Akeem Lasisi
Two prominent musicians from Ogun State, Sefiu Alao and Musiliu Haruna-Ishola, gave former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, memorable performances on Tuesday night at a concert that marked the end of his tenure. In what unfolded like a competition for his soul, each of them dished out songs that could make even a hearing-impaired fellow go wild with fervour.
At the event tagged ‘Pull Out and Thank You’ concert, held in Abeokuta, the two traditional musicians lavished fertile songs and irresistible beats on the politician who became very controversial towards the end of his eight-year reign. A man who has mastered the art of political showmanship, Amosun too savoured the best of the feast as he moved from one stage to the other, dancing spiritedly alongside his wife, Funsho, their children and his political associates.
Followers of the music industry in Yorubaland would note that the organisers of the programme (powered by Alhaji Teju Kareem’s Z-Mirage) made a strategic choice in Alao, a seasoned fuji act popularly called Original Omo Oko – authentic village man. The same applies to Musiliu, son of the late apala legend, Haruna Ishola. The fact is that at a time like the Tuesday’s, you need an artiste who can draw and intoxicate the crowd.
He or she should also be rooted in the people’s culture and politics, to the extent that he should be able to wound his benefactor’s opposition with proverbial jibes. Put plainly, the artiste should not only be able to celebrate Amosun, he should also be able to mock, if not abuse or insult, his opponents who, ironically, are largely top members of his party, with whom he has fallen apart.
Sefiu and Musiliu very much know the situation in the state, and they really played such up in their renditions. In sparking metaphors, each hailed Amosun for the achievements they helped reel out in their songs. He also helped him pray for more success especially as he is now moving to Abuja as a Senator. Very importantly, too, both helped him tell his ‘enemies’ to go to hell if that is what has been destined for them.
For Musiliu, there is a heritage of proverbial lyrics from which he easily borrowed to deal with Amosun’s enemies. That is the inexhaustible repertory of his father, Haruna Ishola, Baba Gani Agba. Although Alao has no such direct musical parentage in the world beyond, he more or less has the muse residing right in his chest. He thus had no problem giving his hosts more than they might have envisaged. While the musicians kept Amosun dancing almost later than the scheduled few minutes to 12 am, when he was billed to make a farewell speech, Alao signed him off on what can be described as a perfect note. He veered into Islamic waka songs, all praising and praying for the out-gone governor. This culminated in the Islamic prayer-chant called ‘asikiri’, with the musician and other people singing, ‘Allahu, Allahu’. It was the perfect climax that propelled Amosun back to the podium where he addressed the gathering.
With celebrated comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, was the master of ceremonies, several celebrities, especially film-makers, attended the programme. This would not surprise many people because of the relationship the government had struck with the sector. Through programmes such as the Wole Soyinka festival, renovation of homes of legends such as Fela’s father and Haruna Ishola, and the establishment of an annual drum festival, Amosun left a mark in the art and culture arena. This is, however, not to say that there are no people who believe that he could have done far more in the arts and other sectors. Residents of border towns such as Ope Ilu, Alagbo Ile and Arepo, for instance, believe that his administration more or less abandoned them.
But Amosun has no doubt that he did his best for the state. Thanking God and the people in his valedictory speech, he highlighted achievements that, according to him, are unprecedented in the history of the state.
He said, “To the glory of God, we started with Bismilahi, we are ending with Alhamudulahi. This is the way God works: our tenure is ending in the holy month of Ramadan.
“We started to the glory of God, we are leaving behind an Ogun State far better. We were number 35 out of 36 when we started; today we are in the first four bracket. In terms of fiscal rating, we were number 29, today we are number 2.”
