When Shall We Wake From Slumber? (Part 1)

I have observed this community on several occasions, whether political, educational, or social, and realized the truthfulness of the common description about Ipapo: “Ipapo kii ba ewuro re ni buba,” meaning “Ipapo hardly catches her rabbit where it hides.” This is undoubtedly a fact, considering the community’s attitude towards various aspects capable of bringing development to our dear community.

In the first instance, Ipapo’s political orientation needs to be changed. We must prioritize community interest over personal ego. Ultimate support must be given to those venturing into politics. However, if your ideology differs from theirs, do not speak woefully about them. Think about what you will be remembered for if the candidate you supported becomes the Governor of Oyo State. Ibadan people put aside their differences when it comes to making a leader of this state and continuing to have their way. Let us be frank with ourselves; if we fail to shun backbiting, character defamation, sidetalks, and destructive criticisms, Ipapo’s future political dispensations are in jeopardy. Let us wake up.

Over the years, Itesiwaju and Iseyin have been sharing a seat of a lawmaker in the Oyo State House of Assembly. Several memos, petitions, and court injunctions have been aired to grant Itesiwaju Local Government a seat of legislators in the state chamber, but nothing has been heard. Let us wake up from our slumber. I know Hon. Dele Adeola has sponsored a bill towards the materialization of this, but people congratulate those who accomplish their mission. Let us wake up and disturb INEC to recognize the court verdict.

Presently, an illustrious son of Oke Ogun, Ipapo precisely, has taken a bold decision to join political gurus to clinch the governorship seat in Oyo State. To what extent has he received our support and mobilization? This is a wake-up call to all.

Oke Ogun, Ipapo, is also blessed with rich agricultural land. People from far and near take advantage of this unique opportunity. Thanks to some youths nowadays who have been motivated to go into agribusiness; if not, the present hardship might have caused unforeseen negativity. Nevertheless, Ipapo must turn our land into assets; adequate support should be given to the Eleyinpo Council, who initially took a step to commercialize land use. That is, instead of meager royalty paid yearly by farmers, lands should be leased to commercial users. This will increase the community’s income. Market availability should be developed for farm produce. The community should ensure farmers get their items sold in a good environment to reduce traveling several kilometers before getting desirable buyers.

Though the yearning for education opportunities is increasing compared to previous precedence, only the educated ones need to be functional and develop a positive attitude towards community progress. There is a popular belief that attitude transforms into character, while character becomes destiny. Notable Ipapolites have invested in education, not because they want to make money but to complement the efforts of predecessors, such as:

• Late Alhaji Yakubu Ogungbola, proprietor of Ogungbola Akanbi Memorial Nursery and Primary School
• Alhaji Jimoh Ogungbola, an Ibadan-based business tycoon who single-handedly constructed an examination hall with furniture materials in Muslim High School, Ipapo
• Alhaji Uthman Amuda Adebanjo, a philanthropist who offers free WAEC registration fees to gifted students across towns in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, Oyo State
• Barrister Olufemi Beulah Adeoye’s intervention initiative in Oyo State education by organizing holiday classes to complement existing efforts of our schools, making Ipapo Oke Ogun zone

Currently, Barrister Olufemi Beulah Adeoye has commenced rehabilitation of some dilapidated structures in public secondary schools in Oyo State and Future Leaders Development Initiative to ensure sanity is restored in Ipapo secondary schools. The association collaborated with other stakeholders in Ipapo community to draft an undertaking as instructions to be maintained by all staff and students. To what extent is this rule being implemented? We need to wake up from this slumber to curb miscreants among the students.

Our social responsibility is very low. This is another challenging issue facing Ipapo’s development. How many of us pay our annual dues to Ipapo Descendants Union, apart from voluntary donations to ongoing communal projects? If we are yet to do that, in what way do we contribute to social development? Research has shown that communities where unity is scarce are working to collapse. Beautiful suggestions, opinions, and brainstorming are vital instruments in decision-making.

In a drama titled “Look Back in Anger,” the major message, by implication, is that for individuals to achieve their mission, they need to tailor it through the community. Thanks to Barrister Biodun Ogunjinmi for taking lead in mobilisation for the first zero cost lunching of donation to renovation Ipapo Heritage Hall.How many critics of politicians, traditional rulers, chiefs and other eminent personalities had contributed?Wake up my friend from slumbering of being critics and noise making and be a doer.

Thanks.

Folarin writing from Eleyinpo Palace.