Empty Streets Reflect Growing Discontent: A Historical Perspective on President Tinubu’s Leadership
By Suyi Ayodele
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent return from China raises an important question: how many vehicles did he see on his journey from the airport to the Presidential Villa? If the streets were indeed empty, it’s a stark reflection of the growing disillusionment among Nigerians, a consequence of the “bold steps” he celebrated in Asia just last week. The emptiness symbolizes the erosion of hope, with smiles vanishing from the streets.
Perhaps the historical context of the Ijaye War, one of the most destructive conflicts in Yoruba history, could serve as an allegory for Nigeria’s current socio-economic situation. The Ijaye War (April 10, 1860 – March 17, 1862), a fierce internecine battle between Ibadan and Ijaye forces, offers a valuable lesson in leadership, decision-making, and the consequences of ignoring the people’s needs.
During the war, Ibadan warlord Balogun Ogunmola counted the losses by collecting the caps of his fallen slave-soldiers. His collection totaled 1,800 caps, representing the tragic toll of a war driven by inflexible leadership and hunger. The war began when the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Kurunmi, opposed the succession plan of Alaafin Atiba, sparking conflict that devastated both sides.
Like Kurunmi, President Tinubu seems to be at odds with the tides of the times. Tinubu’s pronouncement of “Subsidy is gone” during his May 29, 2023, inauguration marked the beginning of economic hardship for many Nigerians. The removal of fuel subsidies has triggered unprecedented inflation, leaving millions struggling with skyrocketing fuel prices and an economy in crisis.
The situation mirrors Kurunmi’s decision to block the flow of food and goods to Ibadan during the Ijaye War, leading to artificial famine and widespread suffering. Just as Kurunmi failed to recognize the importance of adapting to changing circumstances, President Tinubu’s policies are being seen as out of touch with the everyday realities of the people he governs.
Tinubu’s supporters once praised his leadership of Lagos State during the early days of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, portraying him as a man with the capacity to transform Nigeria. However, public sentiment has shifted dramatically, with many questioning the validity of the claim that “Tinubu built Lagos.” The president’s administration has been criticized for missteps that have exacerbated economic hardship, with few signs of meaningful relief.
Nigerians are no longer impressed by media hype or political narratives of Tinubu’s past successes. Instead, they are feeling the impact of his decisions firsthand. The fuel subsidy removal, in particular, has led to an artificial scarcity that has worsened the lives of many.
There is an urgent need for those close to the president to convey the depth of public dissatisfaction. The silence from Aso Rock is deafening, and the music of hypocrisy seems louder than the cries of the people. Comparisons with former President Muhammadu Buhari, once widely criticized for lethargy, have begun to emerge, with some Nigerians lamenting that Buhari’s time in office now appears more favorable.
As the president continues to boast about his “bold steps,” the question remains: when will Tinubu hear the voices of the people? The streets are no longer smiling, and the growing discontent must be addressed before it reaches a breaking point. Just as history has judged Kurunmi for his rigid stance, so too will it judge Tinubu if he fails to adapt to the needs of the people.
The time for action is now.
