A RESPONSE TO THE ELEGBELEYE MEDIA TEAM’S NARRATIVE
_Arẹmọ Sẹhinde Ilẹgbusi_
Our people must never forget a timeless moral lesson: when a man enters a house through the window instead of the door, suspicion naturally follows. That is the way of a trespasser, not a legitimate occupant.
The controversy surrounding Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye’s senatorial ambition did not begin with his critics; it arose from the circumstances of the primary election itself. The exercise was allegedly characterized by widespread irregularities, arbitrary allocation of votes, and outcomes that left even many within the APC deeply uncomfortable. Across Ondo North, countless party members and stakeholders continue to nurse profound grievances, hoping that what many describe as the Alagbaka Jankara Declaration will ultimately be reversed in the interest of justice.
Beyond the disputed process lies a more fundamental question of character.
Legislative experience alone does not qualify a person for the Senate. Membership of the National Assembly demands integrity, trustworthiness, transparency, loyalty, and a demonstrable passion for the development of the people. These are the qualities that inspire confidence and attract enduring support.
Unfortunately, Hon. Elegbeleye’s public reputation has long been dogged by allegations of ingratitude towards those who assisted his political rise, strained relationships with former associates, and a pattern of political expediency that has left many questioning his reliability. Whether fair or unfair, these perceptions exist and cannot be erased by media campaigns or glowing press statements.
The repeated attempt to portray a handful of projects and interventions as evidence of outstanding performance also deserves scrutiny. A Yoruba folktale provides a fitting illustration.
Ijapa, the tortoise, once convinced Leopard to allow him beautify her seven cubs with special tattoos. The process would take place across a river, away from public view. Armed with firewood, knives, pots, and assisted by a deaf and dumb boatman, Ijapa began his work. On the first day, he tattooed one cub beautifully. Those watching from afar applauded in admiration. Unknown to them, however, the remaining cubs were slaughtered one after another over the following days. Each evening, Ijapa displayed the same beautifully tattooed cub to sustain the illusion of success. By the seventh day, he escaped, leaving behind only one surviving cub while the crowd remained captivated by what they thought was a remarkable accomplishment.
The moral is simple: a few visible achievements can sometimes be used to conceal a much larger deficit.
If indeed Hon. Elegbeleye has undertaken some commendable initiatives, they should be acknowledged. But to present isolated interventions as overwhelming evidence of transformational leadership is an exaggeration that many discerning people of Ondo North are unwilling to accept.
This contest is not merely about who has occupied public office before. It is about legitimacy, character, credibility, and the confidence of the people.
Those celebrating today should do so with caution. Political contests are rarely concluded by declarations alone. Many party faithful remain convinced that Senator Jide Ipinsagba was the authentic winner of the primary election and continue to believe that truth and justice will ultimately prevail.
As the Yoruba say, he who laughs last laughs best.
The struggle for genuine representation in Ondo North is far from over.
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