MESSAGE TO THE OKUN PEOPLE OF KOGI STATE
AHEAD OF THE 2027 ELECTIONS: WHEN YOU CAUSE FRICTION AND TREAT YOUR POLITICAL HEROES WITH DISDAIN
By Musa Bakare
Recent developments on social media have been marked by premature political debates and inflammatory rhetoric that raise serious concerns for the unity and future of the Okun people. Much as I tried to dismiss it in my mind as a non issue, I remember the saying of our fathers: when you remove a speck from the eye, you show it to the eye.
It is particularly disheartening to witness the name of Hon. James Abiodun Faleke being dragged into Yagba and some other political calculations in an apparent attempt to spark division. Such tactics, often orchestrated by individuals with minimal standing, further erode the respect for the contributions of both Hon. Faleke and Hon. Leke Abejide two figures who have been instrumental to the socio-political, human and economic development of Okunland.
With elections still over two years away, stirring disaffection among brothers who, at their core, are united in purpose and mutual respect is both unnecessary, unsettling and dangerous. I am not happy and no Okun should be happy about it
Hon. Faleke and Hon. Abejide are not just prominent politicians; they are longstanding brothers and respected collaborators in their quest for the interests of the Okun people and of the development of Okunland.
Together, Hon. Faleke and Leke Abejide successfully nurturers the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, particularly in the Western Senatorial District from inception .
Those who are unaware of this history, whose political party had crumbled and are now seeking political refuge in our party are trying to sow discord for their own ambitions. However, as time will reveal, their intentions will be laid bare.
It is often said that to be great is to be misunderstood. Yet, allowing the greatness of our political leaders to be diminished by baseless online speculation is a disservice to the Okun people. Leaders like Hon. Faleke and Hon. Abejide embody strategic strength, developmental progress, and visionary leadership.
I speak not merely as an observer but as someone who has been part of those overseeing the numerous empowerment and palliative initiatives spearheaded by Hon. Faleke in Kogi State, particularly in Okunland.
Hon Faleke’s political pedigree and worth is known and acknowledged all over Nigeria far beyond just a federal constituency politics. The weak and unfounded rhetoric by these far lesser political elements lack the credibility for the attention they seek to attract
His Medical outreaches over the year, and the 2024 version at the Kabba General hospital was a clear demonstration of love and concerns. Many people who thought they going blind with no hope got their sight restored. I was their live !
The ugly spiral of acrimony began with an ill informed write up that displayed neither political maturity nor sensitivity by some groups whose intentions certainly is not in the interest of Okun.
This online frenzy lacks the vision expected from any group with long term political objectives. As a minority ethnic group within Kogi State, we Okun people must sleep over and learn the value of unity and collective strategy; internal division only serves to fortify external dominance.
We must recognize that in other ethnic blocs within the state, such as our Ebira and Igala brothers, leaders are celebrated and supported despite their internal disagreements. This presents a valuable lesson: political loyalty, respect for leadership, and long-term planning are indispensable tools for minority advancement.
We must not destroy those who serve as the pillars of our progress. The culture of pulling down one’s own must end. The political leaders we should be nurturing and protecting are often the very targets of character assassination. This is not merely a political misstep—it is a cultural and civilizational error.
The custodians of Okun culture and traditions must rise to the occasion. Silence in the face of such decline is complicity. The time is ripe for us to guide, caution, and re-educate politicians of all ages. We must restore the dignity that once defined our people, rooted in humility, honor, and measured speech.
Our forebears preserved their legacy through integrity and restraint. If we fail to learn from them, we risk dismantling the very fabric that holds the Okun identity together.
As we approach the 2027 elections, let us commit to upholding our political leaders and heroes, protecting our unity, and rising above petty political discord.
Musa Asiru Bakare
Writes from Lokoja, Kogi State Capital
5th May, 2025
