OPEN MEMO TO SIKIRULAI OGUNDELE

My dear Sikirulai Ogundele, it is with a sad heart and deep sobriety that I write you this open memo which, better put, can be called an open admonition. This has become imperative because when an elder- supposedly so, decides to shift from the lofty seat of 'honour and candour', and descends to sit on the floor of 'dishonour and odiom', then such an elder needs be recalled and nudged back to the good path.

It was William Shakespeare who enthused that, "Discretion is the better part of valour". Discretion by definition is the power or right to act according to one's own judgement and choice. The connotative meaning of this is that, every human being acts in a manner that satiates his/her mind; whether such an action is by influence, inducement or self-choice, and whichever one it is, the action of any man predisposes his/her mindset.

From the above one cannot extricate you from your actions. Sikirulai, I have dutifully observed your actions (contributions precisely) on the Ogun PDP WhatsApp loops and have almost come to a conclusion that you have been most undeserving of the honour you so much crave to be attached to your person. The fact that you were once a council Chairman and member of the hallowed legislative chamber (which bequeaths the Honourable title on you) makes it more pathetic.

It would have been understandable if your primary constituency was from transport unions like NURTW and RTEAN or from the Meat butchers associations, but it is not. Maybe your indiscretions could also have been understood if you were an exuberant 18 or 21 year old kid, bit it is not. And lastly, you could have been excused of your shenanigans if you were an illiterate, but it is ironically not so.

Sikirulai, in the midst of the crisis and brickbats between contending camps within your party, and championed mostly by the youths (which is not even good anyways and we're still talking to them), how many elders of your age, social status, or political attainment do you see descend into the mud as you often do to engage young ones on these loops? You shamefully find it so convenient to do a full-scale exchange of abuses and curses with guys, some of who will pass for your children.

You derisively luxuriate in singing malicious tunes like an irritable and scorned housewife anytime you're pricked by one of them. You are quick to reply the smallest Jibe from any youth on the loop who just finished a bottle of Trophy and decides to "whine" you (as they say on the streets). You are quick to jump on the forums to peddle lies and misinformation. To worsen your public display of hubris, your akward punctuations whenever you write is alarmingly disgusting.

Despite not being in the same camp have you ever seen the likes of Gbenga Daniel, Buruji Kashamu, Gboyega Isiaka, Sarafa Ishola, Kayode Amusan, Dimeji Bankole and Segun Seriki talk, act or write like you do? Maybe those listed are made of better material than you, let's even benchmark you against Adebayo Dayo, whom you're trying to rival (deludedly though) in a legitimacy battle for the party chairmanship. Has Engr. Dayo ever denigrated himself like you do? The few times he comes on the loops, he preaches peace and admonishes the youths but you make uncouth and disdainful utterances.

Is this who you are by discretion or you're being induced to act in an indecorous and untamed manner not constant with your original character? Some party men (even in your camp) have silently observed the deviant nature of your public display noting that if not for the sectional war within the party, they possibly wouldn't align to a party under your possible leadership because you lack the candour, temperament, carriage, language, disposition and mental aptitude needed for such an office.

Some have ascribed your uncultured mien to the free cash and filthy liquor you're constantly drenched with, in company of your dandy sponsor; where your modus vivendi bother mainly on bottles of Hennessy whisky, packs of cigarettes and vulnerable Polythecnic girls camped in secluded rooms of Park Inn hotel - your illusory party or better put - "partying" secretariat. Are these freebies worth throwing decorum to the wind and dragging your name in the mud?

Well, I can go on and on but i will opt to finish with reminding you of Shakespeare's admonition about discretion. Face your dwindling business empire. Sikirulai, redeem your sunken image. Stop the repugnant piggy-fight with young men. Think of a tomorrow when the filthy porridge will no longer be available from the table of the lotto merchants. Think of your wife(s) and children who will be utterly alarmed and scandalized at your conduct and the curses you incur for the family.

Discretion is the better part of valour. Think, Sikirulai think!

Yours sincerely,


Elder Jide Oyekunle