BY: ORIMOLOYE, Ifeoluwa

To define public condemnation, according to the Akure-oriented School of thought is to approve of public criticism. The theory of public condemnation in an Akure manner of definition, is the subconscious act or step taken by the people of the community to chastise an erring leader. It is an expedient or corrective measure taken against an errant leader. It should be noted that one of Akure-oriented eulogy, praises Akures as people with the mouth that is capable of operating in a synonymous manner as a sword. It simply translates to the ability of the Akure to condemn or criticize publicly.
I was reliably informed that, at the advent of democracy rule in 1999. Chief Fasoranti, an elder statesman of Akure origin who was supposed to contest for the gubernatorial seat that glorious year of our return to democratic rule, decided to cede the position for an ally, by bringing Chief Adebayo Adefarati, an Akoko man into the fold. Chief Fasoranti was said to have supported Chief Adefarati and the latter emerged as the governor of Ondo state. I do not mean to raise any tribal sentiments or agenda whatsoever, but as it were, records must be set straight. Subsequently, the gubernatorial aspirants from zones within Ondo state had the support of notable Akure indigenes. I witnessed that of Prince Ademola Adegoroye. He supported Chief ‘Segun Agagu. All these stories implies deductively that most politicians within Akure are not desperate about the gubernatorial ambition, else, Chief Fasoranti wouldn’t have gone ahead to cede a position he would have won easily to another individual, a step which was said to have pitched him against some of his kinsmen till today. Akures aren’t desperate people, else, in a characteristic manner, Akures would have risen in one voice to publicly condemn Chief Fasoranti for going to Akoko, rather than picking a substitute within Akure kingdom. Else, they would have dealt with Ademola Adegoroye in the ‘public condemnation’ manner for working for Olusegun Agagu, at a time when Akure was meant to become the governor of the state. Yet, Akure people do not condemn secretly, and this has been the basis of the condemnation of some political elements (of Akure ancestry) against fellow Akures. They would rather give instances of some other places within Ondo state, where sons and daughters of those towns are condemned secretly or diplomatically, in order to protect the political image of such an offspring. Akure community negates such an act, they do not condone dishonesty in whatever form and will not shield any erring individual for any reason or interest whatsoever.
The reason why a governor of Akure ancestry cannot misbehave if elected is that, Akure indigenes are known for their firm principle especially when it comes to criticism. As an Akure man, when you misbehave as a governor, you would be surprised, you will be publicly condemned by Akure people, and more importantly, the opposition against your ‘illicit’ government will be led by an Akure man, your kinsman. When you perform below standards, your kinsmen would not pamper you for any reason atall. You would be publicly disgraced. By the time you are out of the government, the remaining period of stay in Akure will be miserable. This will extend to your generations, your children will not be exempted. The criticisms will extend from here to countries abroad, because the criticism from Akure people is enough to put you on a negative limelight. They will ridicule your children whenever they require an obligation. This is an edge, for it is well understood by every prospective governor of Ondo state whose origin is rooted to Akure. Knowing fully well all of these factors, an Akure man will never misbehave if elected into office. An average Akure-oriented gubernatorial aspirant understand the relationship between this theory of public condemnation and the implication of being called to serve.