Why Can’t We Celebrate Our Leaders When They Are Alive?

By Oluwayomi Oluwapelumi Jegede

It is good to engage our memories sometimes, and the question I ask is, why can’t we celebrate our leaders when they are alive. They should be part of the memories of things that help us in the building of our democracy.

The records are still there to help us recall important things that happened in the past that can help our future. On my mind, are the sacrifices of our hero’s past and present.

The likes of Pa Obafemi Awolowo, Barr. Gani Fawehinme, Chief Bola Ige, Prof. Alfred Rewane, Pa Adeyemi Adesanya, Dr. Beko Ransom-Kuti, Pa Anthony Enahoro, Dr. Tunji Otegbeye, Evang. Sanny Okosun,Dr Fredrick Fasehun, Amb. Walter Carringhton, Pa. Solanke Omosanya, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Otunba Dr. Gani Adams, Mr. O Lisa Agbakoba(SAN), Chief Femi Falana(SAN), Chief Frank Kokori, Admiral Ndubusi Kanu, Dr  Joe Okei-Odumakin, Chief Mrs Kudirat Abiola to mention a few are good examples of our heroes of democracy.

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Take the issue of Moshood Kashimawo Olanrewaju Abiola (MKO) for example reputed to have won the freest election and who was not allowed to rule. However, 30 years later we are celebrating the man. What makes his legacy different from other fallen heroes?

The Democracy MKO Abiola died for is the democracy that promotes the welfare of the people over personal interest of the ruling class. He is associated with the kind of Democracy that the governed can find fulfillment and happiness in.

The big question Societal Concerns is asking: why do Nigerians prefer  to celebrate their leaders, when they are gone and no more?

Why can’t we celebrate them in their lifetime can we have their pictures on our currency just like the United States dollars?

Societal concern calls for a rethink, that as we celebrate our democracy, there is need to celebrate our leaders when they are alive.

God bless Nigeria God bless the Nigerian democracy