Art x Adẹ

Should a person's performance be judged or measured against a standard that is above the requirements of the role they were originally employed to fill? Again, the case of the late Professor Jason Arday continues to intrigue me. He was reportedly diagnosed with autism at the age of three, could not speak until he was 11, and only began reading and writing at 18. Despite these significant developmental challenges, he went on to obtain a degree, a master's degree and a PhD from reputable British universities. Considering what we have learned about autism and the wide range of ways in which it can affect individuals, Arday applied for his academic position, was interviewed and went through the institution's established selection processes. One would therefore assume that his circumstances and abilities were considered by those responsible for his appointment and that, having satisfied the requirements, he was deemed suitable for the role. What I find particularly t...

I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on winning his second-term mandate. His opponents were formidable, but he prevailed. If the ferocious campaign of hatred, intimidation and threats unleashed by the APC had been driven by genuine concerns about the incumbent’s performance, one might have been willing to bear it with equanimity. But the truth, as it appeared to many, was that this was less about performance and more about an overriding desire to seize power by all means necessary. It was the “Emi lo kan” mindset taken too far. In their desperation to grab power, some of their utterances and threats crossed the boundaries of acceptable political conduct. In the end, that approach appears to have backfired. Good riddance! Osun people have spoken, and they are the real winners. Democracy works best when the people (not desperation, intimidation or entitlement) decide who governs them.

The exit of Caroline Levitt as Donald Trump’s press secretary has prompted reflection on just how demanding and high-pressure the role can be within his political orbit. Serving as press secretary in that environment often means standing before the media each day while trying to project a unified message in the face of rapidly shifting statements, competing narratives, and frequent disputes over basic facts. The job requires constant adjustment, as yesterday’s explanation can quickly be replaced or contradicted by today’s messaging. For someone like Levitt, or anyone in that position, the role extends far beyond routine communication. It becomes an exercise in managing perception under relentless scrutiny, where every briefing is analysed in real time and inconsistencies are immediately amplified across news cycles and social media. Her departure highlights how the strain of the job is not simply about handling press questions, but about sustaining coherence in an environme...

If we were to coin an “ism” to describe the political philosophy and governing style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which of the following would you choose? 1. Tinubunomics The economic philosophy associated with his reforms, particularly subsidy removal, taxation, currency reforms and market-oriented policies. 2. Tinubulism The broader political doctrine of political consolidation, strategic patronage, power accumulation and pragmatic alliances. 3. Jagabanism Politics as an elaborate art of building networks, controlling political structures and cultivating political successors. 4. Emilokanism Politics centred on the conviction that “it is my turn”, the idea of political power as the culmination of years of political investment, loyalty and sacrifice. 5. Renewalism The official aspirational version: political and economic “renewal,” reform and restructuring associated with the Renewed Hope agenda. 6. Political Transactionalism Politics understood principally through allia...

Every meaningful journey begins with a single step. The path before us may be narrow, uneven, and uncertain, but it is not the smoothness of the road that determines our destination—it is the courage to keep moving. The setting sun is not merely an ending; it is a reminder that every day concludes with the promise of another dawn. Brick by brick, step by step, we build our future through the choices we make today. The destination belongs not to those who wait for perfect roads, but to those who walk faithfully, even when the horizon seems distant. May we never be discouraged by the length of the journey. Every step taken with hope is a victory, and every obstacle overcome becomes another brick in the path to a brighter tomorrow.

The story of Nigeria's leadership succession often reminds me of the biblical account of King Rehoboam, the son and successor of King Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 12:14 and 2 Chronicles 10:14. Ignoring the counsel of the older, wiser advisers who had served his father faithfully, Rehoboam chose instead to listen to the reckless advice of his young contemporaries.  He arrogantly declared to the people: "My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions." Those words proved disastrous. Instead of strengthening the kingdom he inherited, Rehoboam fractured it. The northern tribes rebelled, and the once-united kingdom of Israel was divided in two. History repeatedly teaches the same lesson: leadership is not sustained by arrogance, intimidation, or the desire to appear stronger than one's predecessor. It flourishes through humility, wisdom, and a willingness to listen. A nation d...