INVESTING IN POWER: LESSONS FROM NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC FOR ILE-OLUJI

INVESTING IN POWER: LESSONS FROM NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC FOR ILE-OLUJI

By Adebiyi Adesuyi

Politics, at its core, is about power, money and resources. This reality was captured succinctly by political theorist Harold Lasswell in 1936 when he defined politics as “who gets what, when and how.” That definition remains profoundly relevant in Nigeria today. To illustrate this point, I will share a personal experience from the period leading up to Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Sometime in the last quarter of 1998, I visited one of my customers at her residence in Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos. For discretion, I will simply refer to her as Alhaja. She was one of the biggest importers of Swiss lace and guinea brocades, with one of the largest textile shops on Lagos Island. She intended to purchase foreign exchange, so I brought the necessary documents for her to complete and sign, while I guided her through the process. As we were attending to the paperwork, an elderly man in his early sixties walked into the house. Although I had never met him personally, I recognised him instantly. He was, and still is, a prominent billionaire. He owned a merchant bank in Victoria Island which was later transformed into a commercial bank, and he remains one of the top five players in Nigeria’s automobile sector. For the purpose of this article, I will simply refer to him as Chief.

After exchanging pleasantries, Alhaja introduced me to Chief. It soon became clear that he was her romantic partner. He was not bothered by my presence and casually informed her that he was just returning from a meeting with General Olusegun Obasanjo and other eminent Nigerians. Chief explained that he had decided to align himself with Obasanjo’s political journey and would provide strong financial backing for his presidential ambition. Interestingly, he did not stop there. He also mentioned that he had instructed one of his trusted associates to support Chief Bola Ige and the Alliance for Democracy (AD). His directive was clear: whatever Chief Bola Ige and the AD required for the presidential race, he would provide—indirectly. In effect, Chief deliberately positioned himself with one leg in Obasanjo’s PDP and another in Bola Ige’s AD, ensuring access to power regardless of who eventually won.

Obasanjo emerged as Nigeria’s President. Was Chief rewarded for his foresight and strategic investment? Without question. One of the first major contracts awarded from Aso Rock went to him. The project was funded collectively by all 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria, with deductions made directly from their federal allocations before disbursement. That was only one of many benefits he must have enjoyed. It was also likely that the five AD governors in the South-West patronised his automobile company for official vehicles, especially knowing that financial support for their party had come, directly or indirectly, from him. Chief invested wisely and harvested abundantly.

What lessons can Ile-Oluji draw from this experience? First, those of us who interact with political aspirants must learn to eschew instant gratification. Accepting cash, gifts or other inducements during campaign periods weakens our moral authority. When such candidates eventually win elections, we often lack the confidence to approach them for meaningful developmental interventions. Some politicians may bluntly argue that they already paid for the support they received. Others may not say it openly, but their body language will communicate the same message.

Instead, we should embrace the principle of delayed gratification, just as the Chief did. Individuals who interface with viable presidential, gubernatorial and legislative candidates should strategically invest resources—financial and otherwise—into their political aspirations. After electoral victory, many leaders with conscience will be more inclined to listen and respond to requests that deliver tangible social and economic benefits to Ile-Oluji. In politics, investment made at the right time often yields an enormous harvest.

Beyond financial contributions, we must also be deliberate in encouraging selfless, competent and credible men and women from our community to contest for political offices. Furthermore, those who invest in the political journeys of the President and the State Governor should leverage such access to secure strategic appointments for qualified and responsible professionals from Ile-Oluji. To ensure accountability, the town must develop a clear Code of Conduct for both elected and appointed officials, reminding them of their responsibility to represent Ile-Oluji with dignity and impact, in the mould of leaders like Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who worked tirelessly to restore pride and visibility to her community.

Finally, we must rally around our Kabiyesi. As a matter of urgency, efforts should be made to facilitate a national honour for him. Across Yorubaland, many monarchs travel in Rolls-Royce or Bentley vehicles, not for vanity, but for the prestige and access such symbolism commands in high places. The Osemawe of Ondo, for instance, was a modest medical doctor before ascending the throne, yet today he rides in a Rolls-Royce provided by his people, and doors open for him in the corridors of power. The people of Ile-Oluji, at home and in the diaspora, should therefore work collectively to provide a befitting official vehicle for the Jegun of Ile-Oluji. Such gestures elevate status, command respect and strengthen negotiating power. When Kabiyesi speaks for Ile-Oluji, power will listen.

Strategic political investment is not corruption; it is foresight. When done selflessly and intelligently, it can unlock sustainable development and lasting benefits for Ile-Oluji.

Long live Ile-Oluji Kingdom.

Long live Ile-Oluji Assembly.