye Defection in Nigeria’s political environment is as common as the human activity of changing clothes. While in the advanced democracies party affiliations are based on ideological persuasion and beliefs rooted in altruism and commitment to the national interests, the reverse is the case in this clime. In Nigeria, people are propelled from one party to another by selfish reasons. Hence, within a year, or couple of years, the nation produces more turncoats than partisans. By section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999…

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By Enitan Olukotun As Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, marks his 61st birthday, it is only fitting to reflect on the extraordinary legacy of service, leadership, and impact he has built over the years. A man of profound vision and purpose, Senator Abiru has distinguished himself as a transformative force in public service, leaving an indelible mark on governance, economic empowerment, and human capital development. Before venturing into politics, he had a stellar career in banking, culminating in his tenure as the Managing Director of Polaris Bank. Under his leadership,…

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The Life-Changing Power of Integrity: Living with Truth and Purpose  By Oluwole Solanke (Phd, FCIB) “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” — C.S. Lewis In a world where shortcuts are often glorified and appearances sometimes overshadow substance, integrity remains a beacon of hope and strength. It is the quiet force that shapes our character, guides our decisions, and determines the legacy we leave behind. Yet, in the face of temptation and adversity, choosing integrity is not always easy. It requires courage, self-discipline, and an…

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By Abiodun AWOSANYA  In August, 2024, aspirants contesting at the grassroots were equipped on the importance of self-assessment prior to their power-seeking action to avoid toiling with the emotions of the electorates. In the article, a powerful message was also sent to the gladiators – the ruling minority, on why the possession of economic resources should be secondary to “competence” in the process of determining the party flag bearers. This is said to go a long way in shaping the perception, as well as actions of flag bearers when they…

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By Rotimi Ogunleye Unfolding events in the Nigerian landscape have seemingly blurred the sharp boundary hkl0pbetween adherence to the rule of law and embrace of self-help. The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended (hereinafter referred to as the Constitution) states in Section 1(2) that: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed nor shall any persons or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part except in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.” In subsequent provisions, the Constitution states…

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By Rotimi Ogunleye  The ongoing face-off between the Edo State Government and the State’s 18 Local Government Councils has brought to the fore again the issue of autonomy and the relationship between the three tiers of government comprising the Federal, State and Local Governments. That was the issue before the Supreme Court in Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State and 35 ors. (2024) 7 S.C. (Part 1) page 1 of which judgement was delivered on the 11th day of July 2024 issue.  The Attorney General…

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