This is Okun Reporters, bringing you voices from the heart of our land.
Once upon a time, Okun men stood tall in the dignity of labour. We remember Pa Ojo Elepe, Baba Osho, Samson Agbona Idi, Baba Melosi, Baba Asarapo — men who rose with the sun, hoes and cutlasses in hand, tilling the soil to feed their families. Their sweat was honour, their labour was dignity, their pride was work well done.
But today, the story is different. On a recent visit home, tears could not be held back. Strangers now farm our land. Strangers ride our okadas. Strangers take our daughters as wives. And our own sons? Many idle, jobless, wandering without direction. The Okun land that once gave us men of pride now staggers in shame.
And the question remains — who is responsible? Our leaders. Yes, leaders who call themselves the voice of the people but speak only for themselves. Men like Dino Melaye are mentioned, while memories of leaders with conscience — the Awoniyis, the Ojomus — remind us of what leadership once meant.
This poverty we see is not natural; it is manufactured. Our leaders have left us so broken that idleness has become the new normal. Some of our youths now serve bandits, carrying weapons and food. Some of our women, out of hunger and despair, are drawn into aiding those who destroy our homes.
So we ask again on this broadcast: Who bewitched Okun Land? Who stole our pride? Who cursed the heritage of our fathers?
If we do not return to the dignity of labour, if we do not call our leaders to account, then this land we love will remain under chains.
This is not just a story. It is a warning.
Stay tuned with Okun Reporters as we continue to ask the hard questions.
Credit: Abiodun Osho
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