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Bankole and the craze for titles
By Mercy Arikawe
On June 12, 2009, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole paid a visit to the Alake of Egbaland,
Oba Adedotun Gbadebo in Ake Palace, Abeokuta. Nothing novel in this as the
Speaker of the House of Representatives had paid numerous such visits in the past.
But this visit was different as on hand to receive the Speaker with the Alake were the
Egba Traditional Council, the full cabinet of the Egbaland comprising of the Otun,
Osi, Adila , Olori-Parakoyi , Oluwo , Asipa , Apena, Balogun, Seriki, Lisa, Aro,
Ogboye, Are, Bada, Odofin, Sarumi and Oganla of Egbaland.
This was the first official reception by the highest traditional authority in Egbaland
for one of their own, whose father, Alhaji Alani Bankole, as the Oluwo Iporo-Ake, is
one of the “Omo Iya Marun”, the kingmakers of Egbaland. As reported in both
electronic and print media, Oba Gbadebo himself emphasized the uniqueness of the
occasion by saying it is only on rare occasion that the Alake-in-Council is
summoned to receive a anybody adding that the council comprises eminent and
successful Nigerians in all field of human endeavour across all the four section of
Egbaland.
From reports, the event was basically to acknowledge the ambassadorial status of
Bankole as representing Egbaland on the national stage and to pray for his
continue success and movement to higher pedestal in national affairs.
This was done with much commendation for some of his unprecedented deeds as
Speaker such as the return of unspent funds, discovery of unremitted funds by
MDAs to Federation Account and passage of 59bills by the House in just two years.
In particular, the Adila of Egbaland, Chief Nola Edun and the Olori Parakoyi of
Egbaland Chief Nathaniel Oduwusi praised Bankole for being instrumental to the
reactivation of the Abeokuta –Ota Road contract which was left uncompleted by
another son of Egbaland.
For these positive achievements, the Alake-in-Council offered to confer on Bankole
a traditional title for his meritorious service. And this was where Bankole showed
humility uncommon among majority of our leaders that have been opportune to lead
us.
As reported in the media, Bankole respectfully declined receiving the title and went
ahead to say it his policy not to receive traditional title or award while in office as
Speaker. Quoting from news report, Bankole stated that “I have always avoided
titles. I have been offered titles from everywhere in the country. Even Ooni of Ife
offered me one a few weeks ago. I have not accepted any title and with due
respect, I will not accept anyone for now.”
In his usually modest best, Bankole added that his title as Speaker of the House of
Representatives has made him representative of the people of Egbaland,
Yorubaland and indeed, the entire country adding that “As the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, I represent Nigerians and that is enough for me.”
Well, since this report came to the public domain, it has been commendation galore
for Bankole from members of the public on electronic airwaves and one is
completely at home with this generational statement that intend to re-oriented our
leaders from penchant for egoistic tittles and meaningless awards while in office
doing what they are elected and paid to do. It is not as if there should be no
recognition or rewards for selfless service to individuals for their
contributions/achievements in life but when it is done to massage the ego of an
office holder or out rightly purchased by persons of sometimes questionable
character, I think somebody should rise and point the way forward. That I think is
what Bankole did.
Over the years, we see governors, minister, legislators and local government
chairmen being given one title or the other for building lock-up stores or doing other
projects in communities with tax payer’s (people’s) money, only for them to induce
the community to give them traditional titles.
In a spate of four years, some governors have accumulated as much as 100 titles
from communities in their state and across Nigeria. The regrettable part is that the
ceremony accompanying this award of chieftaincy titles, as pointed out in many
radio and television commentary is financed by the recipient from resources of the
state. At a conservative rate of one million naira per title, some public officials would
have spent over a hundred million on titles! So money that could have been used
for further development is wasted in organizing parties and other festivities that
accompany these ceremonies.
The other leg of this practice is that of awards by media organizations and other
non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These awards are ostensibly given for
achievements but in reality are ways of raising funds by the organizations concern
through payment by recipients and advertorials that are paid for by the awardees.
As with the traditional titles, state funds are spent to organize and receive these
awards to the detriment of development initiatives.
As it is one may want to suggest enacting a law prohibiting public office holders from
acquiring traditional titles while in office. Public office holders should wait until they
leave office, as Bankole suggested and implied before accepting titles and awards.
The value of such awards then is of higher premium than amassing meaningless,
“Best Governor or Local Government Chairman” Award, “Onwa Netili Oha”
“Oyesiku” , “Oyekitan” and “Galadima” titles.
For whatever, it is worth Bankole has set yet another generational example. Let
hope the message get into the head and consciousness of those crazy for titles at
the expense of the people.
Mercy Arikawe
81, Broad Street, Okitipupa
Ondo State.
By Mercy Arikawe
On June 12, 2009, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole paid a visit to the Alake of Egbaland,
Oba Adedotun Gbadebo in Ake Palace, Abeokuta. Nothing novel in this as the
Speaker of the House of Representatives had paid numerous such visits in the past.
But this visit was different as on hand to receive the Speaker with the Alake were the
Egba Traditional Council, the full cabinet of the Egbaland comprising of the Otun,
Osi, Adila , Olori-Parakoyi , Oluwo , Asipa , Apena, Balogun, Seriki, Lisa, Aro,
Ogboye, Are, Bada, Odofin, Sarumi and Oganla of Egbaland.
This was the first official reception by the highest traditional authority in Egbaland
for one of their own, whose father, Alhaji Alani Bankole, as the Oluwo Iporo-Ake, is
one of the “Omo Iya Marun”, the kingmakers of Egbaland. As reported in both
electronic and print media, Oba Gbadebo himself emphasized the uniqueness of the
occasion by saying it is only on rare occasion that the Alake-in-Council is
summoned to receive a anybody adding that the council comprises eminent and
successful Nigerians in all field of human endeavour across all the four section of
Egbaland.
From reports, the event was basically to acknowledge the ambassadorial status of
Bankole as representing Egbaland on the national stage and to pray for his
continue success and movement to higher pedestal in national affairs.
This was done with much commendation for some of his unprecedented deeds as
Speaker such as the return of unspent funds, discovery of unremitted funds by
MDAs to Federation Account and passage of 59bills by the House in just two years.
In particular, the Adila of Egbaland, Chief Nola Edun and the Olori Parakoyi of
Egbaland Chief Nathaniel Oduwusi praised Bankole for being instrumental to the
reactivation of the Abeokuta –Ota Road contract which was left uncompleted by
another son of Egbaland.
For these positive achievements, the Alake-in-Council offered to confer on Bankole
a traditional title for his meritorious service. And this was where Bankole showed
humility uncommon among majority of our leaders that have been opportune to lead
us.
As reported in the media, Bankole respectfully declined receiving the title and went
ahead to say it his policy not to receive traditional title or award while in office as
Speaker. Quoting from news report, Bankole stated that “I have always avoided
titles. I have been offered titles from everywhere in the country. Even Ooni of Ife
offered me one a few weeks ago. I have not accepted any title and with due
respect, I will not accept anyone for now.”
In his usually modest best, Bankole added that his title as Speaker of the House of
Representatives has made him representative of the people of Egbaland,
Yorubaland and indeed, the entire country adding that “As the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, I represent Nigerians and that is enough for me.”
Well, since this report came to the public domain, it has been commendation galore
for Bankole from members of the public on electronic airwaves and one is
completely at home with this generational statement that intend to re-oriented our
leaders from penchant for egoistic tittles and meaningless awards while in office
doing what they are elected and paid to do. It is not as if there should be no
recognition or rewards for selfless service to individuals for their
contributions/achievements in life but when it is done to massage the ego of an
office holder or out rightly purchased by persons of sometimes questionable
character, I think somebody should rise and point the way forward. That I think is
what Bankole did.
Over the years, we see governors, minister, legislators and local government
chairmen being given one title or the other for building lock-up stores or doing other
projects in communities with tax payer’s (people’s) money, only for them to induce
the community to give them traditional titles.
In a spate of four years, some governors have accumulated as much as 100 titles
from communities in their state and across Nigeria. The regrettable part is that the
ceremony accompanying this award of chieftaincy titles, as pointed out in many
radio and television commentary is financed by the recipient from resources of the
state. At a conservative rate of one million naira per title, some public officials would
have spent over a hundred million on titles! So money that could have been used
for further development is wasted in organizing parties and other festivities that
accompany these ceremonies.
The other leg of this practice is that of awards by media organizations and other
non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These awards are ostensibly given for
achievements but in reality are ways of raising funds by the organizations concern
through payment by recipients and advertorials that are paid for by the awardees.
As with the traditional titles, state funds are spent to organize and receive these
awards to the detriment of development initiatives.
As it is one may want to suggest enacting a law prohibiting public office holders from
acquiring traditional titles while in office. Public office holders should wait until they
leave office, as Bankole suggested and implied before accepting titles and awards.
The value of such awards then is of higher premium than amassing meaningless,
“Best Governor or Local Government Chairman” Award, “Onwa Netili Oha”
“Oyesiku” , “Oyekitan” and “Galadima” titles.
For whatever, it is worth Bankole has set yet another generational example. Let
hope the message get into the head and consciousness of those crazy for titles at
the expense of the people.
Mercy Arikawe
81, Broad Street, Okitipupa
Ondo State.