Akeredolu, Life, and Randomness – Bamidele Ademola-Olateju
Our life and very existence is random. The sperm that fertilized the egg that became us, was one of millions. Its movement, eventual success, was stochastic. Our lives, are determined and governed by many variables and factors. We often take it for granted that we own our reality, but in actuality, we are all a pawn in the vast ocean of chance. A look at our observable universe proves it. It is governed largely by randomness. What is intriguing is that, as humans, we have great difficulty accepting the unexpected. Why? Because our brain likes order. It likes to see patterns, rationality, an the innate wish to learn from experience, so as to be better prepared, that is why the brain sees randomness and disorder as a threat. That is why in tough and challenging situations, we become exasperated and ask; why me? Fate can be capricious but that is life and we must accept the cards we are dealt. I believe what defines a good existence is; never to lose sight of one’s purpose, acceptance of the unexpected, in the midst of the randomness of life. It is not a secret that Governor Akeredolu is ill. It is random. Why is he a governor and some he went to school with can’t even find themselves? I know the answer. Life and everything about it, is a gift and it is all random.
It happens in life that there are days when it is nothing blues skies, with the Sun shining brightly. Then, just then, the storm hits with or without warning clouds that tells you a storm is on the way. In such situations, it is pointless asking why now? Just take cover. The last few months have been hard but he is fighting. In this fight to live, many people are praying for him, genuinely. Praying for him to heal and for harmony in his life. Arakunrin is a believer. The son of a reverent. The Chancellor of his Church’s cathedral. He is taking this as a test of faith and walking the footsteps of Christ, the Apostles and the great Saints, in the throes of adversity.
Aketi is my leader and benefactor. I’m junior to him in every way but we have one thing in common. We both know adversity. I have faced adversity. I have suffered many ill-health before. However, all the pains of my life gave me understanding and I came to a realization that; once we have passed the infantile stage of life, we need to know, understand and accept, that pain is a measure of happiness, and that, there can be no human dignity, without pain. There is no way to have pleasure without understanding the value of pain. They are opposites. Life can only have meaning when we situate our lives healthily, and be at peace with pleasure and pain.
At times like this, we must be careful not to weaponize a personal condition. I have been careful in walking this tight rope for months. In all, one thing is clear. I will NEVER lose my humanity in the face of daunting odds. I, Bamidele will NEVER, EVER kick a man that is down. It is a moral imperative for me. I stand by Aketi!
