By Remi Oyeyemi
July 21, 2024
It is difficult to believe. It sounds very strange. It was totally out of place. I tried to understand it, but I could not. It is so weird that it beats amazement. I tried so much to look for an excuse to rationalize this absurdity, but I could not find one. I found it difficult to fathom, much less believe that Gov. Ademola Adeleke and his cabinet could be this insensitive and careless. It really beats my imagination. And I am disappointed that a government that has one’s support could commit this kind of egregious error.
The first insensitive act by Governor Ademola Adeleke was his interview on the BBC where the language of communication by His Excellency was Igbo Language! A governor of a Yoruba State speaking the language that his people do not understand. He did not even try to mix it with some Yoruba Language. That reflects a mindset that does not give a damn about what the Yoruba people of Osun State think. I watched the BBC interview from the beginning to the end and there was not a single statement I could understand.
We are all aware that he has Igbo blood in his veins, courtesy of Lady Nnena Esther -Adeleke. But we were trusting that the trajectory of his father, Senator Raji Ayoola Adeleke, would be instructive and guide him in his years of service as Osun State Governor. Late Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke was here before too. We never had issues of insensitivity or actions that look like a sell-out.
And now, our Osun Osogbo Festival is being handed to an Igbo man. In Osogbo, a Yoruba city. In Yoruba State. In Yoruba Land! This is simply because we have a man we assumed is one of us, but sees himself as an Igbo, as a governor? What kind of message is he sending to us as Yoruba, that we are stupid for giving him the benefit of the doubt?
A purported letter signed by one Oyindamola Olukanni, under the designation of Media Manager Osun Osogbo, which must have gone through the Office of the Governor, with Kabiyesi Ataoja being used as a prop, is threatening brimstone and fire, over the control of information regarding the 0sun Osogbo 2024. Though, I find the threat toothless because it will not stand a chance in the court of Law if I violate. My lawyer has assured me.
But the point of concern is that as a Yoruba man, whose culture and tradition is being celebrated, I have to go through an Igbo man by the name Wilson Chibututu, to get the so-called permission! What a travesty! What an audacity! What a disrespect!
This is a Yoruba State, if I must state the obvious. This is Yoruba city. This is Yoruba land. And this is Yoruba tradition and culture we are discussing here. I would not say because I have so many friends in this government, and I would refuse to tell them the truth. This is bad policy and dangerous optics, as well as consequential politics!
It is disrespectful. It is insulting. It is insensitive. And it is uncalled for. It is contemptuous. Very discourteous. An egregious impertinence. This is daring. This act could be characterized as “what are you gonna do about it?” type. But we wait to see!
It is my hope that the unwise letter would be withdrawn, and a public apology offered to the citizens of Osun State.
Gov. Ademola Adeleke was elected to serve Osun State indigenes, not to give our resources to outsiders when our own people are in search of same. And not to speak the language we do not understand.
This is a line that could not, would not, should not, and must not be crossed. Our people DO NOT LIKE IT.
It is a friendly advice.
Thank you.
Bobagunwa Remi Oyeyemi
