In the corridors of Ogun State’s government buildings, where power brokers and political appointees once strutted with newfound authority, there worked a civil servant whose name would prove prophetic. Matanmi—literally meaning “Do not deceive me” in Yoruba—embodied the institutional memory that outlasts the fleeting nature of political appointments. This soft-spoken but astute public servant had witnessed the rise and fall of numerous administrations, and his gentle but persistent reminder to overconfident political appointees has become legendary: “Wuruwuru, ọdún naa n pe e lọ”—”Gradually, the clock of exit is ticking.”
The wisdom embedded in Matanmi’s words reflects a fundamental truth about political power: it is temporary, transient, and ultimately subject to the inexorable passage of time. As the Yoruba proverb eloquently states, “Ofisi l’ó máa réyìn Akòwé”—”The office will surely outlive the Clerk.” This ancient wisdom now finds its contemporary expression in the twilight years of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.
The Anatomy of Political Decline
The Departure of Royal Aura
Traditional Yoruba political philosophy recognises a phenomenon that modern political scientists might call the “lame duck” period, but with far more cultural depth and spiritual significance. According to Yoruba tradition, when a king’s reign is approaching its end, the royal aura—that intangible quality that commands respect, attention, and obedience—begins to depart from the monarch approximately two years before his actual exit from power.
This mystical transfer of authority is not merely symbolic; it manifests in tangible ways that any keen political observer can identify. In the case of Governor Abiodun, these signs have become increasingly evident:
Declining Meeting Attendance: What were once packed government meetings now see sparse attendance. The magnetic pull of power that once drew crowds of supporters, contractors, and political hangers-on has significantly weakened.
Strategic Avoidance: Political appointees and civil servants who once competed for face time with the governor now find convenient excuses to avoid meetings. The phrase “I’m busy” or “I’m engaged elsewhere” has become the diplomatic way of distancing oneself from a waning administration.
Resource Scarcity: The flow of patronage—the lifeblood of political loyalty—has begun to dry up. The gratifications, contracts, and favours that once cemented political relationships are no longer as readily available.
Attention Deficit: Perhaps most tellingly, the spotlight of political attention has begun to shift toward potential successors and emerging power centres, leaving the current governor increasingly isolated.
The Psychology of Power Loss
The most poignant indicator of diminishing authority occurs when a leader feels compelled to remind others of their position. When Governor Abiodun finds himself saying, “I am still the Governor,” it serves as an inadvertent admission that his authority is no longer self-evident. True power needs no proclamation; it is felt, recognised, and respected without verbal assertion.
This phenomenon reflects a deeper psychological reality: power that must be announced has already begun its journey toward irrelevance. The very act of having to remind people of one’s authority becomes proof of its erosion.
Historical Context and Comparative Analysis
The Pattern of Political Succession
Governor Abiodun’s situation is neither unique nor unprecedented. The history of Nigerian politics is replete with examples of leaders who attempted to install handpicked successors, only to discover that political loyalty rarely survives the transition of power. The recent example of Rivers State, where Governor Nyesom Wike’s relationship with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, quickly deteriorated into open conflict, serves as a cautionary tale.
Despite Wike’s considerable political machinery and influence, his chosen successor proved to have his own agenda and political ambitions. Only the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prevented what could have been a complete political rupture. This pattern repeats itself across Nigeria’s political landscape, suggesting that the desire to control succession is often an exercise in futility.
The Appointment Legacy
During his tenure, Governor Abiodun exercised his considerable appointment powers, naming over 3,000 individuals to various positions, including:
- Commissioners
- Special Advisers
- Special Assistants
- Board Members
- Committee Chairpersons
- Agency Heads
Now, as his administration winds down, a critical question emerges: how many of these appointees experienced genuine life transformation beyond the temporary prestige of their titles? The answer to this question will largely determine how history remembers the Abiodun administration and whether his appointees will maintain any lasting loyalty beyond his tenure.
Policy Failures and Missed Opportunities
The Olumo Rock Controversy
One of the most glaring examples of the administration’s poor judgment was the decision to shut down Olumo Rock, one of Ogun State’s most significant tourist attractions. This decision was particularly ill-timed, coinciding with the state’s hosting of the National Sports Festival—an event that could have showcased Ogun State’s rich cultural heritage to a national audience.
Olumo Rock, with its historical significance and tourist appeal, represented an opportunity to:
- Generate revenue through tourism
- Showcase Ogun State’s cultural patrimony
- Create employment opportunities in the hospitality sector
- Position the state as a premier tourist destination
The closure of this iconic site during a major national event demonstrated a fundamental misunderstanding of the intersection between culture, tourism, and economic development.
Cultural Heritage Neglect
Beyond Olumo Rock, the administration failed to capitalise on other significant cultural assets, including the Queen of Sheba’s trail through the Biliki Sugbo Shrine in Ijebu Ode. These sites represent untapped potential for cultural tourism that could have provided sustainable economic benefits to local communities while preserving important historical narratives.
Sports Infrastructure Abandonment
The administration’s approach to sports development revealed a troubling pattern of neglect toward state-owned facilities while potentially favouring private ventures. State-owned sports facilities in:
- Ilaro
- Ijebu Ode
- Sagamu
were allowed to deteriorate while resources were allegedly channelled toward private investments. This approach not only deprived citizens of public recreational facilities but also raised questions about the prioritisation of public versus private interests.
The National Sports Festival Scandal
The N2 Billion Feeding Budget Controversy
Perhaps the most damaging scandal of the administration’s final period involved the allocation of N2 billion for athlete feeding during the National Sports Festival. The reported cost of N11 per meal raised immediate red flags about financial propriety and realistic budgeting.
More concerning was the allegation that despite this substantial budget allocation, no local caterers were awarded contracts. This decision not only deprived local businesses of economic opportunities but also raised questions about transparency in the procurement process.
A Missed Redemption Opportunity
The National Sports Festival represented a golden opportunity for the Abiodun administration to redeem itself in the eyes of the public. Successful hosting of such a prestigious event could have:
- Demonstrated administrative competence
- Showcased infrastructural improvements
- Generated positive publicity
- Left a lasting positive legacy
Instead, the controversies surrounding the event’s organisation and financing may well define how the administration is remembered.
The Political Exodus
The Loyalty Shift
In Nigerian politics, loyalty is often transactional and tied to access to power and resources. As Governor Abiodun’s influence wanes, we observe the predictable migration of political support toward emerging power centres. This shift is particularly evident among:
Transport Union Leaders: Once reliable supporters who benefited from government contracts and favourable policies are beginning to hedge their bets by establishing relationships with potential successors.
Business Associates: Contractors and business partners who once competed for government attention are now exploring alternative relationships that promise future opportunities.
Political Associates: Fellow politicians who once sought association with the governor now find reasons to maintain strategic distance while positioning themselves for the post-Abiodun era.
The Leper Treatment
The metaphor of politicians avoiding Governor Abiodun “like a leper” is particularly apt in the African political context, where association with declining power can be seen as politically contaminating. The excuses offered—being “busy” or “engaged”—represent the diplomatic language of political distancing that allows for potential future reconciliation while avoiding immediate association with a weakening administration.
Cultural and Philosophical Reflections
Yoruba Wisdom on Power and Mortality
The article’s frequent references to Yoruba proverbs reflect the deep cultural understanding of power’s temporary nature. The dirge “Ta ni mo fi aiku jo o? Baba nla baba mi da?”—”Who am I to cheat death, when even my ancestors have passed on?”—places political mortality within the broader context of human mortality, suggesting that no one, regardless of their position or power, can escape the natural order of succession and change.
The proverb “Eku tó já fáfá, èbìtì lù; ká má wa sọ àpọnpébìtì”—”Even the smartest rat can be caught in a trap”—serves as a warning about the dangers of overconfidence and the inevitability of political downfall for those who govern poorly.
The Foreigner’s Departure
The saying “Bí Òyìnbó bá máa lọ ní’ilu, ó máa su sí àga ní”—”When the foreigner is about to leave the village, he defecates on the chief’s chair”—provides a cultural framework for understanding the controversial decisions and scandals that often mark the end of political tenures. This metaphor suggests that departing leaders sometimes engage in actions that damage the office they once held, whether through negligence, spite, or desperation.
The Verdict of History
The Electoral Judgment
In democratic systems, the ultimate judgment on political performance comes through the electoral process and historical assessment. Governor Abiodun’s legacy will be evaluated against several criteria:
- Economic Development: Did the state’s economy grow and diversify during his tenure?
- Infrastructure Development: Were lasting improvements made to roads, healthcare facilities, schools, and other public infrastructure?
- Social Cohesion: Did his leadership contribute to unity or division within the state?
- Institutional Strengthening: Were democratic institutions and civil service capacity enhanced?
- Corruption: Was public trust maintained through transparent governance?
The Exile to Irrelevance
The article’s prediction of “exile to irrelevance” reflects a common fate for African political leaders who fail to build lasting legacies beyond their time in office. Unlike leaders who transition into elder statesmanship roles, continuing to influence politics and policy through moral authority and accumulated wisdom, those who leave office under clouds of controversy often find themselves marginalised from future political discourse.
Lessons for Future Leaders
The Impermanence of Power
The story of Governor Abiodun serves as a powerful reminder to current and future political leaders about the temporary nature of political authority. Power, no matter how secure it may seem, is always subject to electoral cycles, term limits, and the natural progression of political change.
The Importance of Legacy Building
Effective political leadership requires a constant awareness of legacy, not just the immediate benefits that power can provide, but the lasting impact that decisions and policies will have long after the leader has left office. The most successful political leaders are those who:
- Build institutions that outlast their tenure
- Develop human capital through education and training
- Create economic opportunities that benefit future generations
- Maintain ethical standards that enhance public trust in government
The Value of Humility
Perhaps most importantly, the Abiodun case study demonstrates the importance of humility in political leadership. The “cloak of arrogance stitched with incompetence and corruption” mentioned in the article represents a toxic combination that has destroyed many political careers. Leaders who remember their temporary stewardship of public trust and maintain connections with the people they serve are more likely to leave positive legacies.
Contemporary Relevance and Broader Implications
The Nigerian Political Context
Governor Abiodun’s situation must be understood within the broader context of Nigerian politics, where:
- Term limits create natural transition points
- Political parties often struggle with smooth succession planning
- Personal loyalty networks compete with institutional loyalty
- Economic challenges make resource allocation particularly contentious
Lessons for Democratic Governance
The analysis of Governor Abiodun’s declining political fortunes offers valuable insights for democratic governance more broadly:
- Accountability Mechanisms: Regular elections serve as crucial accountability mechanisms, but their effectiveness depends on informed citizenry and transparent institutions.
- Leadership Transition: Successful democracies require smooth leadership transitions that preserve institutional continuity while allowing for policy innovation.
- Public Trust: The erosion of public trust, once begun, is difficult to reverse and can undermine the effectiveness of governance even before formal transition occurs.
Conclusion: The Eternal Lesson of Power
The story of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s political twilight serves as both a specific analysis of contemporary Nigerian politics and a universal meditation on the nature of power itself. From the wise civil servant Matanmi’s gentle warnings to the current spectacle of political isolation, the narrative illustrates timeless truths about leadership, accountability, and the inevitable passage of political seasons.
The Yoruba concept of “elésin àná”—yesterday’s horse—captures the essence of political obsolescence. Just as yesterday’s horse, no matter how strong or fast it once was, becomes irrelevant in today’s race, political leaders who fail to adapt, serve effectively, or build lasting legacies find themselves relegated to historical footnotes rather than continuing relevance.
As the clock continues to tick—”Wúrúwùrù, ọdún naa n pe e lọ”—the administration of Dapo Abiodun approaches its natural conclusion. The lessons embedded in this transition extend far beyond Ogun State or even Nigeria, offering insights into the universal dynamics of political power, leadership responsibility, and the eternal human struggle to leave a positive mark on the world during our brief moments of authority and influence.
The ultimate question for any political leader is not how long they can hold onto power, but how effectively they can use their temporary stewardship to create lasting benefits for the people they serve. In this fundamental test, the verdict on Governor Abiodun’s administration appears to be one of missed opportunities, squandered potential, and the inexorable approach of political sunset.
The parting gift of any administration should ideally be a stronger, more prosperous, and more united community. Whether Governor Abiodun’s legacy will meet this standard remains to be seen, but the signs suggest that his departure will be marked more by relief than regret, more by anticipation of change than gratitude for service rendered.
As future leaders observe this transition, they would do well to remember Matanmi’s wisdom and the eternal truth it represents: political power is temporary, but the impact of how that power is used echoes through generations. The choice between being remembered as a builder or a cautionary tale remains in the hands of every leader, until the moment when the clock finally stops ticking and history renders its final verdict.
