APPEAL FOR CALM AND RESTRAINT: A CALL FOR PEACEFUL RESOLUTION BY ISAN-EKITI PROGRESSIVE UNION
It is with a heavy heart that we address the recent unpleasant development amidst the escalating tensions between the two revered figures in Ekiti State: the former Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Dr John Kayode Fayemi CON, the Asiwaju Oluomo of Isan Ekiti and Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the Bamofin of Yoruba land.
The recent discord between these two influential and distinguished Ekiti sons has caused concern and distress among our members. We understand that disagreements may arise, but it is imperative that we handle these conflicts with grace, tact, wisdom, and a commitment to peaceful resolution.
Both the former Governor, His Excellency, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, CON, and Aare Afe Babalola have contributed immensely to the development and progress of our dear Ekiti state. Their wisdom, leadership, and dedication have been invaluable assets, and it pains us to witness the current state of affairs between them.
On our part as members of the Isan Progressive Union, we want to rise above the fray and strive for reconciliation and understanding. We urge all parties involved beyond these two influential personalities to exercise restraint, refrain from further provocative statements, threats, and rather embrace reconciliation between father and son.
Let us be reminded of the principles of unity and solidarity that have always bound us together as brothers and sisters of the same family in Ekiti. Let us honour the legacies of those who have paved the way for our progress by choosing the path of peace and reconciliation with both parties.
In the spirit of brotherhood and mutual respect, it is our avowed interest to appeal to both Chief Afe Babalola SAN, the Bamofin of Yoruba land and our son, Dr John Kayode Fayemi, CON to forget the past, bury the hatchet and embrace peace and continue in the expected father and son relationship in the interest of all Ekiti, and therefore find solutions to their differences.
In the end, Ekiti will emerge stronger and more united than ever before. If there is anything that Baba felt that Dr. Fayemi has not done right, let him invite him into his closet and correct/advise him. Equally, no matter how incensed or uncharitable Dr Fayemi must have found Are Afe Babalola’s remarks, he should not have responded in the same manner.
The Yoruba tradition lays it upon us to respect our elders even when we disagree with them. Also, in Yoruba land, Elders are usually more circumspect with the spoken word and care goes down from the elders to the younger ones, while respect goes up from the younger ones to the elders, from which the societal values are preserved. No matter how an elder might have offended or crossed the path of a younger one, the elders would always have their way because of their age.
The Biblical Book of Ephesians Chapter 6 verses 2 and 4 say: ‘Honour thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise; And ye father, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord’’.
With all the above, Baba Afe is a father to many children not only in Ekiti but globally and should not cast away any of them. ‘’Agba ti ko binu lomo e npo jojo,” (The elder that does not easily get angry will reap the fruits of many children)’’ that’s why the baby should not be thrown away with the bath water.
We hereby appeal to people, groups or organizations that have inserted themselves as agent provocateur in the matter to please sheath their swords as steps are being taken to resolve the avoidable disagreement between father and son.
Together, they can both build a future where peace, harmony, and prosperity will reign supreme in our beloved Ekiti.
Signed:
•Chief Joseph Idowu
IPU National President
•Mr Olasebikan Kehinde
IPU General Secretary