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| Hon (Crown Prince) Abayomi B Akinruntan |
His humility and passion for his people caught my attention; as his self confidence and spirit of wanting to be himself without depending on his father got my respect. When our paths crossed, I was excited to know more about him and know what he's made of. Being a political leader and a traditional leader gives him the opportunity to know so much on how to deal with societal problems. In my own words, I call him 'double leader'.
Hon. (Crown Prince) Abayomi B Akinruntan, member Ondo State House of Assembly, Representing Ilaje Constituency 1, the son of Oba (Dr) FEO Akinruntan CON Olugbo of Ugboland is bold, brave and focused. The interview with him says it all:
How often do you get to see your dad? Occasionally, but we see more in the state here or at the seat of the throne.
How do you live your life as a politician and royalty? Ummm, both are the same.
I'm sure there must be some differences; which role do you love more? With or without being a politician, I still owe my people a lot as a crown Prince. Being a Prince is a life time and being a politician is temporary.
How do you address your dad? Kabiyesi or Sir.
Is he your mentor or do you have someone else other than him? He's my mentor, he's my idol.
What do you admire about your dad? He's determination and zeal to get things done, he's a real go-getter.
I learnt it's very difficult to reach him; how true is this? He's the most accessible in the world. Though, there's heavy security around him, which I believe it's normal.
Does he receive his calls by himself or his PA does? He has a direct line he picks and he has six other numbers that are attended to by his PA.
How would you describe your mum? Wonderful and the best mum in the world.
I believe people see your dad as being arrogant and controversial; what would you say about that? People perceive him wrongly, he speaks the truth and people hate that. He's strict to a fault and have a very high principle.
How good are your parents to their community? Well, as far as I know we are doing our best.
Your dad is your mentor and idol, he must be a perfect person for you. What would you like to do better than him? To give back to my people, have a better relationship with them. I believe there is more to do for them in capacity building, youth and women empowerment.
Being a political leader and a traditional leader, you are what I'll call 'double leader' in my own words. How can you use your influence to change the ills in our society? Honestly, isn't easy to make a change until you hold the bull by the horn. Gradually, we'll get there; it's getting better.
You mean it's hard to get things done or what? Some people are dream killers and they hate good things... change is a gradual process.
How has your journey into politics been? I left the business empire and my dad against all odds to create a new path. It was tough, but today, I'm a brand.
Are you saying you went into politics because of love for your people and not for money, as we know many go into politics because of love for riches? Shortly after my dad was crowned eight years ago, I crave to have my name printed in the heart of my people. I did what I could through my foundation to help my people, and decided to join politics to enable me do more.
Did you make it into politics because of your dad's influence and wealth? To be honest, he has a role to play. His name opened doors for me, likewise mine has for him today. My greatest joy is... back in 2011 they refer to me as Omo Olugbo, but today they refer to me as ABA or MHA.
What do you think money can't buy? Money can't give you power politically, I mean aside happiness.
Money does give power in our society because politicians give some miserable gifts and money to vulnerable and underprivileged voters to be able to get their votes: Ignorance and they suffer for it.
What is the most expensive thing you ever bought? I'm not a flashy person, can't think of any, but I love good cars.
What is family to you? Happiness.
What would you want people to know about your Kingdom that will interest them to visit? New innovations and technology in the future to come. For now, it's just like every oil rich community that are being marginalized, with no development. I pray God will help us to make changes.
Can't you and your dad make some changes in your community. Guess people believe he can, if he wants because he's got what it takes? Power and money are two different things.
You're right, you're a lawmaker and your dad has the money, so both of you have it all: I laugh at people when they say he has money to make changes. It doesn't work that way; what about the government policies and other factors. The chairman of the Local Government is the number one citizen of any local government and an Oba is a staff of the local government. Does the House of Assembly have autonomy? Our constitution has made State Lawmakers answerable to the governors.
Hmmm... That's a bit of a danger to policy making, I guess: The legislative arms have rules guiding their conduct. You may have a bill and might be killed on arrival by some of your colleagues out of envy or and greed.
What are the reasons for corruption in Nigeria, especially amongst the politicians? Excessive love of money and greed.
Are you corrupt free? No one is! No public office holder is free of corruption, but clear your conscience.
You mean including yourself? See, right from the salary you get corruption starts from there. We can only be better than each other. I won't take what doesn't belong to me.
What would you like to achieve for your community in the next two years? Meaningful impact, the peace they've never enjoyed before and capital project by His grace.
Which of the titles do you love most; Prince or Honourable? Prince, because it's a lifetime thing. Even if the military takes over today, my title as a Prince remains.
Would you live anywhere outside Nigeria? Never! I have a future here and I strongly believe in that, my family can, but me, Naaaa.
Your best day of the week and why? I like Mondays, it keeps me on my toes.
Your best restaurant? I love homemade food, not a fan of restaurants.
Is it true that your dad is the richest Oba in Yorubaland and one of the richest in Nigeria? I believe God has blessed him.
What do you want people to know about your dad, contrary to the wrong perception about him? He's the most accommodating, caring and accessible person in the world.
Describe yourself in a few words? I am me, Hon (Prince) Abayomi, a believer in life is short, so we do our best at the right time and leave the rest.
It has been a great moment with you, Prince: Thank you.
- Sola Opesan Brown
- Sola Opesan Brown
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