By: Brain Magazine Editorial Board
“When a tree falls in the forest, the silence it leaves behind echoes longer than the sound it made crashing.”
So it is with the recent passing of two titanic figures in Nigeria’s national and traditional leadership spheres — former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. Their deaths are not just moments of personal mourning for their families and constituents; they are turning points in our nation’s collective journey — chapters closed in the book of Nigeria’s leadership history.
Both men embodied authority, responsibility, and — in their own ways-nation-building. And while they ruled from vastly different seats — one from Aso Rock and the other from the royal palace of Ijebu Ode — they shared a common thread: they symbolized stability in uncertain times.
But now, they are gone.
And we must ask: What remains when great men depart?
Legacy Over Title
Buhari, a soldier-turned-statesman, twice held the mantle of national leadership — first as a military ruler in the 1980s and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. His leadership was marked by fierce anti-corruption rhetoric, an emphasis on security, and a stoic, disciplined image. Whether you agreed with his policies or not, Buhari undeniably left fingerprints on the architecture of modern Nigeria.
On the other hand, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona reigned over Ijebuland for more than six decades, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in African history. His reign was defined by wisdom, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the cultural preservation and development of his people. He was a bridge between Nigeria's colonial past and democratic present, often offering counsel that cut across generations.
Their passing reminds us that positions are temporary; purpose is eternal. The pomp of the palace and the prestige of presidential convoys may fade, but the stories people tell — of justice upheld, integrity defended, courage shown — remain.
Power, Mortality, and the Illusion of Permanence
Many chase leadership as though it is a crown carved in stone. Yet, here lies the truth: no office, throne, or title can conquer time. Death, with its cold finality, strips us of uniform and agbada alike. It reminds us that character — not charisma — is the only lasting garment.
The deaths of Buhari and the Awujale should humble every officeholder and every power-hunter. The noise of political ambition often drowns the quiet call of responsibility. But now, in the stillness of national reflection, we see clearly: what you build is more important than what you wear; what you give is more enduring than what you gain.
A Call to the Living: Rethinking Leadership
To every Nigerian in a position of leadership — and to every young person aspiring to occupy one — this is your moment of awakening.
Leadership is not a ladder for self-glory; it is a platform for service.
Do not just aim for office; aim for impact. Do not merely collect titles; cultivate trust. Do not manipulate people’s pain for power; magnify their potential instead.
Let the lives of these men remind us of three timeless truths:
- Position means nothing without purpose.
- Longevity is meaningful only when it leaves legacy.
- The real memorial of a leader is written not in marble, but in the hearts of people.
The Next Chapter Is Ours to Write
As Nigeria mourns, we must also prepare — for a new generation must rise. A generation less concerned with tribalism, less obsessed with flamboyance, and more focused on justice, innovation, education, and equity.
We need leaders who will not only chase elections but cherish nationhood. Leaders who will remember, as the Holy Scriptures say in Ecclesiastes 12:13, that “the conclusion of the whole matter is to fear God and keep His commandments.”
Final Salute
To former President Muhammadu Buhari and Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona: Nigeria salutes you.
May your journeys beyond this life be peaceful.
May your legacies continue to inspire.
And may your departure be the seed of a new kind of leadership — rooted in truth, humility, and enduring purpose.
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