The Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, Most Rev (Dr) Olusina Fape, on Tuesday, decried the lack of political ideology among the political class 30 years after the exit of the Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He said this at the 30th Remembrance Service and Patronal Anniversary of Papa Awolowo, held at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne -Remo, Ogun State.
Fape, who doubles as the Bishop of Remi Diocese (Anglican Communion) likened the crops of politicians in the country as chameleons, who cross carpeted from one political party to the other for selfish reasons without recourse to any political ideology.
The cleric speaking on the theme “Remembering Chief Obafemi Awolowo: Joyful Service of God and Humanity,” in his well researched and a resemblance of academic delivery, said 30 years after, Awolowo continues to be relevant and was larger in death than life.
He noted that the Sage equalities remained unequalled till date, saying the remembrance service was an avenue to ponder on how Awo’s life has affected not only his generation and future generation.
While adding that the political iscourse of the South West geopolitical zone is incomplete without the political ideology of Chief Awolowo.
Fape described Awolowo as an advocate of true federalism.
He condemned the acts by some Nigerian politicians who now see defection as in thing, having benefited from their old party.
The only lesson of the service; wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, was read by the grandson of the sage, Barrister Olusegun Awolowo.
According to Fape, “The reason for our gathering together today is to ponder on the life of Papa, how he had affected, not only his generation, but the present generation.
“Papa Awolowo had been called yonder, some 30 years ago, yet through his selfless contributions, which are the gifts he had bequeathed to mankind, he still speaks.
“It is very sad that the exit of Chief Obafemi Awolowo has led to the emergence of political parties in our nation without proper political ideological configuration.”
The Bishop explained that there are two categories of people in life; those whose services are worthy of emulation and those whose services are invaluable to mankind.
He described Awolowo as a personality who strategised all his life to benefit his people because he belonged to the group of statemen whose policies governed the people.
Fape added, “Brethren, there are two categories of individuals, whether politicians, educationists, ministers of God, civil servants or businessmen/women. There are those whose services are worthless and have through their activities aggravated the suffering of mankind.
“When to them, it would seem as if they are working or rendering services, for God, their works are of no value. By the time they see the works of those who fear God and because they have served their generation faithfully, they become envious of the achievements of such people.
“No wonder, the weapons as the disposal of such people are slander, mischief, and derogatory statements to discredit the achievers. Eventually when those people die, they are quickly forgotten, and if they are remembered at all, it is with a pinch of salt.
“Then there is the second group, those who render quality services and are dedicated to alleviating the suffering of the less privileged.
“God has invested much in them, they believe that they are God’s gifts to their generation and cannot afford to disappoint God.
“These are the people who believe they are stewards, and whatever position God has placed them, or whatever resources at their disposal, they want to ensure that the same are used to serve God by serving humanity. This is where Papa Awolowo belonged.”
He said that though Awolowo did not live up to 80 years of age when his consultation was much needed.
He said further, “Great men and women do not die, but they leave behind the echoes of their deeds. Live for something good, the value of life is not how long; but how well.
“Yes, Chief Obafemi Awolowo did not live up to 80 years, and he died when people still needed him for consultation and guidance, but today he lives on in the hearts of many people and in the polity of our nation.
“The political discourse of the South West today is incomplete without anchoring it on the political ideology of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“For Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he properly understood the fact that time is life measured out for work. No wonder, when others are using the gift of time given them by God to pursue worthless ventures, Chief Awolowo used his time strategising and proffering solutions to the problems confronting Nigeria.
“Hardly is there any problem confronting us today that Papa had not envisioned and proffered solution: We are clamouring for restructuring today, Papa called it true federalism, and until this is done, there will be no end to the ongoing agitations from the federating units of this nation.
“The greatest leader must inevitably be removed by death or some other cause, and the sense of loss will vary with the calibre of his leadership. Only after his removal (death) are the character and achievements of a leader fully revealed. It was not until after Moses’ death that Israel saw his greatness in its true perspective. The same goes for Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“It is evident today that Papa Obafemi Awolowo was larger in death than life. While Chief Obafemi Awolowo was denied the opportunity of leading Nigeria to greater heights politically, educationally, and socially as President by those who were opposed to his ideologies; yet at his death, because the truth would always prevail, he was acknowledged as the “Best President Nigeria never had.”