For forms of government, says the poet, let fools contend. Nearly 64 years after independence from British colonial rule, we are still contending with a form of government best suited to our country.

Were Chief Obafemi Awolowo to be alive, he would have turned 106 yesterday, March 6, 2024. Thirty-seven years after his death, Awolowo’s thoughts remain a dominant element of the Nigerian political landscape.

There is a grand delusion that has endured inordinately or inappropriately but which is thankfully wearing off respecting a hyped political ingenuity and suave public finance wizardry of President Bola Tinubu.

It is on record that Chief Obafemi Awolowo left a sound legacy on the sands of time regarding his socialist principle of welfarism.

In the twilight of his life, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one personality a great many regarded as an exceptional leader, reflected on his political career ann d he knew pains. He agonised that he did not have the opportunity to realise his vision of a modern and towering country. Much as he sought to serve the country in the capacity of Prime Minister or President he did not succeed. Many would say he fitted into the picture former President Umar Yar’Adua was wont to call the longed-for servant-leader of his time.

Even as feudalism is understood as a social system based on personal ownership of resources or as the exercise of personal fidelity between a suzerain and a vassal, its subterranean, insidious effect disguised as a form of political development must be clearly apprehended by all who are enamoured by our historical trajectory.

There is a popular saying that after the lordship and sovereignty of God over our lives, the next absolute sovereignty, over humanity, is government-of all ideologies, shapes and patterns.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo while delivering a lecture at the Ahmadu Bello Univerity, Zaria in 1978 under the auspices of the institution’s Student’s Union relevantly quoted a student’s query.