joshuaOtunba Funsho Owoyemi, Asiwaju of Eriland And The Significance of Motherhood
By Comrade Olowoseunre Abiodun
“The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world” (or empire) is a proverbial phrase that means mothers have a profound influence on the future leaders and shape the destiny of societies. This phrase emphasizes the significance of motherhood and the role of caregivers in shaping the next generation’s values, beliefs, and character. It suggests that mothers nurture and mould the minds of future leaders.
Early childhood experiences and upbringing have a lasting impact on individuals. Women, particularly mothers, have a subtle yet powerful influence on societal development.
*Origins and Interpretations*
The phrase: “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle”, is attributed to William Ross Wallace’s 1865 poem. Emphasized: “The hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.” Feminist perspective highlights women’s crucial role in shaping society. Socialization perspective emphasizes early childhood experiences’ impact on future leaders.
Cultural perspective recognizes the influence of caregivers on cultural transmission.
*Variations*
The above phrase encourages recognition and appreciation of mothers’ and caregivers’ vital contributions to society.
As a secondary school student at CHS Odo Eri in present-day Yagba West Local Government of Kogi State, I grew up admiring Mama Ige Olori, mother of Otunba Funsho Owoyemi. She was a hardworking businesswoman with diverse ventures, notably the plank business at the community Saw Mill.
Mama Ige Olori was an elegant, charming, and radiant woman. She was full of life. Her small bungalow in the town’s centre was a testament to her success. She was an inspiration to every woman in town, and her accomplishments seemed almost mythical.
However, something remarkable happened behind the Saw Mills that revealed Mama’s hidden secret to the world. A modern building emerged, complete with tap water outside, allowing us to appreciate the edifice built by her son, Otunba Funsho Owoyemi.
This exposed Mama’s remarkable achievement in raising successful children. The future Asiwaju of Odo Eriland, Otunba Funsho Owoyemi, would stop at nothing to support the late Chief Abejide, the then Asiwaju of Odo Eri, and the entire city for its development.
Little did we know that the pendulum would one day swing in his favour.
To Asiwaju Funsho Owoyemi, may God grant you wisdom, strength, and guidance as you assume this noble position. May your leadership be marked by sustained integrity, compassion, and justice.
May you continue to inspire and empower the people of Odo Eri land. May your tenure bring unprecedented growth, progress, and development. May infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities flourish under your leadership. May the community unite in harmony, peace, and cooperation. May you surround yourself with wise counsellors and advisors.
May your decisions align with God’s will and benefit the people. May you remain humble, accountable, and transparent. May your legacy surpass that of your predecessors. May your impact be felt for generations to come. May your name become synonymous with progress and development. God will grant you the courage to tackle challenges and overcome obstacles. May you identify and capitalize on opportunities for growth. May your leadership foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Your family will be blessed and protected. May you enjoy good health, strength, and vitality. May your relationships with others be blessed.
Some expectations from the people as before are as follows:
●Continued support for education and youth empowerment.
●Improved infrastructure development (roads, water, electricity).
●Enhanced economic opportunities through entrepreneurship and job creation.
●Stronger community engagement and participation.
●Effective representation and advocacy for Odo Eri land.
“Congratulations to you, sir from all of us at Omo Okun Liberty Association”.
●Comrade Olowoseunre Abiodun is National Organizing Secretary, OMO OKUN LIBERTY ASSOCIATION
*Foothold of FDO As Asiwaju of Eriland*
The amiable, homely, cerebral, articulate and multitasking Otunba Funso Davies Owoyemi (FDO), the Asiwaju “leader and frontliner” of Odo-Eri, needs little introduction in his home state of Kogi, Lagos, country and abroad. He is also the Taiyese, “one who makes the world a better place,” of Iloro-Ekiti, in Ekiti State. FDO who is a member of De Club Aspirers in Lagos, is in the regular company of the “white cap chiefs” of Lagos, where he is adulated.
FDO is an unobtrusive doyen of the accountancy profession. He earned his stripes as a chartered accountant back in the days when the number of chartered accountants in Nigeria could be counted on the fingertips. He is concurrently a highbrow management consultant with interests in banking, real estate, and multifaceted entrepreneurship. Within the context of his homeland, his views are sought on sundry issues which makes him a bouquet of a political stakeholder and a community leader. You will forever find him at the centre of goings on which are of tangible advantage to his people.
Recall that since his ascendancy to the role Asiwaju of Eriland, Chief Funsho Owoyemi has employed the same magic wand and midas touch in enabling the turnaround of Odo-Eriland. Within the short time that he was enthroned as the Asiwaju, Odo-Eri is well lit at night today, courtesy of Owoyemi’s introduction of solar lighting for the illumination of the community. Comprehensive High School, Odo-Eri buildings now wear new looks, as different from their uninspiring decrepit looks even as virtually all teachers are paid from communal efforts. The population of students in secondary schools has leapfrogged from 21 to almost 400 in the space of less than two years. The police station, which was solely built by him, also got a new facelift, as did the building and patrol vehicle allocated to community vigilantes. Burglary was on the ascendancy before his coming, but residents can now sleep with their two eyes closed because of the motivation of the vigilantes. He spurred the people into taking over where the government failed. The newly constructed magistrate court, Odo-Eri is the best in Yagba West today, courtesy of his committed leadership. A beacon of Hope, an enigma of social development, despite Asiwaju Funsho Owoyemi is treasury of knowledge, depository of wisdom and his endowed repository of understanding, he still relates with some of younger generations he could have fathered with convenience, when he wants to make some crucial decisions- the hallmark of true leadership.
