On a fine day in early 2022, I walked into the house of a fellow American transplant in Ondo state. We were both appointed to serve in the administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON. Bring a green horn in Ondo State politics, I was unknown to many people but not Sola Ajisafe. He welcomed me and regaled me with his recollections of my writings on Facebook and my opinion column in Premium Times. Five minutes of conversation is all anyone needs to see, know and feel the fire in Sola Ajisafe’s belly. Sola is a political fighter, deeply engaged in the struggle for power, justice, or reform within the society and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Trained as a journalist, later as a lawyer, activism is coded into Sola’s genes. As an advocate for change, and a defender of progressive political ideology, he is passionate and driven by strong beliefs in social justice, good governance.
In Ondo State, everyone who has heard Sola speak on radio or television, who has seen him coordinate political events, who has read him in print and social media, would attest that he is a skilled communicator. Sola has an uncanny ability to rally support, inspire others, and sway public opinion through the media, or direct action. His oratory has the depth of history, the heft of law and the respect for culture and traditions. He speaks and writes in a way that is spirited, educative and convincing.
Sola Ajisafe believes there is no moral dignity in neutrality. He takes a stand and does not hide where he stands. He is a man of great moral courage and convictions. At great personal cost, be it during the pro-democracy agitations, or when Ondo state faces political crisis, Sola stood up for his beliefs, took risks in challenging powerful figures, and engaged in activism that puts him at odds with the system.
As ever before, Sola the relentless advocate for progressive ideals, is committed to his vision of a better future, even if it means confronting power structures from within and from without his political party to fight for policies that align with his values. At sixty, Sola has been bruised and battered on the battlefield. But nothing defines this Politico better than his resilience. He has faced opposition, setbacks, and personal attacks, yet he continues to push forward, despite challenges.
And to you my dear Sola, your message to me as this day approached got me thinking. In your opinion, what makes people happy? What gives meaning to people’s lives? Lemme tell you, people who lead meaningful lives are generally happy but not all those who live a happy life, derive meaning from their lives or lead a meaningful existence. Generally, those who are able to satisfy their wants; those who are healthy, have money, can afford the basics of life, are happy. However, these things are not connected to living a meaningful life. People who live a life of happiness think in the present, while those who lead a life of meaning think more about the past, present, and future and how one action influences the other.
Happiness can be fleeting, while meaningfulness often lasts longer. Why is this so? It is because in the real sense, meaningfulness comes from giving while happiness comes from taking. Living a life of happiness is not bad and it isn’t selfish. It is just not as fulfilling. Living a life of meaning isn’t a walk in the park either, it is riddled with stress and challenges. Those who live meaningful lives experience higher levels of anxiety, stress and worry. These things happen because they get enmeshed in difficult situations and challenges that are unrelated to their well-being and things that bring them no pleasure. I hope this explains your life to you. You have lived these years giving to society at great personal cost. Would you have lived differently given the person you are? No!
Political fighters like you are crucial in shaping societies, sparking movements, and often leading the charge in both peaceful and, at times of radical political changes. I salute you at sixty. Kudos to you for living a life of meaning and fighting for equity and good governance. For our sake and for the sake of humanity, I ask God to grant you more healthy years of impact. Congratulations!
Yèyé-Ọba Bamidele Ademola-Olateju is former Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Ondo State, currently the All Progressives’ Congress Director of New Media and Corporate Services
