Ologba of Ogba, HRM Oba Abdulateef Oladimeji Egbeyemi, Madarikan 1, has urged the Awori to take an active part in politics.
Oba Egbeyemi, who spoke with selected journalists when he visited the family of the late former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo yesterday, said it took him nine years and eight months to ascend to the throne of his forebears.
During the waiting period, Oba Egbeyemi said he never for once got angry nor abused anyone because Alhaji Jafojo taught him to be patient no matter the situation.
Explaining the reason for the visit, he said, “This is my family house. Awori family house. I’m one of the products of this house. As far back as 1991, when I was in the university and the need to form the Awori Descendants Union came up through Alhaji Jafojo. I’m one of the seeds. He was looking for Awori people who would go into politics. He started Awori Descendants Union, which later metamorphosised into Afenifere Independent Group, AIG.”
On the philosophy of Alhaji Jafojo, Oba Egbeyemi explained that the late elder statesman taught him to be patient àt all times on any matter.
“He would say that if anything happened and you know you don’t have a better way of handling it, go and sleep over it. My ascendant to the throne took nine years and eight months to achieve. I never abused anyone, I was patient all throughout.
“I’m more than grateful toʻ Baba Jafojo’s children because I have benefited immensely from him. There is a proverb that says , ‘any river that forgets its source will dry up. I have come back today to show appreciation to Baba’s children and other well wishers,” he added.
The monarch, however, advised the Awori to get involved in politics to contribute their quota.
“The Awori should get involved in politics. That’s where the decision to run Nigeria is being taken. If you earned your degrees without participating in politics, you won’t have qualified people to formulate policy that will turn the fortune of the country around. We are not pushing anyone back. Let’s collectively do it. And like the wise counsel of former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof Wande Abimbola that though some courses are more lucrative than others, but what you make out of life is dependent on your own efforts.”
