In “Antigone” by Sophocles, the prophet Tiresias confronts King Creon with a powerful warning:
“All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.”
Creon, ruler of Thebes, had forbidden the burial of Polyneices, branding him a traitor. Yet, Antigone, Polyneices’ sister, defied this decree, honoring what she believed to be a higher, divine law. Tiresias warned Creon that his obstinate pride and abuse of power were angering the gods and would ultimately bring ruin to his household and kingdom. Unyielding, Creon clung to his authority, and his arrogance bore tragic fruit—the deaths of his son Haemon and wife Eurydice.
Sophocles crafts a timeless lesson on the destructive nature of hubris, emphasizing the need for humility and wisdom in leadership. It is a lesson that resonates today, especially when power is wielded without restraint.
À Ó mérin joba—absolute power can corrupt absolutely.
I am reminded of the unfolding political imbroglio within the Lagos State House of Assembly. The events of Monday bore the unmistakable imprint of presidential interference. It is evident that the DSS invasion of the Assembly was an order from above. Such deployment could not have occurred without the direct command of President Tinubu.
The Assembly has the constitutional authority to govern its proceedings, including the election and removal of its principal officers—Speaker included. If the President was unsettled by the fact that he was not consulted before the former Speaker was ousted, there are more dignified ways to address his concerns. Resorting to strong-arm tactics diminishes the stature of the Presidency, dragging it into the mud of political brawls.
President Tinubu must be advised to let the Assembly exercise its autonomy. The members have demonstrated loyalty to him, regardless of who wears the Speaker’s crown. It is clear that the removal of Obasa was a strategic decision made in the best judgment of the Assembly members and in alignment with the sentiments of the good people of Lagos State.
It is imperative that the President respects this choice. He must resist the temptation to meddle, for to do otherwise would be to court political calamity. To echo the wisdom of Sophocles, let not pride lead to ruin.
Mr. President, do the right thing today: Allow the newly elected Speaker to fulfill their mandate. Anything less would be an overreach of power—an act of gluttony that history will not forgive.
The author, who writes from New York can be reached at femi.adefemiwa@gmail.com
