LANRE OGUNDIPE PEN OPEN LETTER TO ALL IBADAN INDIGENES BOTH AT HOME AND ABROAD
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” _Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right. “Humility is royalty without a crown.”.__ Ezra Taft Benson
As its typical of writers to put issues into perspective before dropping it in public space, this is what I am actually doing, as I try ensure that my views are not tilted to favour any side in the conflict or any other issue in the discursive domain.
Above notwithstanding, I have always had it at the back of my mind, that no matter how genuine my presentation of facts are, some people would still consider my position as being subjective, depending on which side of the divide they stand on the subject at hand.
As it has always been my position on issues, this one would not be less, as the previous ones. But what I would say right now, is to plead, for a better understanding from my readers, to know and note that I have never been so frivolous to arrogate to myself the monopoly of wisdom or write to draw attention or praise sing anybody. I’m not given to sentiments or emotions in my discourse, on any issue of importance, which concerns humanity and which has something to do with transparency, justice, equity, fair play, abuse of the rights of people and even governance, if one wants to be apolitical. I want to say too, that I’m not the type who is difficult or arrogant to apologise whenever I’m either perceive to be wrong or to have stepped out of boundaries. I am also proud to say that, it is not in my character, to seek peoples’ attention.
You may wonder that what I am driving at! I am only trying to extricate myself from an accusation that is being spread by those who are not familiar with my principles and to explain my roles in the controversial issue of the beaded crown in Ibadan, which has continued to generate controversy since it was introduced by the late Governor, Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi.
My views on the subject matter, unarguably, had pitched me against certain blocs and some powerful people, within the ancient city of Ibadan and beyond. But in all honestly, I made no fuss of this, and I have no regrets or apology to offer, for my positions on the matter. Even those who consider themselves repository of knowledge on Ibadan matters, marveled at the spate of my write-ups, which demonstrated that one was abreast of the development and definitely not a push over as they claimed in some quarters. Some were evidently rattled by one’s in-depth knowledge of the subject under discourse.
If those write ups were properly read and digested, with an open heart, my critics and those in tandem with me, would without any hesitation, agree that uncontroversial experience were brought into the written articles, that gave insight into the issue under contention, while the battle rages.
I am still prompted and would continue to emphasize, to help the cynics, to insists that I am not the type that could be hired or made to stoop low to do someone’s bidding. Those who are close to me, know that I am always committed to the course of justice, not minding whose ox is gored. And that is why I am not afraid to take responsibility for all my actions taken, without any bias or inducement from any quarters.
Though, it is normal for one to have his preference and to make choices. Yes, I am human and not different from any other human being, and that preference, is no other, than matters and issues, concerning my homeland…Ibadan.
Right from my youthful days until adulthood, the preservation of Ibadan heritage has always been my priority and I always stand tall, to defended it at all cost.
I will not attribute this to myself alone lest I appear as self-adulating. There are other older people who never trivializes anything that concerns Ibadan, and that is why someone like the former Governor,of Oyo State Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, would continue to be a force to reckon with, as far as Ibadan matters are concerned.
There are also few others who share the same passion for Ibadan and are equally proud to be Ibadan indigenes, while some others, are not shy to defend the course of their homeland, or pay any prize, to fight the good course of Ibadanland, which still stands as one of the largest cities in Africa.
These are ever ready to correct that wrong saying that has held sway in the land for too long. The saying that – Ibadan “o gbe onile bi o se alejo,” meaning that Ibadan favours stranger over and above its indigenes.
This has never been in these Peoples’ dictionary as it has created, wrong impression in the hearts of many indigenes who lack the courage to speak up despite the boldness attributed to an average Ibadan person that they are courageous to speak and be counted at any point.
To this end, I stand to appreciate the likes of Asiwaju of Ibadan land, Chief Jacob Olabode Amoo (Baba JOAS) leading the packs of new progressives Elders in Ibadanland, bringing to fore the uniqueness of our native intelligence to resolve what many envisaged would consume our pride in sustaining the uniqueness of Ibadan mastery of native Intelligence, Archbishop Makinde the retired Prelate of the Methodist church, Nigeria; and Alhaji Y.K. Abass, Chief Bayo Oyero and CCII President, – General Niyi Ajewole for the role played in the recent Obaship crisis. Their roles in putting off the storm is highly appreciated and the people of Ibadanland would forever remember them for this feat.
Indeed, I would not be fair to His Excellency, the governor of Oyo state, Engineer Seyi Abiodun Makinde if I fail to acknowledge his role in resolving the crisis by consenting to the pleas of the indigenes through our Elders. His unscheduled visit to the Bodija residence of his predecessor in office, Engineer Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, to signify an end to the ranging storm, is a most welcome development. .
To conclude, let me place on record my deepest appreciation to High Chief Ladoja for not discountenancing my discrete notes advising him not to relent in his effort to build Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria at large…. I’m honoured Baba. My appreciation also goes to my “consultants” who prefer to remain anonymous for availing me their time and encouragement to navigate the turbulence period. I use this time to plead to those who are bent on snuffing life out of me to rest assured that my actions were not personal, rather, it was intended at protecting our collective heritage as sons and daugthers of the soil. The sword should be sheathed, the attack on my home in Ibadan with the attendant loses, should be enough.
On this note, I welcome to the royal seat of honour as a crown- head chief *Atobatele ki o to joba* – High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja as you today draw close to the famous crown of Ibadanland. Ibadan a gbe wa oo. Ija d’opin, oogun titan.
Lanre Ogundipe
Leader of IBILE G-7 and former President Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
