New days bring new tides''Thomas More.Without being unduely sarcastic, politics in the West has not been the same with the demise of Alaafin Molete, the larger than life godfather of the West, Alhaji Ariyibi Akanji Adedibu. Alhaji Adedibu meant a lot to many people. To some, he was a political rascal, to others he was a shrewd politician. To some people, he was evil while to others, he was the ultimate good. He was a combination of what the Yoruba sing about their great men: O kunmolosun kunmo lata - he could beautify and uplift you, he could degrade and punish you. His life's epitaph could be written in the words of William Shakespeare which he wrote concerning Cardinal Wolsey:The Cardinal, though from a humble stock, undoubtedly was fashioned to much honour from the cradle. He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one, Exceedingly wise, fair spoken and persuading, lofty and sour to them that loved him not, But to those men that sought him, sweet as summerAnd though he was unsatisfied in getting which was a sin, yet in bestowing, he was princely...Alhaji Adedibu was a wise politician, who imbibed most of the political teachings of the nationalists - for good and for bad and who utilised these in controlling the people to his advantages most of the time. For upward of 50 years (1954 - 2008) he was involved in active politics and from 1992 - 2008 he could without any pretense answer to the appelation: the strongman of the west.Invoking his name rings a chord that often sent chills to the enemies' camps, and courage to his supporters. He was the ultimate anchor man, who knew who was best suitable for each post, setting the standards and prerequisites himself and, who without miss, appropriately settled anyone or group who might harbour some grudges. In this way, he maintained his party's unity with no one defecting. In his wisdom, he begged for assistance from whoever he thought could help. And would adequately reward the collaborators and severely punish the saboteurs. But he would not infringe on anyone's right without the person politically crossing his path politically; when he did, he begged for forgiveness.Things fell apart at the demise of this political wizard. The followers scattered, the party became disunited, fractioned and with no acceptable leader in the West.There was no 'godfather' to settle intra-party disputes. No one to bring the rancorous to submission. No one to allay the fear of undue hegemony in some quarters. No one to bend the hard-hearted towards the general good. All other party elders failed in uniting the grass root into the formidable unit it was while Adedibu lived.The courts had uneasy and unending job of arbitration because no one could serve effectively as the in-house peacemaker. A lot of people defected to the other parties because no one was there to assure them of the right hand of fellowship. The campaigns were improperly coordinated, incoherent and ridden with all forms of unwholesome propaganda. A lot of party members just 'siddon de look', showing virtually no interest in the party success. A lot of them actually decided to work for the opposition as a way of showing their grievances.Some of those who had condemned this man had come to realise that the party was better managed, united and kept together with stringent discipline while he lived. Now is the urgent need, for a man, mature, experienced and strong enough to command the respect of all and sundry who would serve as the 'boss' to set things rolling in the right directionA man is not without his faults. That is why we have history books. Each man learns from the mistakes of others; to do away with his besetting sins, improve on his personality, run the race with caution, equity and fairness. Then he can allow posterity to be the judge.All of us, leaders in one way or the other, heads of family units, church or social organisations, political parties, should learn some lessons from Lamidi Adedibu's life: Do what you know to be the best with the best possible zeal and get the best result. Be as fair as your conscience can spare you but do not sear your conscience with 'hot iron'. Learn to coordinate and appropriate the support of your subordinates and give them their right dues and booties.If all Nigerian leaders do this, the rampant problem in the political system shall be much reduced.But when comes another Ceaser...'Ayilara, a medical doctor wrote in from Ibadan
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