History teaches us a sobering truth: often, the fiercest opposition comes not from outsiders but from within.
The greatest enemies of Jesus Christ were not distant Romans but His own kinsmen; those who witnessed His miracles, ate with Him, listened to His teachings, and yet betrayed and crucified Him. Today, more than two thousand years later, His name endures eternally.
Similarly, Prophet Mohammed (SAW) faced his harshest resistance not from strangers but from his own family in Quraish. Despite acknowledging his honesty and calling him Al-Amin, they persecuted him and sought his destruction. Yet his name is now spoken with peace across the world.
This irony of life persists: those closest to us are often the first to pull us down. The very people we support, lift, and empower can become the architects of our downfall.
Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu faces this painful reality. The loudest voices seeking to discredit his government and reforms are not from the North or East but from the South-West; his own political base. Many of those he nurtured, empowered, and elevated are now leading the chorus of criticism.
Asiwaju built governors, ministers, senators, business leaders, and political families, yet some of these beneficiaries have forgotten yesterday’s sacrifices.
The same spirit is evident in Osun State, where Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, a man who served with humility and discipline, now faces ridicule from those he once elevated. These individuals, who benefited from his leadership and generosity, are the ones mocking his misfortune and undermining his legacy.
This “pull-him-down” syndrome is eroding Yoruba land. It is a betrayal of our Omoluabi culture—a culture of gratitude, loyalty, and respect. Even in disagreement, our tradition teaches us not to destroy our helpers.
I speak from personal experience. My greatest opposition has not come from Osogbo, Ede, Iwo, Ilesha, or Modakeke, who hold me in esteem, but from my own Ife. Those I have supported and sacrificed for now sponsor falsehoods, distort old private laments, and attempt to pit me against my leaders and community.
Just as Jesus and Mohammed (SAW) faced betrayal from their own, just as Asiwaju and Oyetola endure attacks from those they lifted, I too face hostility from my own people.
The question remains: why do we celebrate the downfall of our own? Why do we choose intimidation and destruction over persuasion and intellectual engagement?
Yoruba Ronu! If we continue to pull down those who lift us, who will lift us tomorrow? If we destroy our leaders with our own hands, who will defend us when outsiders come?
President Tinubu will succeed despite detractors. Oyetola’s good name will outlive his mockers. And my love for Ile-Ife will remain unshaken, no matter the opposition.
But Yoruba must pause and reflect. History is watching us.
🔴Hon. Rotimi Makinde is a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Member, House of Representatives Ile-Ife
