The Lion, the Tiger, and the Leopard: The Antics of Canine Beasts

Lawal Olanrewaju 

On the hallowed grounds of Obafemi Awolowo University, a fierce battle rages—not with swords and spears, but with slick words and empty promises. Hierarchy within the campus has become a coveted prize, politicians vying to wear the crown of honour that commands respect and prestige. Thus, in quest of this, the lion, tiger, and the leopard emerge from the shadows, each eager to claim their rightful place at the apex of the student hierarchy - seeking to represent their interest. It's about politics, it's about power, it's about the game of influence to shine at the apex and galumph with pride.

Like drunken revellers, they stumble and sway, their every move fueled by the intoxicating allure of power. They roar and growl, promising a utopian society where austerity will vanish and the entirety of students will bask in their benevolent rule. Yet, beneath their charming facades lies a cold and calculating ambition; ambition wherein they are drunk in power and intoxicated by influence to stampede the rights and benefits of students they seek to represent.

They don the masks of empathy, feigning concern for the plight of the common students. They conjure sudden affection for those they once ignored, lavishing attention on every minor detail to win their favour. Like skilled hunters, they stalk their prey, employing every cunning trick to amass their votes. The sudden love and affection which is tailored towards obtaining power is a schematic of enchantment aimed towards having the mandate they purported.

The lion - beaming pride, with its regal mane and booming voice, promises a golden age of prosperity, vowing to abolish austerity, imbalance, and inequality with the surreptitious act of ascendancy - swelling and bloating unrealistic plans, conjuring quixotic promises to transforming the campus into a paradise of abundance where life is soothing for all and sundry. But beware, dear students, for the lion's innate reality is devouring and its hunger for power knows no bounds. It devours gormandiously all that stands in its path, leaving behind no traces of blood on his mouth.

The tiger, on the other hand - sleek and cunning, just as the curious and cunny lion, whispers sweet but nothing promises into the ears of the unsuspecting victims - promising to champion an equitable, unbiased, and equilibrium dividends ensuring every student on campus enjoys rights of studentship without encroachment or fear of intimidation. However, the true nature of the canine beast is wired in strapping on vulnerables - prowling surreptitiously to hunt. Always motivated by its curiosity to satisfy its desires. Meanwhile, feigning truism and altruistic disposition - which is its bait, to allure and entice game to its trap.

The leopard, with its spotted coat and alluring gaze, plays the role of a benevolent and magnanimous saviour. promising to heal the wounds of the past, resetting the obscure principles, and bring to fruition plans aimed towards elevating and creating a harmonious campus environment where chance and disbursement of opportunities are even. However, the true nature is treacherous and manipulative just as the two aforementioned beasts. The quest is to reach the acme through thaumaturgy - wooing and using students as pawns to elevate its quest, promising heaven and earth when in reality the vision is to use them as the ladder to reach the summit.

Dear students of Great Ife, don't be swayed by these sweet and enticing words which are but fairy tales, laced with lies and unrealistic promises aimed at cashing in on the ignorance of clueless students who never deem it right to keenly investigate the true nature hidden in the hollow of their bellies. This is a wake up call to all Great Ife students to be apt in being inquisitive and as well be wary of these power-hungry beasts who are cajolers and tricksters. Their sweet words are but honeyed traps, designed to ensnare your trust. Do not become mere tools in their ruthless pursuit of dominance. This forthcoming election should be a shift in OAU; a shift whereby credible, noteworthy, and accountable leaders are selected/elected based on merit and not  just by influence and inordinate reasons. It's high time students voted based on meritocracy and not appeal to empathy and affection for candidates who only play to the gallery to achieve their purposes.

Remember, true leadership is not about popularity or grand gestures, It is about integrity, compassion, and a genuine desire to serve. Choose wisely, and may the best candidate emerge victorious—not the one who feeds you with false promises, but the one who have students at heart and truly embodies the spirit of service and unity that defines our beloved institution. It would be wise at this point to harp on excellence and solution-curative leaders above lax and ravenous Student's Union leaders who are only spurred by their bellies and as well dance to the tune of the authorities rather than fight for the interest of the generality of the Great Ife Student. A word they say should be enough for the wise. This saying will only be effective if, having raised the awareness, room is given to credibility, creativity, and expertise above mediocrity.