Some years back, it was a common phenomenon to discuss Asiwaju’s status, great or not great. Today, no one discusses Asiwaju’s greatness any longer but the weight of his greatness and legacies he is bequeathing our nation, Africa and the entire world.
On several occasions, Asiwaju become subject of discussion. Asiwaju was a nation at some point; a man with a very big dream. Bill McCarthy…..once said that big dreams create the magic that stir men’s souls to greatness, and was true to Asiwaju. Bola Tinubu has such uncommon dream that accommodated his generation and the ones that will follow.
The Jagaban Bogu turns 65 and the encomiums have started pouring even before he celebrates. For many years, Asiwaju’s birthday has appeared like celebration of national honour simply because he is a great man who naturally attracts honour and celebration. Kings, Presidents of nations, ambassadors, distinguished lawmakers, expatriates, political leaders, economic giants, rulers of public and private sectors, party faithfuls and the general public all saying “best wishes” to one man, a unique creature and destined leader of our time. Even those who disagree with him politically cannot help sending words of honour to him on this day.
What can anyone say about Asiwaju that has never been said before? Even those who disagree with him politically cannot help giving him the due honour. He got passmark not only in political sphere but in many facets of life that one can aspire to succeed. God makes leaders; he chooses whom He pleases, and when He has perfected such anointed one, the world will notice him or her without pulling a curtain.
Asiwaju’s greatness was dated back to his childhood. The traits of leadership were noticed in him from early age. His generosity is unequalled, racing through all and sundry, and cutting across all strata.
The political landscape in Nigeria has laid a red carpet for one man that has played the most significant role in power transition in the country, raising army of ideological leaders to change the fate of the nation for good. Undoubtedly, the breeding political formations in the future will be decided on the threshold of a man that will eventually leave the stage with the loudest ovation at the ripe time, contrary to what some “political playgroups” anticipates for the chosen.
Even when Asiwaju is silent, he is a subject of discussion. He masters the art of politics and power that he knows the required characteristics for every political season. In the recent time, the political class wonder where Bola Tinubu is, when he is going to talk next and what will he say. Allowing the current political water to keep bubbling without so much reference to him in the polity is a deliberate action. To him, politics is a game, a way of life, a sport, and most important tool for governance. He is once quoted as saying:
“In politics you cannot be a spectator and hope to succeed. It is like a football game. In the course of playing you sustain injuries and have bruises. You nurse your injuries and continue to play. That is the only way you can win”.
The army of Asiwaju’s political dynasty are still in their formations, strategically and firmly positioned to take on any political onslaught designed otherwise. Asiwaju won’t run after anyone politically; this sets him apart in defining his kind of leader. He is not only generous financially; he is also generous at letting his offenders walk away without planning revenge. Everything works for him like anointed servant that he is.
We owe him much more but echoing his laudable deeds in appreciation of his service to fatherland goes a long way to live after Asiwaju in decades to come. We keep admonishing his greatness because that is all we can give back to him now as he dedicated his entire life to the emancipation of his people from neo-colonisation from the wicked, the oppressor, looters and those who grew in this nation without being thought how to be kind and good to fellow countrymen and the nation itself.
Anytime Asiwaju’s birthday is close, the whole nation is agog with celebration of an enigma, a leader, crowd puller, a political general, the legend, the calculator, strategist, team leader, dogged fighter, brave leader, visioner, advisor, mentor, emancipator, redeemer, father of nation, liberator of the oppressed and the weak, husband of the widows, father of the less priviledged and unreached, and above all, a God fearing compatriot.
Asiwaju will live on in peace and strength; his role on the nation as one man so passionate about the people will continue to make the difference the world always look for as model and best practice in leadership.
Long live Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban Bogu!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!
Olulade is a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Epe Constituency II
