By Moses Godonu
A chieftain of the Ekiti State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Opeyemi Falegan has on Monday called on the former Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose to stop making uncomplimentary remarks about former president, Olusegun Obasanjo and other Yoruba leaders.
Falegan, who was reacting to Fayose’s outburst against Obasanjo over his comment on Senator Buruji Kashamu‘s death, urged the former governor to desist from his troublesome behaviors and criticism against Yoruba leaders.
Obasanjo had in a condolence message said Kashamu was able to man oeuvre laws and politics of the society on alleged crime in and outside of Nigeria but couldn’t avoid death.
But Fayose, in his condolence message described Obasanjo’s statement as regrettable, saying “Nigerians are watching for your end too”.
Falegan reacting to Fayose’s statement described Fayose’s vituperation as self-serving and provocative, saying his actions denigrate the aged-long custom and traditions of Yoruba land.
“Since we all know that, nobody is a Saint, Chief Obasanjo like every other Nigerians is entitled to his opinion at all times especially as an individual, elder Statesman and a former Nigerian President. Therefore, for anybody, to act callously irresponsible; and insulting Baba Obasanjo would be a great mistake and unacceptable.
“Yorubaland is a cradle of custom, tradition, honor, respect, loyalty and homage to the elders. Therefore, politics or whatever reasons must not be condoned to change the peoples’ orientation for the present generation and unborn ones.
He warned Fayose against bastardizing the orientation of younger generations in the country especially in the Yorubaland who might see his scathing actions and utterances toward the elders as ethical or just playing politics.
Falegan added, “As a former Governor, Fayose should always behave and talk like a good leader in Ekiti whom the younger ones can always see and look up to as a role model. By constantly insulting and ridiculing his elders, what morality, integrity, good ethics and good behavior is he teaching those following him? And these were the trademarks of the good people of Ekiti in those good old days.
“It could be recalled that, Chief Obasanjo also held same view on the late Buruji even when he was alive as the former Nigerian President didn’t hide his feelings or opinion on the need for him to go to the US and answer to his alleged crimes.
“So, why is it now that Ayo Fayose who had benefitted immensely from late Kashamu’s financial legacy but later abandoned him midway is the one shedding crocodile tears and ridding on the tiger’s tail of Chief Obasanjo to score a cheap political point?” he asked
“Without mincing words, the crowd that welcomed the remains of late Buruji to Ìjèbú Igbo will testify to the fact that, the late Politician was loved by his People because of his level of generosity.
“The death of Buruji should therefore serve as a lesson to everyone especially Fayose to love Ekiti people with his money apart from buying roasted plantains and maize by road sides in order to deceive them?
He, therefore, called on Yoruba leaders to embrace unity of purpose and togetherness and speak with one voice irrespective of their political inclination toward the growth and development of the southwest region.
