Your Royal Highness,
Permit me to use this medium to publicly congratulate you on your enthronement as the Oba Elemona of Ilemona once again. Even with the controversies surrounding it, only a few Yoruba kingdoms have had their kings selected without contention in recent times, including Ogbomosho and Oyo Ile. Thus, any reservations people might have are immaterial. Also let me felicitate with you on your recent promotion to the Rank of Cornel in Nigeria Army. May God’s mercy never depart your way, (Amen).
Now, What is most vital is the success of your reign and the prosperity you bring to the throne of your forefathers. I earnestly pray for you, wisdom, strength, and peaceful leadership.
It is important to remind you of the necessity to tread with caution, particularly with a long-standing friend, ally, and supporter like the Offa community. As the Yoruba saying goes, “Oba tó jé tí ìlú dárú àti tó jé tí ìlú tó, méjèjì wà nínú ìtàn, ṣùgbọ́n wọn kò ní ẹ̀ka kan.” (A king who rules in chaos and one who fosters harmony are both remembered in history, but their legacies are in different categories.)
Many of us were elated upon your selection, announcement, and eventual presentation of the staff of office. Our excitement was not because of how you tactically edged out other contenders but because of what you represent, a young, exposed man with a background as a Presidential Aide-de-Camp. We celebrated your ascension, believing that your reign would foster peace and mutual collaboration between Ilemona, Offa, and other neighboring communities, just as your father’s reign symbolized.
However, needless to say, power is transient which you must always remember. As a Nigerian and a serving military personnel, you are much well aware of the fate of great generals and former Heads of State in Nigeria now in democracy era, only few are still remembered talk more of influence or patronage.
Also, reflect on the likes of Hadi Sirika, one of the most powerful former Minister of Aviation during President Buhari’s regime, who is now under EFCC investigation. Remember the former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, who determined many high-profile Nigeria’s court case fates, and Tunde Sabiu, the once-powerful PA to President Buhari. A year after Buhari’s exit, they are mere shadows of their former selves.
You may also recall Madam Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Minister of Petroleum Resources under President Goodluck Jonathan. Think of the wealth she amassed, properties, jewelry and what has become of her. Even more recent is the case of Godwin Emefiele, the former CBN Governor who wielded immense power but fell from grace after Buhari’s exit.
Mr. ADC sir, President Tinubu will not rule Nigeria forever. You may hold power today, but another will ascend tomorrow. There is no need to create the impression of using power to oppress others. Safeguard your legacy by fostering goodwill rather than conflicts.
You are not the first ADC Nigeria has ever had, and you will not be the last. Your financial worth and influence are already known, except otherwise. Igniting unnecessary battles like this one draws undue attention to your throne, your activities, and your property acquisitions. As you invest in people through your foundation and acquire properties, be mindful that these could soon become subjects of scrutiny, which may not bode well for you or the government your serve under.
In this democratic era, remember the struggles of former Governor Yahaya Bello. Despite being a youthful and dynamic leader, he faced relentless investigations into his wealth and spending after leaving office, even with a proven source of income before getting into politics.
These examples should remind you of the importance of making friends, not enemies, particularly as a king whose neighbors and neighboring communities are your permanent partners.
Now to the crux of my note: Offa has been a reliable supporter and ally to Ilemona. You may not recall, but while you were still in service, genuinely striving for success, Offa people contributed immensely to the growth of your ancestral Kingdom where you are now a king.
The establishment of the College of Education in Ilemona was the effort of an Offa man. This sole investment project Ilemona to National and global discourse.
The first international-standard commercial farm with crop and animal production in Kwara South was situated in Ilemona by an Offa native, now the Olofa of Offa. This investment was a major source of employment for your people and other neighbouring communities as at then.
The siting of Oyun Local Government Headquarters in Ilemona remains one of the reason Erin Ile perceived Offa as enemy then, believing Offa was also the one who influenced the choice over them, to further solidifying the collaboration between the two communities.
Offa and Ilemona have never had a history of land disputes nor any form of crisis. Why should your reign bring about avoidable conflicts even when you are yet to practically resume?
Sir, kindly avoid this crisis by all means possible. You are too young and promising to allow such strife to define your reign or legacy. God has blessed you, and you must act accordingly to ensure that Nigerians do not later describe you as one who misused youthful energy and power.
An individual alone cannot develop a community. Even with your commendable efforts to urbanize Ilemona, including acquiring properties owned by non-indigenes, you still need partners—foreign and local—to invest in Ilemona and make your dream of transforming it into a modern city a reality.
It is better to see Offa as a partner in progress to fast-track your vision; otherwise, it may remain a dream that never comes true.
I have heard and read about the harm allegedly caused by your so called “ADC boys” over land disputes. I have also come across petitions and testimonies of individuals detained for speaking truth to power. Let me assure you that I harbor no fear. Should such tactics be directed at me.
Let me stop here for now, with the hope that you will genuinely reflect on my thoughts and consider a peaceful way forward.
I pray that your reign, during and after President Tinubu’s era, will be peaceful, developmental, and productive.
Thank you for your attention.
Yours in Nation Building,
Comr. Salahudeen A. Lukman
Eluku Omo Adugbo
Cc:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR
