COLONIALISM means the practice of ruling nations as colonies; a policy in which a country rules other nations and develops trade for its own benefit. In other words, it means one country's domination of another country or people, usually achieved through aggressive, often military actions. The nation or state acquired in this manner is called a colony. The terms colonialism and imperialism are sometimes used interchangeablly, but scholars usually distingush between the two, reserving colonialism for instances where the country assumes political control over another and using imperialism more broadly to refer to political economic control exercised either formally or informally. In the state of Osun, we are already under an internal colonial regime.Some European colonialising powers justified their colonial activities on what they called humanitarian motives. Really, Mr Rauf Aregbesola's administration is doing a lot to better the lot of the people of the state; but then, his regime is still after the pattern of colonial overlords. The Governor is far better than those political hawks that have no single sympathy for the masses; but then, he is still a colonial master. We can see wonderful projects ' O-REAP, O-YES, O-SCHOOL, O-MEAL, O-CALISTENIC, O-RENEWAL, CHANNELIZATION, AREGBE MASS TRANSIT, AGBA-OSUN, among others' but all are wonderful BAITS to carry out colonial intentions! one major principle that underlies a colonial administration is to be sure that 'the natives, the people on ground, including all their social and political elites are rendered useless and inconsequential.' If they are made to look important in any form, the ultimate objective of the colonial master will not be achieved.The interest a colonial overlord services is not native to the land he dominates; it is dictated from outside the land!Here are some of the evidences:'The governor is from Lagos and he is still hundred per cent loyal to it.'The deputy governor is from Lagos and has the same loyalty.'Chief of Staff is from Lagos.'11 out of 14 commissioners are from Lagos. None of them registered as voters in Osun.'All the three senators are from Lagos; they are not home-based politicians.'Seven out of the nine members of the House of Representatives are from Lagos.'16 out of 26 House of Assembly members are Lagosians.'Tokunbo Afikuyomi from Lagos is creating LGs for Osun now!'A justice from Lagos to be appointed CJ.'Head of Service to be appointed from Lagos.'16 out of 18 Magistrates to be appointed from Lagos.'In colonial policy, it is a taboo to empower the natives or put them in positions of influence. That may ruin the plan of the colonial master. The ingenious device of Ogbeni in this regard is to use 'age' to cut off most of the people who actually worked for him in Osun State.'Almost all political sufferers are still wallowing in misery.'Almost all those who testified at the tribunal that brought the governor into power are not better of.'All developmental projects and social pacifiers are simply baits to keep the natives under perpetual servitude.'Many political sufferers might be paid back when the government buys coffins for their burial since there is no plan to reward them while they are still alive.'Chairmen of Boards, if at all constituted, will come from Lagos.'The people to direct Aregbe's Re-election Campaign Team will come from Lagos.'Voters in the next election will probably be brought from Lagos!!! (Laugh!)Colonial nationalism often developed in response to the need for a more encompassing network of resistance. The Indian National Congress filled this role in India's against British colonialism, as the African National Congress did on behalf of black African rights in South Africa. Nationalist movements against colonialism have typically been led by doctors, lawyers, journalists, or other professionals, often educated in Western nations. Nationalist leaders who have helped their countries overcome colonial empires include Nigeria's first president (1963-1966), Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Hastings Kamuzu Banda, the first prime minister (1964-1966) and president (1966-1994) of Malawi, in Southeast Africa.Colonialism caused many problems for former colonies. The economics of old colonial systems linger, especially in former exploitation colonies, where these nations struggle to overcome depressed economies and archaic class systems. Also, one of the most controversial legacies of colonialism is cultural intolerance. White settlers who conquered non-white peoples often held the attitude that ethnic and cultural differences define some people as superior and others as inferior. Some colonising countries began education programmes that maintained white superiority by distancing native students from their own culture and history.In the mindset of Mr Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, nothing can be of quality except it is from Lagos, including human beings. Possibly, people will come from Lagos to vote for him during the next election.The overriding principle guiding our governor in all of his actions and inaction, all his projects and policies is economic exploitation of Osun State. His first home is Lagos; only a fool will contest that fact. The only opportunity he is now exploiting is that he can trace his ancestry to Osun State. Can we blame him' Obviously No! How can we' A governor of the retrogressive stock sat for seven and a half years without any meaningful progress in the state. He did not know the questions not to talk of having the answers! Let us not lose hope. Let us sing the solidarity song.For now, all political sufferers, all testifiers and all lovers of liberty and progress in Osun State, let us continue to pray and work towards emancipation from 'native' colonial rule. Adeola writes from Osogbo.
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