Akinrogun of Egbaland,
Baba, happy birthday and many happy returns of the day.
You have carried yourself through the years with remarkable discipline, grace, courage, and statesmanship. Your contributions to journalism, democracy, Ogun State, and Nigeria remain enduring landmarks that generations will continue to study and appreciate.
We thank Almighty God for preserving you in good health and sound mind. We must also acknowledge our mother, Bere Aderinsola Osoba, whose care, support, and nurturing over the years have undoubtedly contributed to the stability and strength that have characterized your life and public service.
My prayer is that God grants you many more years in excellent health, peace, and fulfillment.
Baba, it would be uncharacteristic of me to celebrate this occasion without respectfully raising an issue that continues to generate serious discussions among politicians and stakeholders across Egbaland.
Many questions are being asked of those of us who are active in politics. The central question is simple: What does the next political dispensation mean for Egbaland?
Our people are increasingly concerned about whether Egbaland is on course to remain without significant representation at the highest levels of power for what could amount to sixteen years. These concerns are neither frivolous nor unreasonable. Across Nigeria, major nationalities and political blocs pay close attention to power, representation, and strategic positioning. The Fulani, the Igala, the Tiv, and many others do not leave such matters to chance. They negotiate, engage, and protect their collective interests.
It is therefore understandable that Egba sons and daughters are asking what is on the table for their people in the years ahead.
A review of budgetary priorities, strategic appointments, and key positions over the last eight years reveals why these concerns are being expressed with increasing urgency. It would be difficult to justify a future arrangement in which the role and place of Egbaland within Ogun State and the federation remain unclear.
This concern becomes even more pertinent given your stature as Akinrogun of Egbaland and your longstanding relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Aare Ago of Egbaland. It is also well known that both of you are supportive of my brother, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola.
For this reason, Baba, many of us believe that clarity is required regarding the future political architecture and power-sharing arrangements affecting our people. We seek not privilege but fairness. We seek not dominance but inclusion. We seek assurances that Egbaland will not become a mere spectator in political arrangements that it has historically helped to build and sustain.
As our elders teach us, leadership carries responsibilities beyond the present moment. It requires safeguarding the interests of future generations.
Eyin agba, bo eni oju boro, ko gba omo lowo ekuro.(Ki owe je ti Alake) Our fathers did not raise us to surrender our legitimate interests through silence or hesitation.
Baba, we therefore appeal to you to help fix this question for the benefit of our people. The sons and daughters of Egbaland deserve clarity, confidence, and a sense of belonging in the future that is being shaped today. We do not wish to become political cannon fodder in the state that our forebears helped build.
On this special day, however, our foremost wish remains your continued wellbeing, happiness, and strength.
Happy Birthday once again, Baba.
May God continue to bless and preserve you.
Otunba Segun Showunmi
Odofin Keesi
Odofin Ilado Kemta
