By Professor Leke OKE
In his work The Republic, Plato argues that the ideal city-state, should be governed by “philosopher kings”. These are rulers who are intellectually superior and morally virtuous, with a unique ability to grasp true knowledge, making them uniquely qualified to lead for the common good.
The philosopher king is a hypothetical ruler who combines philosophical knowledge with political skill, making them the ideal leader. The concept of the philosopher king is presented through the character of Socrates, who declares, “Unless either philosophers become kings in our cities, … there will be no end to the troubles of our cities, or indeed of humanity”.
Thus, in the words of Plato, only a philosopher is the true expert in the “craft” of governing/ruling. This is premised on the belief that the philosopher is the only one who can understand the Form of the Good.
The philosopher king is free from the greed and lust for power that plague ordinary rulers. Their love of truth and learning makes them naturally temperate, just, and incorruptible.
Their decisions would not be clouded by personal desires or ambition but would be based on wisdom and the state should be led by those with specialized training and knowledge of governance.
According to Plato, these rulers would possess exceptional qualities, including:
– *Wisdom*: A deep understanding of the Forms, particularly the Form of the Good, which enables them to make informed and just decisions.
– *Courage*: The ability to stand by their convictions and make difficult decisions, even in the face of opposition.
– *Temperance*: A sense of balance and moderation, ensuring that their decisions benefit the entire society.
– *Justice*: A commitment to fairness and righteousness, prioritizing the common good over personal interests.
In succinctly and doubtlessly too, the Ekiti State governor, HE Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, BAO, a Political Scientist, accurately fit into the categorization of a Philosopher King as enunciated above.
Upon his assumption of office on October 16, 2022, HE BAO, in his maiden speech to the people of Ekiti State and by implication, Nigerians averred thus; “let’s now keep Ekiti working,” This has not only worked out, but it has been the springboard that nourishes growth and development.
Flowing from the above, the governor galvanized all the frontline opposition figures/opponents and got them to support and rally round his government, culminating in overwhelming support ab initio. This singular political dexterity paid off later in the political experimentation of the state when seeming internal betrayal sprang up even from within the very ruling party; the APC.
Moreso, the governor’s overt humility, a sign of strength, and his ability to lobby all the critical stakeholders and frontliners in the Ekiti project to support his government is equally ingenious.
This attitudinal humility and personal dignity are germane in the massive support the governor receives across the state. It takes a “Philosopher King” to have such dexterity and strategic ideas from the onset.
The last three years has been characterized by beaming hope and assured inspiration of a better Ekiti under the able and dynamic leadership of HE BAO with the state firmly rooted on the path of economic growth and sustainable development.
Doubtlessly, the BAO’s administration has impacted significantly in the areas of road infrastructure, agriculture, youth employment, rural development and other critical sectors of the state economy to the admiration of all within and outside the state.
Thus, in the last three years, many developmental projects and humane policies have been successfully completed and implemented. The retirees have been having a good narrative about the government and our teachers and other civil/ public servants have been adequately motivated and inspired towards contributing their quota to the overall development of the state.
In the area of agriculture, over 5,000 youths had been encouraged to fully engage in commercial agriculture through cluster farming taking cognizance of Ekiti’s favourable comparative advantage in farming.
The government has provided cluster farming sites while dormitories are being built that are reminiscent of the farm settlements provided by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s administration in the then western region towards encouraging our youths in agriculture and enhancing food stability and affordability in Ekiti State.
The success recorded in road infrastructure is complemented by the approval granted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for full-fledged commercial operation of the Ekiti State International Cargo Airport with consequential effect on the overall development of the state.
In the areas of road infrastructure, BAO’s administration has significantly impacted on about 70 road projects in the state. These range from rural roads, Federal roads, state roads and state road network projects. Some of these roads have been completed while construction is ongoing in some others.
Facts are not conjectures; HE BAO has performed exceptionally well. BAO’s administration has religiously implemented projects covering the six critical pillars of his administration viz; Youth Development and job creation, Human Capital Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, Infrastructure and Industrialization, Arts, Culture and Tourism and Good Governance.
He kick- started his re-election as soon as he assumed the mantled of leadership of Ekiti State. I therefore congratulate His Excellency on his well-deserved nomination as a consensus candidate for our great party, the APC.
Thus, the decision of the NWC of the ruling APC to adopt HE BAO as a consensus candidate for the upcoming Gubernatorial Election in 2026 is not only commendable but is seen, among others, as a product of the governor’s political ingenuity and strategic calculations befitting of a leader in the categorization of a Philosopher King.
This singular action of the National Working Committee will engender sustainable development and continuity in the governance of our dear state, Ekiti, until the year 2030 when BAO’s administration must have concluded its second term in office.
The vision is clear, and the mission is a fiat accompli. It is, therefore, imperative for all of us (APC and non-APC members) in Ekiti to rally round Mr. Governor in this onerous task of taking Ekiti to the promised land, Ekiti of our dreams.
Achieving this, we must be law abiding at all times, before, during and after the Gubernatorial Election in 2026. We must get our Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) ready and updated, if necessary. We must continue to mobilize for our great party, the APC, be readily available for peaceful and rigorous campaign at the right time, exercise our civic duty by coming forward to vote during the Election and commit the state in prayer to the able hands of the Almighty God.
We can only pray for God’s guidance and divine protection for HE BAO as he continues to paddle the canoe of our dear Ekiti State towards a God’s ordained destination in 2030. Until then, bravo to excellence, bravo to assured inspiration, bravo to good governance…. Congratulations, Your Excellency.
Professor Leke OKE writes from Ekiti State
Mobile: +2348033658474
Email: lekeoke@yahoo.com
