Alao Akala and the Dilemma of a Gadfly

"The worst sorrow is the remembrance of one's lost joys"

To any good political observer, dumping his own governorship ambition and deciding to join the Penkelemesi moving train is the wisest decision any rational leader could have taken in the present circumstances that our own Otunba Christopher Alao Akala found himself.

Power is a deceitful bride. And at the point power which makes a leader happy, if caution is not excercised, there, the imotence which makes them miserable begins. To put it straight, Otunba Akala is that wise political general who does not advance when it's time to beat a retreat. He does not race against the tide. He said with a sense of pride that his decision to support Oloye Adebayo Adelabu is for common good. I agree no less. Leadership is not what you want sometimes, it's what you must. When a leader chooses for himself, he chooses for others. As Boethius says "power, fame and fortune are inadequate and disappointing, only useful towards the attainment of the supreme good, not as ends in themselves".

Alao Akala in an obviously enthusiastic mood, narrated to his people how he was flown to Abuja on a chattered flight and how lucky he is to have been so  considered amongst the political mighties in Oyo State for such honour. He told them how the tour afforded him the opportunity to place the issue of ownership of Ladoke Akintola University, their University, in the front burner during the discussion and  explicated how he never forgot to mention to the powers that be to take immediate action on the repair of the dilapidated Oyo-Ogbomosho road among other bargaining chips. Lo and behold, he did not go to gabble away his personal problems to bore his hosts, but primarily went to the negotiation table to advance common interest of all, particularly, his own immediate constituents.

For crying out loud, the right of political association and to choose who to work with is a non tresspassable right as enshrined in the 1948 UN declaraion of Human rights. Yet, Akala, as a leader of leaders, knows that his own right is intertwined with that of his teeming supporters. He put them into consideration and took the step he thought best for them. But, sadly, we are in a political situation in Oyo state where many people want to push their leaders to a desperate solution to advance their personal or group's interest. A situation aptly described by Frederick Douglas as "where ignorance prevails".

That the ex-Governor Akala lives his life by his own terms is too obvious for a new emphasis. Also  incontrovertible is his uncanny love of his people. Giving any opportunity, Otunba Akala will fight for his people. To him, Ogbomosho axis is the political capital of the world. I can say with absolute sense that he is an agile leader who in today's world beat the competition. It would amount to a reverse logic for anyone to expect the Otun of the source to backstep when he has already taken the morally and politically right step. It will be a losing proposition.

Those who are whining and railing today that Akala is a self centered leader forgets in a hurry that Akala would not take any action inimical to the interest of the majority. Obviously, those minority spewing gibberish on social media are truly the self opinionated ones.

To cap it all, Otunba Akala promised not to leave his "political boys" in the lurch. He offered them an olive branch in his giving absolute support to all those vying for the state Assembly position under ADP and adjured them to remain in ADP until their mission is accomplished. What else do you want him to do? Akala is not a rogue elephant in Oyo politics, only a stupe will join any plot to dislodge him.

It goes beyond petty argument that Otunba Akala will be in upbeat mood now that he is on  a political rebound. He must have that innermost satisfaction that he is a people's champion who is being sought, where others seek. I heard Governor Kayode Fayemi visited him today, cheery news, for thinking aloud, how many governor of ADP paid him a visit last? It's presumptuous to think that a leader in a fringe political party will attract a huge dividend for his people.

Looking at it from another angle, Otunba Akala's firm and spot on decision to support Oloye Adebayo Adelabu Penkelemesi is more divine than fortuitous. Penkelemesi mandate is is divinely blessed. When God works for you, every creature will rise up in your favour. Those who delay or dally will be put in total shame. As we say in Penkele movement, 'Ileri Oluwa n lati se'. The next level is guaranteed. It's beyond the reach of the mortal to alter. March 9th is it, Adelabu Adebayo is the answer.