Category: Column/Opinion

By Adeyinka Aroyewun In the complex landscape of Nigerian politics, alliances and allegiances often shift, reflecting the dynamic nature of democracy and the diverse interests of its stakeholders. Recently, there has been a wave of criticism directed at former Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for his decision to join a coalition party ( ADC) opposing President Bola Tinubu’s second term bid for Aso Rock in 2027. While political disagreements are natural, the manner in which Aregbesola’s move is being condemned reveals a troubling hypocrisy rooted in selective justice and…

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By ROTIMI OGUNLEYE Public officials at the various tiers of government often misuse their powers and roles in relation to public properties within their areas of governance by granting the properties to persons (natural or artificial) for private use. Such properties or parcels of land were acquired under the Public Lands Acquisition Law of the States such as the Public Lands Acquisition Law of Lagos State 1973 as amended by the Public Lands (Amendment) Edict of Lagos State 1976 and subsequently under the Land Use Act 1978 now Land Use…

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By Gboyega Akosile Many qualities define a leader, whether in politics or in the corporate world but integrity, humility and loyalty tower above all. A cursory look at the life and times of successful leaders often reveals these qualities and why such leaders are celebrated by their subjects. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s life and career trajectory can be said to have been solidly built over the years upon these virtues. As he clocks 60 today, a careful study of his life is enough lesson for the next generation…

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By S. O. K. Shillings By the theory of the Prague University, developed democracies avoid the universal suffrage in the choice of the ultimate leader because it ultimately leads to an implosion. The USA in particular avoids it by hearkening to the quest for involvement and taking it back by the reliance on the Electoral College. Thus, the people go to the poll for presidential election while they have actually elected an Electoral College of 538 people which then elects the President. Have we even bothered to ask: who are…

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In the 69AD, there was a roman emperor named Servius Sulpicious Galba, who ruled the empire for a period of seven months. Galba was the first emperor among the four emperors that ruled in succession during a chaotic period of civil war of the Roman Empire. Born into a wealthy aristocratic family, Galba rose through the ranks in Roman politics. He rose from a magistrate to become the governor of provinces that included Africa. Galba was a traditional roman emperor known for his strict discipline and rigidity, he was also…

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By S. O. K. Shillings Esq. The House of Representatives has made a proposition to validate the 37 LCDAs in Lagos State as authentic local governments. There is also the news that some northern youths have kicked against it vowing to not let it sail or otherwise the northern states should have increased local governments too. In recent times, the North has chosen to speak through some unknown factors nicknamed ‘northern youths’. They are not registered organizations or known personalities and northern elders never condemn them even when some of…

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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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