Aruwe’s Absence at Bamgboye’s PhD Celebration Raises Questions About Political Loyalty

The absence of the Executive Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Tunbosun Aruwe, from the celebration of his predecessor, Dr. Emmanuel Bamgboye, at the recently concluded Lagos State University convocation has triggered discussions within political circles in Mushin.

Dr. Bamgboye, the immediate past Chairman of Mushin Local Government, was among the distinguished graduands who received their doctoral degrees at the ceremony, which attracted top political and traditional figures, including the Lagos State Governor and Deputy Governor, the Ooni of Ife, senators, members of the House of Representatives and Lagos State lawmakers.

For an occasion that celebrated academic excellence and personal achievement, the absence of the incumbent chairman was particularly noticeable.

More striking was the fact that the absence reportedly extended beyond the chairman. Members of his cabinet and the local party structure were also said to have stayed away from the celebration, creating a sharp contrast with the overwhelming support witnessed at the celebration of Dr. Seyi Awwal Jakande, the Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA.

The question being asked is simple: What could have justified such a conspicuous absence?

Political differences are not unusual, especially in a highly competitive environment such as Mushin. But there are moments when political considerations ought to give way to basic courtesy, respect and human decency.

Dr. Bamgboye’s attainment of a PhD is a personal achievement, but it also represents an accomplishment worthy of recognition by the political family he once led. Whatever disagreements may exist between him and the current administration should ordinarily not diminish the significance of the occasion.

Indeed, political maturity is often measured not by how leaders treat those who agree with them, but by how they conduct themselves towards those with whom they disagree.

Aruwe’s absence has therefore generated questions about the state of relationships within the Mushin political structure. Is the political family becoming so divided that even a former chairman’s academic achievement cannot bring people together for a few hours?

More importantly, political observers believe the development presents an opportunity for reflection by party leaders.

Senator Ganiyu Solomon, a senior figure in Mushin, may need to intervene and provide the kind of guidance that can prevent unnecessary divisions from becoming permanent. Political structures survive not merely on electoral victories but on relationships, mutual respect and the ability to accommodate differences.

No one should forget that political power is temporary.

Today’s chairman will eventually become tomorrow’s former chairman. The people who occupy influential positions today may one day depend on the goodwill and support of those they currently overlook.

That is why the absence of Aruwe at Bamgboye’s celebration should not simply be dismissed as another political disagreement. It should be viewed as a moment for sober reflection on the kind of political culture leaders are building in Mushin.

Leadership requires restraint. It requires the ability to rise above personal differences when the occasion demands it.

Dr. Bamgboye’s PhD celebration was an occasion to celebrate scholarship, achievement and progress. It was unfortunate that what should have been a moment of collective pride became, in part, a conversation about who was missing.

For Hon. Aruwe, there is still an opportunity to demonstrate that leadership is bigger than personal differences and that respect for predecessors does not diminish the authority of an incumbent.

If anything, it strengthens it.