The nation’s political class has since independence been dominated in recycling dimension a clique of old political figures in both the executive and legislative arms, that are conservative in decision-making, but progressives in acquiring exquisite properties across the globe by questionable means. Few that served the nation alongside the majority that mundanely did for their personal interests but were eventually retired by statutory benchmarks refused to leave the scene for the younger generation except to deploy these youths as political thugs, militants, body guards or errand boys on essential duties, especially for moving loots in and out of banks’ strong-rooms. Over times, reasons for shortchanging the youths are treacherously anchored on maladroitness.

General Ibrahim Babangida, for instance, was once reported to claim during his presidential ambition in the past that the youths were not prepared to take up leadership positions. Unfortunately, the nation under the administration of these retired but never-tired class of citizens never fared well in contradistinction to few opportunities available to the younger generation. Recall the decaying conditions of old banks operationally taken over by younger administrators then and the sudden turn arounds that followed. The Nigerian youths, in rejoinder to the military general are evidently adept, and should be given a chance in the polity instead of being reduced to officious bystanders in perpetuity. Infact, as soon as the present administration succeeds laying a sustainable framework, a paradigm shift is inevitable. The world is changing speedily on daily basis and those that reject change should be made to adhere albeit within the ambits of civility. The next political dispensation may likely witness a political revolution in the country between these two taxonomies; the worn-out and new generation leaders.

The savoir-faire in the present generation which also manifested by unprecedented visit of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on his 45th coronation anniversary last year; the first in the history of Ife monarchy since 1937, cannot still be overemphasized and clearly attested that youths are malleable to adapt to contemporary vicissitudes and realities. The young monarch broke the first protocol by prostrating unusually in a church service in submission to the Creator. The action simultaneously generated both criticisms and encomiums from sundry quarters. Unequivocally, headdressed it, made it bold that the supreme ruler is the Almighty-God and therefore holds no apologies for those aggrieved over his action instead vowed to do the same times all over.

The heroic visit ended supremacy battle which lingered between the Alaafin and Ooni monarchy over the years and manifested irrepressibly during the reign of his predecessor, Oba Okunade Sijuade. The squabbles had climaxed to an extent that the two monarchs existed in isolation without any form of reverence to each other. The Ooni who since his coronation maintained exemplary propensities selflessly embarked on the uninvited visit to celebrate with the Alaafin despite his comparable high-office, solely on the overall interest of the people. Indeed, this is leadership exemplified; making the people a priority, thereby crucifying personal ego on the altar of communalism unlike what is obtainable among the present leadership class. This irrefutably demonstrated that youths are more animated, effervescent and ready to lead. Ooni energetically remarked;

“It is a new dawn for all Yoruba sons and daughters around the globe. We are friends and not enemies. I am here today though not invited but as the Arole Oduduwa, the onus is on me to felicitate with all sons and daughters wherever they are and to show my solidarity for any of them. I am ready to damn any consequences or insinuations from anywhere; my mission here is to preach peace among the Yoruba, both home and abroad and I am ready to work with the Aalafin of Oyo, Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi, to project the unity and love which we believe existed in the days of our forefathers”.

To the host who was flabbergasted, he responded, “May your reign be long, Ooni. I am happy with Ooni Ogunwusi’s moves to unite all Yoruba Obas. This special visit was done last in March 1937 that was the first time the kings in Yoruba land met in Oyo town. Today, history was made with the visit of Arole of Oodua Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and I feel delighted to host you and to reassure you that I will be ready to work with you. I had a close relationship with Ooni Adesoji Aderemi and I did not want to relent my bound with any Ooni of Ife that assumed the post, but everybody has his own little differences”.

Indisputably, Ooni’s ebullient dispositions above attest to the intellectual capacity and exceptional leadership qualities inherent among the youths in the country, not just only in the traditional sphere but extended to political and corporate governance. The outstanding exploits in the private sector are traceable to the youths; hence, if more opportunities are made available particularly in the leadership of the country, without a doubt, excellent results would auspiciously occur. Nigeria urgently needs innovative leaders who will be ready to do the needful and damn the consequences rather than keeping to faulty trends and frequencies engraved in ancient books for several centuries at the expense of societal progression.

Undeniably, the youths of the nation have been subjected to excruciating ostracism by this outgoing generation. Presently, to acquire education in good schools which is a basic right of every young person is exclusively for those in this class who are capable of meeting the financial commitments unlike in their time. Even the missionary schools that used to be a saving grace are presently no-go areas for the average class who even contributed to the building funds. Obviously, there’s nothing in the pipelines for the upcoming generation. President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is quite excusable knowing that it is a child of necessity due to undeniable absence of a viable foundation upon which the youths can take-off from, particularly the extraordinary willpower to touch the ‘untouchables’. Its mission is no enigma. However, with traits like that of Ooni Ogunwusi and a whole others, quintessentially, Nigerian youths could be trusted with leadership and civic responsibilities to take destinies in their hands. As 2019 draws closer, it may not be business as usual.

Umegboro, public affairs analyst/social activist, is the head, Pinnacle InfoGallery (www.pinnacleinfogallery.com)