By Kehinde Olaosebikan
No doubt, this is not the best of times for the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde. It is indeed a
trying period for the governor, once in not too far past rated as one of the best performing
governors in Nigeria. He was praised for his consistency in the regular and timely payment of salaries
of civil servants and for other populist programs.

Alas, the unbridled insecurity in the state is pitching Makinde against the people of the state. On
assumption of office, Makinde did the needful on security by fortifying the state security
architecture with assorted vehicles and other security equipment, expediently required to improve
security in the state. Also, when states in the South West region of the country conceived the idea of
a regional security network, Governor Seyi Makinde was not found wanton.

He was next to the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu, and Governor of Ondo State not only in supporting the idea but in giving life to Amotekun. Makinde established the Amotekun Corps far ahead of his governor colleagues.

After the investment of state’s fund in equipping the security apparatus and setting up the much
desired local police squad, the natural expectation was an enhancement in the security of the state.

But, in Oyo, the reverse is the case. Instead of the fortified security architecture and the Amotekun
Corps giving more peace to the state, the people became less secured with more severe attacks in
the hands of herdsmen and other criminal elements. People were horrified and started losing
confidence in government and its security network.

Cases of murder, kidnappings, rape, armed robbery and other crimes increased across the state.
Ibarapa, known to be the most peaceful zone in the state, ironically became the hotbed of killings,
kidnappings and other violent crimes. The gruesome murder of Dr. Fatai Aborode, a successful
Nigerian who relocated from overseas to his hometown, Igangan, in the spirit of giving back to his
source was one case too many. Aborode’s life was brutally cut short by people suspected to be
herdsmen. There were other numerous cases of murders which have heightened tension across the
state.

Naturally, concerned Nigerians, especially eminent citizens of Oyo State were worried with the
escalation of crime and criminality in the state. They offered advice as they said governance is
beyond mere deployment of fund or throwing money at problems. It requires profound planning,
putting in place workable and sustainable policies engaging the apt set of people, putting round pegs
in round holes and prompt response through executive visitations in dire circumstances.

Shortly after the establishment of the local police, Amotekun, a former governor of the state and a
retired top police officer, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala genuinely advised the governor to head the
organization with an honest, God-fearing retired police officer who would be able to relate more
effectively with the police, rather than using a retired military officer.

Akala gave cogent reasons for the advice. The advice was not only rejected, the adviser too was thoroughly abused. In an apparent reference to the former governor, Makinde and his handlers said the state had been governed by “charlatans” in the past and that he, Seyi Makinde “will not allow charlatans to govern the state again”.

This treatment was not only meted out to Alao-Akala, the most popular and loved governor of Oyo
State till date. It is the general reward for any person, particularly politicians including top members
of the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who dare to criticize or offer any form of
advice to the Oyo State Number One Citizen. I keep the story of how leaders of PDP are treated on
giving advice to His Excellency, for another day.

The latest victim of the verbal assault is the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday
Dare, who felt worried as a citizen of the state over the worsening state of security in his dear state.
On Monday, the sincere advice given by Dare was turned to a verbal war by the handlers of Makinde
against the minister.

The minister had inter alia advised the government of Makinde to be more pragmatic in his response
and handling of the increasing wave of crime in the state and to evolve a strategy that would
guarantee mutually suitable living between the herdsmen and farmers.

Specifically, Dare suggested that: “the building of a new security template for Oyo State is long
overdue.” He added that: “a more robust and concerted security strategy is needed to combat
crime.

Makinde holds overnight meeting, to start Oyo identity programme

A community relations strategy is wanted in the face of the herdsmen/farmers clashes…

“I know I will get my share of abuse and criticism for making this statement. I will take it because
when it comes to security of our people, I stand firm. There is no room for partisanship on this
essential point. Oyo citizens from Ibadan to Ibarapa to Ogbomoso to Oke Ogun to Oyo deserve
better.

Better security and better responses to the issue of protecting them. I want the governor to
do better as the price of continued failure is that of loss of additional lives and property as well as
increasing tensions between people who once treated each other as neighbours and brothers. Also,
for most of our citizens in the state who are easy prey for killers, kidnappers and hoodlums.”

And truly, as predicted, Dare got his share of abuse and condemnation from the handlers of the
Governor of Oyo State. A release signed by Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to the
Governor, described the 55 years old first-class journalist and now a minister as a baby and fickle-
minded.

Adisa’s words: “We have noted with concern the fickle-mindedness being demonstrated by
opposition elements in Oyo State, especially individuals like the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr.
Sunday Dare. It is sad that Mr. Dare has revealed himself as a small mind by playing to the gallery on
insecurity in Oyo State, which is a fallout of the failure of the Federal Government on security issues.

“Their utter attempt at showmanship and unpatriotic conduct portray them as babes and sucklings
intervening on sensitive matters.”

As much as it is the right of every individual or professional to adopt any style suitable for his job,
tolerance is needed in leadership. It is a virtue. I think the handlers of Makinde need to be more
sober in their reactions to criticisms and advice, particularly as they affect the security of the state
which is the joint responsibility of all.

Governance is more complex than throwing money at problems. It is more than pursuing solely
populist agenda. It requires utter seriousness, deep thinking; evolving the right policies and
programs and executing such with the precise set of people. A leader or a governor can only get it
right, by listening to wise counsel and not by deliberately warding off advice through verbal assaults.

Abuse does not pay, at least, in sensitive matters.
Kehinde Olaosebikan is the CEO
Midas Communications Ltd.