NO doubt, POWER is sweet.  To be in position of AUTHORITY accords the leader myriad of opportunities to many things, but depending on how you use it.  

EITHER a small or big position, the temptation to remain in office due to many factors is often there, but only a wise leader would tarry a bit to think twice.  AND this is where the ousted President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, who was in power for 37 years immediately his country gained independence from the Britain, and was making attempt to install his wife and possibly children after his tenure, got it recently wrong.

TO be the President of Olumo Progressive Association in Canada, I love it.  It is good to occupy a position that will put you in power as “number one indigene” among the Egba and Yewa from Ogun State (in diaspora) in the second largest country in the world: CANADA. 
BY that status, I would mix with a lot of people in the society, particularly being invited regularly “for this and for that” events, where possible, musicians continue to “shout” your name (though after spending some dollars) to high heaven.

SIMILARLY, you are known beyond Canada.  Your name is familiar in Nigeria and beyond.  People would refer to you as President: “My President”, “Up President,” “Our dear President”, "Up Presido", “President Femi Shodunke,” and your head will begin to “wuu”.  But, how many do recall their beginning?  Only few! And I'm one of the few!

HOWEVER, after spending four years (of two years per term) and the vote of confidence to continue in office, I decided to leave.  
IN fact, I rejected going for second term, but WITHOUT exception (no opposing candidate) I was voted in, particularly to organize the first ever Egba National Association US and Canada (2016) convention, which I bidded for and brought to Canada for the first time in 10 years of the existence of Olumo Progressive Association Canada Inc. 

I refused all entreaties to remain in power towards the end of my second term.  I insisted I must go, even after consensus decision to amend the constitution to favour me.  

I said I couldn’t alone have been the best for my association.  Let me give others the chance to try their luck in leadership position.  Omo Iya Alakara cannot be the only one good enough to lead our association. 

AND to serve is an opportunity, indeed a privilege.  And to quit should not be a big deal.  And finally, it is because we are still alive that’s why we fight for positions and insist on not leaving and attempting to become sit-tight leaders.

THE above and many more formed part of my principles of life, which I applied and finally left my position (over the weekend) as the PRESIDENT of the most glamorous and prestigious association in Canada, to become an “ordinary member” after four years of glitz and social uplift.  A new President, under my leadership supervision, has been elected in a rancour-free election.
AND that is the difference between me and Mugabe, who refused to quit until he was shamefully booted out of office.  But I quitted when the ovation was loudest.  I’m happy I did not make myself “Mugabe” of my association. 

THANK God for the journey so far!

- Chief Femi Shodunke (Baaroyin of Igbeinland) is a journalist and Publisher of GatewayMail newspaper in Canada.