Ondo: A state with many sheep but no shepherd

By Akinrinlola Olumide “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” ‭‭ The above was a statement by our Lord Jesus Christ in the book of Mathew 9:36 following his observations upon the large numbers of people that flocked to his ministry, […]

By Akinrinlola Olumide

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
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The above was a statement by our Lord Jesus Christ in the book of Mathew 9:36 following his observations upon the large numbers of people that flocked to his ministry, and seemed to be desirous of spiritual instructions, and guidance in what an unhappy and melancholy situation.

The people were fainted; being fatigued and tired, not in their bodies, through journeying from place to place, to hear the word, but in their minds; being burdened and wearied of the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees who have failed to provide true leadership.

Jesus was moved with compassion on them because they were scattered abroad; thrown and tossed about, and divided through the different sects of religion among them; no due care was taken of them, to gather and keep them together, and feed them with wholesome doctrine; but were as abject, outcasts, that no man regarded, and in great danger of the loss and ruin of their immortal souls because there was no true Leader who could give direction and provide leadership.

The scriptures’ exposition by Grill is what is currently playing out now in Ondo State due to the fracas between the ailing state Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The state of things currently suggested two pictures: a neglected flock of sheep (citizens), and a loss of political fortunes – dividends of democracy for lack of a Leader. Both imply, not only a pitiful plight of the people, but a blameworthy neglect of duty on the part of the governor with a lot of multiplier effects on the business of governance.

Since the governor returned from medical vacation, he didn’t return to the state to resume his official duty and he failed to handover power to his deputy. The governor is missing in action. Not only in the state but also at important meetings in Abuja where several decisions bothering on state affairs have been taken repeatedly.

In their bid to defend their salaries, some of his aides have come out to say that the governor is working remotely and that the business of governance in Ondo State is not affected. But in the opposite, since Governor Akeredolu refused to transfer power to Aiyedatiwa, his deputy, no cabinet meeting was held in Ondo State till date. His cabinet is in disarray, and directionless.

No one is in charge of the state because no one is empowered by law to provide leadership and take important decisions. No business engagement and no one to address the yearnings and challenges of the people including constitutional matters affecting the state.

The governor is totally disconnected from his people. His cabinet is worn-out, tired, and unregulated. There is no leader to order their march. The obscurity of it is the fact that Ondo State is missing out in important meetings of the federation. The people are the losers because no one is protecting their interests for not being represented in such meetings. Ondo is now a state with many sheep but without a shepherd.

Olumide is the Publisher of Starnews NG Online Newspaper