By Debo Akinbami, PhD
The motorcade moved toward the hilly Oke-Agbe, in a row; clutching to the curvy routes as they billowed. It was a fair speed. Enthusiasts waited at the gate, with flutes, drums and dance, to receive the august visitor. In no time, Governor Aiyedatiwa emerged, with a silver beard.
The governor danced. He likes to. In his clench, a handy, red-taped broom, of special make. The broom, with executive trappings, looked more from the factory than the farm. The governor, in the euphory, wagged the broom with delicate precision. Every wag was a message – the deep, steep message.
The broom, besides being a political symbol, delivers multiple meanings. That’s what culture teaches. In this instance, it does not only signal the authority badge of the party’s helmsman, it moves in affirmation of the holder’s message of reassurance to the people he holds so dear.
The messages were unambiguous. They were, as well, instructive. Aiyedatiwa spoke of a new dawn in state affairs; he touched on the hallowed need for President Tinubu’s re-election, and, the good reasons for the party to unite behind the bid. He told his audience how the party belongs to all, the eminence of the party’s leadership and why ambitions should be moderated in the interest of harmony.
He was unapologetic about Tinubu’s second coming. For this sake, he sternly warned against divisive tendencies; against self-serving pursuits that may alter the party’s peace that the governor daily nurtures. Because it was of yuletide, he gave the message of love, tolerance and camaraderie, and the assurance of steady dividends.
Ahead of the governor’s trip, he had sent stronger messages; they littered the streets of the north, south and central. They resonate in the form of massive road constructions and rehabilitation; in the emerging port and industries that would change Ondo’s face and fate. As he toured, he gauged the quantity and quality of work done. He shared love wrapped in gifts.
By the tour, the governor touched many. He listened to and allayed sundry fears. He realised that the people needed his presence and that of his government, and he gave the same in surplus. A classic way to remind the people that he remembers every letter of his pact with them. It was, at any rate, an infectious leadership finesse styled after none.
The beauty of governor Aiyedatiwa’s tour was in choosing to remember the people who gave him sprawling legitimacy to lead the state in a time like this; citizens who elected him with unprecedented mark; men and women of goodwill who chose light when the dark clouds gathered, who put the state above self.
The trip was unprompted- was of good feelings. It was unwonted- in a class of its own; another of those rare marks the governor makes with ease. Others would do likewise to garner votes and plunder afterwards but Aiyedatiwa made his to show and sow gratitude. By the tour, he reminded us, again, that the power we hold-in trust- belongs to the people.
***Dr. Akinbami is the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Aiyedatiwa on Strategic Communication.
