Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Nations, has examined the political implications of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s repeated declaration, “I am the Governor,” drawing parallels with historical monarchies and competing theories of political power.
In an article titled “I Am the Governor” – Aiyedatiwa: Navigating Classic Hegemonic Praxis and Power-Currency Dynamics, Ibrahim, who holds a doctorate from the University of Cambridge, explored the relationship between political authority, power, governance and cooperation.
Drawing on historical examples from England and France, Ibrahim referenced the reigns of King Henry VIII and King Louis XIII to illustrate the exercise of absolute authority in traditional monarchies, where the ruler’s commands often determined the fate of subjects and political associates.
He cited the executions of Sir Thomas More and Thomas Cromwell under Henry VIII, as well as Henri Coiffier de Ruzé, Marquis of Cinq-Mars, who was executed during the reign of Louis XIII, to demonstrate the dangers associated with unchecked political power.
Applying these historical perspectives to contemporary politics in Ondo State, Ibrahim questioned the significance of Aiyedatiwa’s frequent assertion of his position as governor and whether it reflected an emerging approach to political authority or simply an emphasis on his constitutional office.
“Does performance mean power to Governor Aiyedatiwa, or is ‘I am the Governor’ an announcement of new authority in town?” Ibrahim asked.
The ambassador contrasted the realist school of political thought, which places power at the centre of political relations, with liberalism, which emphasises collaboration, cooperation and collective interests in governance.
According to him, although some members of the public may interpret Aiyedatiwa’s repeated declaration as an expression of political dominance, the governor’s approach to governance should also be assessed in terms of his willingness to cooperate with other stakeholders for the collective good of the state.
Ibrahim argued that Ondo State would benefit more from collaboration and the equitable sharing of collective resources than from an excessive emphasis on the exercise of political authority.
He also made a reference to the distribution of resources among the state’s ethnic groups, including the Ilaje people, questioning whether their share should become a source of political conflict.
“Even if the Ilaje people take more, who cares, and if they take little, who will fight for them?” he asked.
The article also referenced gospel singer Oluwatoyin Ojagbemi, popularly known as Mabaja, in a passage that appeared to invoke a cautionary message about the consequences of challenging political authority.
However, Ibrahim maintained that Aiyedatiwa’s approach should not automatically be interpreted as classical realism, suggesting that the governor’s preference for collaboration could reflect elements of liberalism.
He concluded by raising questions about the nature of Aiyedatiwa’s political philosophy and whether his leadership reflects classical realism, neorealism or a continued appreciation of liberal principles.
The article ultimately places the governor’s repeated declaration, “I am the Governor,” at the centre of a broader discussion about political authority, the responsibilities of leadership and the balance between power and cooperation in Ondo State.
