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OPINION: The Elephant Must Beware Of The Red Carpet

Published

12 months ago

June 11, 2025

By Israel Adebiyi

Once upon a time in the thickest part of the forest, a great meeting of animals was convened. The air was tense, filled with murmurs of resentment and fear. They had grown weary of the Elephant’s dominance — his size, his gait, his booming voice, and the way his presence silenced even the most ferocious of beasts. The Lion had long been dethroned, the Leopard stripped of pride, and even the cunning Hyena bowed to the Elephant’s imposing might.

At this council, it was the tortoise — slow, sly, and always underestimated — who stood up. With eyes full of schemes and a voice seasoned in deceit, he proposed a plan that would end the Elephant’s reign for good. “Let us honour him,” he said, “let us give him a grand throne to rule all animals. Let us throw a feast, dance in his name, and crown him king of the jungle.”

The animals, tired of their own irrelevance, agreed. A giant pit was dug at the centre of the forest, wide and deep. It was covered with palm fronds and animal skins, carefully layered and painted red — a royal carpet fit for a king. The tortoise led the way in song and celebration, guiding the unsuspecting Elephant to his doom.

Adorned in beads and royal robes, flanked by flutes and drums, the Elephant danced. Each step echoed pride. Each sway of his trunk was joy. And then — with a mighty crash — he fell. Into the pit. Into betrayal. The animals roared with laughter. The tortoise bowed.

This tale — told in Yoruba homes under moonlit skies — was never just for children. It was a lesson. A warning. And perhaps, a mirror for today’s political theatre.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Elephant of the Nigerian political forest, now finds himself at the centre of a curious dance. From governors to senators, former foes to aggrieved party men, there is a sudden procession — one not entirely unfamiliar. They sing his praises, adorn him with words of loyalty, and march in celebratory rhythm around the corridors of Aso Rock. But history, like folklore, carries memory.

From PDP to Labour, NNPP to APGA, there’s been an unsettling alignment towards the All Progressives Congress (APC) — the president’s power base. Men who once labeled him unfit are now eager visitors. Leaders who swore never to align with his politics now post his photos with glowing captions. In their eyes, it seems, 2027 is closer than it appears.

But the president must beware. For while there is strength in numbers, Nigerian politics has never been about the crowd — it is about the quality of the company. The road to the pit is always paved with song, loyalty, and red carpets. The very men dancing today may be the ones who dig tomorrow’s betrayal.

The political elite in Nigeria are not bound by ideology or people’s needs. They are often driven by proximity to power and preservation of influence. Their movements from party to party are less about national interest and more about personal survival. To be surrounded by them is not strength — it is vulnerability.

MORE FROM THE AUTHOR: OPINION: Children’s Day And The Scam Of Tomorrow

President Tinubu, rightly celebrated for his strategic acumen, must not forget that the most dangerous players are those who clap the loudest. His court is swelling, but so is the deception that could come with it. This is not paranoia. This is Nigeria — where betrayal is part of the game.

The history of our democracy is littered with “friendly foes” — men who sang songs of praise only to write memos of mutiny. From the days of Obasanjo to Jonathan and Buhari, sycophancy has often been the most deceptive form of opposition.

It is one thing to be a master chess player. It is another to recognize when your bishops and knights are actually playing for the other side.

The caution here is not to isolate the president, but to remind him — and indeed Nigerians — that sustainable governance cannot be built on praise alone. The same governors defecting now had opportunities to build their states, yet left schools in decay, hospitals in ruins, and roads as death traps. Their loyalty to the people was questionable then; their sudden loyalty to the president should be doubly questioned now.

Yes, there is room for reconciliation. Yes, we must build inclusive politics. But inclusiveness must never come at the cost of discernment. The president must separate the genuine from the opportunist, the builder from the bandwagoner, and above all, the ally from the actor.

Nigeria deserves governance rooted in truth — not a palace of mirrors where everyone smiles while sharpening their knives.

So, as the drums get louder and the parade swells, the Elephant must walk carefully. The tortoise still plots. The pit still waits. And the red carpet — as always — hides more than just dust.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.