Choosing a worthy successor for the vacant stool of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland: My perspectives.
By Otori Ozigi
–The impactful contributions of Dr. Phillips Omeiza Ozovehe Salawu PhD, that stands him out.
I have watched with keen interest the ongoing unnecessary controversy and contestations for the vacant stool of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland,since the screening of no fewer than 70 aspirants that vyied for the vacant throne.
In my view, members of the screening committee deserves a pat on their backs for their highly credible and commendable job in reportedly reducing the huge number to a sizeable 5 candidates, after a rigorous and painstaking process.
Choosing a credible successor for the vacant throne is not a tea party, as a lot of factors hinged on tradition and cultural ethos,would come into play in the scheme of things.
After going through the shortlisted candidates, one name that naturally caught my attention is that of an enigmatic and dynamic personality,Dr.Phillips Omeiza Ozovehe Salawu, the former Deputy Governor of Kogi state.
I have worked closely with him for several years and I can vouch for his untainted and impeccable character and high capacity as a natural leader, whose love for humanity is unparalleled.
To those who had come into contact with him in his days in office and later outside the corridors of power, one thing you cannot take away from him is his unwavering passion and love for our tradition and cultural ethos and heritage.
To his credit,Dr.Phillips created the Ohi stools in Ebiraland and upgraded several other chieftaincy positions in a courageous and dogged circumstances.
As a Deputy Governor,his positive contributions to infrastructure development in Ebiraland, cannot be forgotten,as he opened up the road networks and other landscape in the land.
At the national stage,his name was written in gold as a member of the constitution review national conference, midwifed by President Goodluck Jonathan.He shone like a diamond throughout the duration of the highly successful conference.
It is noteworthy, that the man Dr.Phillips is a personality of many parts with incredible arrays of academic and professional qualifications to his profile.
His level of brilliance, knowledge and wisdom cannot be matched by his contemporaries.
Dr.Phillips is one leader who practices what he preached.He is a peace loving gentleman, who is God fearing in his relationship with other people.
As the search for the next Ohinoyi continues, his choice should be a matter of first among equals, all variables considered.
God will be pleased with us if we choose a shinning and sterling personality like Dr. Phillip.
Ebiraland stands to benefit immensely from his choice.
I come in peace.