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Adebanjo as Apostle Paul
By Ebun Sonaiya
THE last few weeks have been quite interesting on the political scene. It was the ANPP where two chairmen of the party evolved, then AD with its two factions and unending imbroglio over ownership of the party. Perhaps the most intriguing of all is the happening and goings on in Afenifere.
A group pledging loyalty to Pa Abraham Adesanya gathered together to appoint a deputy for him notwithstanding his appearance on television to announce his own deputy and dissociating himself from the group. Even more unsettling are pronouncements from a few individuals in the group attacking the person of Pa Ayo Adebanjo. This is the subject of my write-up.
Adebanjo like Apostle Paul is a great Afenifere leader and equally a good follower. His belief in the tenets of Afenifere is Catholic and he has carried the gospel with apostolic zeal. Apostle Paul (not one of the original 12 yet arguably the greatest apostle of Christ) unlike Adebanjo (who could be described as one of the "original disciples" of the sage) became angry with rebellion in the church of Corinth. He was compelled to flaunt his impeccable credentials, while Adebanjo would only say that the group's position is an act of rebellion.
Though Paul began his career as a fanatical enemy of Christianity, he became one of its greatest leaders. Unquestionably the most important persona in the New Testament. He was not just an activist committed to the cause, but also a theologian thinking deep thoughts about God. Paul dared to boast - are they Jews? So am I. Are they Hebrew? So, am I. Are they Israelites? So, am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So, am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely and exposed to death again and again. All of which Adebanjo could equally 'boast' of more than many and any in the "rebellious" group.
The issue here is that of authority. Romans 13: 1-2 - "Everyone must submit himself to governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves". Adebanjo like Paul may not possess the gift of the garb. He may be a man of small stature, but whatever his shortcoming he more than makes up for in his strict adherence to the tenets of Afenifere and his loyalty to leadership.
This should not be used against him as "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us". Things are made even more difficult for one as many within the 'rebel' group are brothers and friends, co-workers in the struggle against political and economic oppression. For some light weights to refer to Pa Adebanjo in any other way but respectfully is to go against the dictates of everything that is decent. As thoroughbred Yoruba, a committed Nigerian and Christian, respect for elders is non negotiable. Exodus 20: 12 - "Honour your father and your mother, so that you live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you". This is one of the 10 commandments handed to Moses.
Finally, Romans 13:5.- "Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience". I implore individuals who tend to employ caustic tongue in the circumstances that we have found ourselves to exercise restraint, mindful of the fact that the greatest virtue that endear Yorubas to our compatriots is respect for elders. Let me also not end this without tendering my apologies to Pa Adebanjo for daring to refer to him as "Adebanjo" as this is only a manner of writing. No disrespect was intended for he remains our father and leader for whom we all have eternal respect. Pa Adebanjo must be commended for not losing his cool like Paul the Apostle in the face of provocation.
- Dr. Sonaiya is a medical practitioner in Lagos.
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