A STRONG OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, ALHAJI AHMED USMAN ODODO, GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE
By Pastor Stanley Ajileye
Your Excellency,
I write with a deep sense of responsibility, born out of conviction and respect for your person. I have, on several occasions, witnessed firsthand the humility with which you carry yourself as Governor of Kogi State. Those close to you equally attest to your listening ears, an attribute they describe as a clear departure from what we knew of your predecessor.
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It is on the strength of this admirable quality that I have chosen to speak directly to you. These are honest thoughts about what is best for you at this critical juncture in our state’s political journey, particularly if you truly desire your name to be written permanently in gold.
Your Excellency, my sincere counsel comes in four parts:
1. Consider the Path of Supreme Equity and a Place in History
It is a matter of common knowledge that by the fourth year of your administration, the Ebira nation would have held the governorship for sixteen years, if counted from the era of Alhaji Adamu Attah of blessed memory. This would place the Ebira on equal footing with the Igalas, who have also governed for sixteen years.
On the basis of fairness and historic equity, I humbly appeal that Your Excellency should consider not seeking a second term. Such unprecedented sacrifice would not only distinguish you uniquely in Nigeria’s democratic history, but would elevate you as the Father of Equity in Kogi State.
This decision alone could make you the most respected political figure ever produced by the state. Kogi would rise to honour you. The nation would recognize you. The President could, without hesitation, elevate you to national service, possibly as a Minister, because you would have set a rare example of political selflessness.
2. Review the Turbanning of Fulanis, Particularly the Title of “Obaro Fulani of Kogi Central”
If reversing the appointment and turbanning of Fulanis as Serki in each Local Government of Kogi Central proves difficult, then I appeal that at the very least, the title “Obaro Fulani of Kogi Central” be reviewed.
The title Obaro is sacred, not only to Kabba and Iyamoye in Ijumu, but to the entire Okun nation. Retaining such a title for a Fulani leader poses potential future complications. A time may come when claims could be made that the jurisdiction of such a title extends to Kabba land, igniting unnecessary tensions.
Your Excellency, let me state the truth many around you are too timid to say, Okun appointees in your administration are deeply uncomfortable with this development. Unfortunately, sycophancy has robbed them of the courage to speak up. Yet, shielding a leader from the truth is the greatest disservice to that leader, particularly a leader known for humility and listening ears, like you.
3. Prioritize Visible Infrastructure in the Next Two Years
I appeal that the remainder of your tenure be used to embark on bold, transformative infrastructural projects, estates, quality roads, hotels, bridges, industrial centres, just as we saw during the eras of Prince Abubakar Audu and under the earlier PDP administrations.
This is important not only for the prosperity of Kogi State, but also for your own peace after office. With an average monthly allocation of ₦13.6 billion, the people will naturally ask questions if visible development does not align with available resources.
You do not deserve to face post-administration scrutiny from agencies like the EFCC. Visible infrastructure is the best answer to any suspicion, before such questions even arise.
4. Address the Concern Surrounding Local Government Allocations
Finally, Your Excellency, if it is true that Local Government allocations are not reaching their intended destinations, then this is the moment to act decisively. History is written not only by what leaders do, but also by what they correct.
Your Excellency, my words are born out of love for Kogi State and profound respect for you. You have already distinguished yourself by humility and accessibility, rare traits in leadership today. I only appeal that you stretch these virtues further, for the good of the state and for your lasting legacy.
May God guide you to make the decisions that will immortalize your name and stabilize our dear state for generations to come. Warm Personal Regards to Her Excellency.
Respectfully,
Pastor Stanley Ajileye
