Rotimi Akeredolu's Stance For Freedom And A Call For Seyi Makinde To Retrace His Steps: A Tale Of Two Brothers In A Fight For Yoruba Freedom. By David Adenekan.

"Methinks, the best bet for Governor Seyi Makinde, is to align with the popular demand of his people".... Adenekan

"Did Tinubu support Akeredolu governorship ambition? Did he not win the election and also coast to victory for the second term?

"The good people of Oyo state understand that you are under tremendous pressure from above and that you are still young in learning the game of politics". 

Poor judgment can set you up for failure in the midst of a crisis and, the ability to trace back your steps and rectify the anomaly and be on the path of history, is what defines one’s true character .

The actions of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to safeguard the lives and properties of the people of Ondo State against the Marauders/Fulani Herdsmen Terrorists who have turned Ondo state forest reserves to a haven of terror, have been commended by many sons and daughters of Yoruba land. 

The fact remains that, Governor Akeredolu had declared before his re election, that the security of Yoruba land was paramount in his administration. 

He further posited that he was ready to jettison his second term re-election for self preservation and security of Yoruba land. 

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu anchored and championed the formation of the South West Security Outfit, code named "AMOTEKUN" before he was re-elected for the second term. 

It is important to say that at the outset of the formation of AMOTEKUN, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state also keyed into the concept of South West Security Outfit and he worked assiduously with the other Southwest Governors to make it a success.

However, the non-committal of Governor Seyi Makinde to the struggle of Chief Sunday Igboho's evacuation of criminal Fulani Herdsmen from Ibarapa land in Oyo state, is very worrisome as some have labeled him as the enemy of his people. 

Consequently, this may cost him his political career in Oyo state. 

Governor Seyi Makinde must thread softly and align with the popular demand that Marauders/Fulani Herdsmen and Terrorists should vacate Oyo state. 

The recent events in the state somehow, suggest that he is more interested in his political ambition than the security of the people of Oyo state. If not, how could he have added a voice to the call by the Federal Government for the arrest of a Yoruba freedom fighter, chief Sunday Igboho? 

In a sharp contrast, we have seen his brother, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state issuing a policy statement that outlawed open grazing and ordered every illegal herdsmen to vacate the Ondo state forest reserves. Why and when is Seyi Makinde going to take a cue from governor Akeredolu's definite and bold action and take the bull by the horn before it’s too late? 

It is partinent to say that since his display of lackadaisical attitude towards supporting Chief Sunday Igboho, his approval rating among the good people of Oyo state is fast dwindling. 

What are his political advisers and image makers doing in this ugly scenario? 

Will it not be better for him to be a Yoruba Nationalist than eyeing a second term re-election in a contraption called Nigeria? Also, will it not be politically safe for him to totally support the yearnings and aspirations of his people? Did Governor Rotimi Akeredolu not stand against the Marauders/Fulani Herdsmen  Terrorists before his re election and did he not coast home to victory? Is position of authority and power not a divine exercise defined and supervised by God; and God has the unquestionable final say? 

What will be, will be?  "Que Cera Cera? in Latin words.

Suffice to say that a lot of his kinsmen are looking forward to him for leadership. The Yoruba people need him in this new trajectory because, he falls within the useful and valuable age bracket that is associated with dynamism and astute performance. 

A quick reference point to Governor Seyi Makinde's astute performance was the way and manner he handled the issue of National Union for Road Workers Transportion that had for decades, been extorting money that was supposed to be for the common good of the people of Oyo state. He received a lot of accolades and respect for this giant stride. 

Moreover, fraternizing with some special interests in the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) may be counter productive. "Epo ni moru, oni yangi ma ba temi je". Many of these folks or politicians in the ruling party, APC have lost their electoral values.  

Methinks, the best bet for Governor Seyi Makinde, is to align with the popular demand of his people. Did Tinubu support Akeredolu governorship ambition? Did he not win the election and also coast to victory for the second term?

The good people of Oyo state understand that you are under tremendous pressure from above and that you are still young in learning the game of politics and they will not "kill an ant with a sledge hammer" only if you could conscientiously, learn from your mistake and come out with a robust and well spelt out policy statement that will be implemented against the Marauders/Fulani HerdsmenTerrorists in Oyo state.

Also, you must endeavor to work in synergy with the likes of Sunday Igboho to flush out every illegal Fulani Herdsmen/Marauders from Oyo state. 

It should not stop there as you must understand the modus operandi of these marauders is always a comeback surprise reprisal attacks in areas where they are flushed out.

This is where synergy among the state government, OPC, AGBEKOYA, LOCAL HUNTERS and AMOTEKUN comes to play as a DEFENSE LINE is needed after FLUSHING because Sunday Igboho cannot do everything.

The roles of a DEFENSE LINE are surveillance and communication within and outside the flushed area and also standby vigilante group to ward off and resist  attacks by the avenging  killers.

In addition, there is nothing to fear because our ancestors and the good people of Oyo state  are with you in the struggle for the emancipation of Yoruba nation.

In the final analysis, the fact that Yoruba national anthem is now official in every government official meeting in Ondo state is a strong indication that Oodua Republic has landed like an eagle. We expect every Southwest Governor to follow in the same direction.

Yes, Aketi is our man and God bless Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN for leading us through the wilderness to the promised land. 

Oodua agbe wa o!

David Adenekan writes from Chicago, Illinois.