We must not allow politics to divide us. What is currently going on in Osun State is no longer looking like an election; it is beginning to look like a real communal war.Are we not Yoruba first before we become Nigerians?
The political atmosphere surrounding the Osun State governorship election is deeply disturbing. The level of bitterness, violence and desperation in Osun politics is something we must never allow to take root in Oyo State. I pray that our own politics will remain peaceful, mature and focused on the development of our people, rather than descending into the kind of hostility we are witnessing in Osun.
Ibadanland is politically matured. We may catch cruise, yab ourselves and disagree politically, but we don't kill ourselves because of politics.
Whether you are in APC, PDP or AMP, we are still Ibadan indigenes first before politics.
My friend, who is a director in the DSS and has now been drafted to Osun to cover this ongoing election, told me that what he witnessed in Atakumosa Local Government prompted him to invite the military to support the security agencies on the ground.
But when you look at it, upon what?
Is it not the governorship ticket they offered me on a platter of gold and I rejected it?
What is the big deal in becoming a governor that warrants the senseless killing of human beings?
I was the first person Governor Makinde asked if I wanted to contest for governor at the final burial of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mahood Balogun.
I was in France last year when I was asked by the President if I wanted to contest for Oyo governor under the APC.
You can investigate this. President Jonathan named me as a minister from Oyo State, which I declined, and presented Abdulahi Arisekola Alao before Aare turned it down to pick Chief Remi Babalola.
Please ask Senator Folarin if you are in doubt. He was the Senate Leader then.
I have vowed in my life never to hold any political office. It is my decision.
I have four children, all girls from the same mother. Only one of them is still in school, and her sisters have taken up her responsibility. So, in essence, I have no responsibility other than to go to Owambe parties and enjoy my life.
So why should I need to kill people for anything?
Please, my brothers and sisters, politics is not a do-or-die affair.
Let us tread softly.
Anybody that performs Hajj or goes to Jerusalem and still sponsors people to kill his fellow human beings will end up in hell. There is no doubt about that.
My people in Ibadan, ẹ̀dákun, à jẹ́ ṣe bí Ọ̀yọ́ làárí. Ọ̀yọ́ kì í ṣe bí bàbá ẹnikan.
Let us continue to be our brothers' keepers.
Now I know that it is a blessing to us in Oyo State that they separated Osun people from us.
A kù oríire ooo.
Mogaji Wole Arisekola writes from Ibadan.
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