POSSESSING MENTALITY LIKE LION

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POSSESSING MENTALITY LIKE LION
*Favour Adéwoyin*
July 10, 2025

I'm very comfortable with writing about the lion because I'm "Abúńjù". In Yorùbá language, the word "Abúńjù" symbolises the roaring of a lion and that's part of the cognomen of my lineage.

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The lion is the king of the jungle, not because it is the biggest, tallest, highest, strongest, wisest, fiercest, etc, but because it has a winning mentality. The lion is never intimidated by animal in the jungle. When the lion sees elephant, it is not scares. What comes to its mind is "food".

The lion wins a battle in its mind first before he fights the battle. The lion does not eat left-overs but fresh meat. So, it is always optimistic, hopeful, full of expectation and faith that it will not go hungry no matter what. But, there are times that hunting may not favour the lion, which is why David, when he was talking about God who cannot fail said:

The young lion do lack and suffer hunger, but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

Now, let me go to how to possess the mentality of a lion in an advocacy using Òkèògùn as my target.

To possess a lion mentality in the advocacy for Òkèògùn's rightful place in the governorship of Oyo State means approaching the struggle with courage, boldness, vision, and unshakable determination, even in the face of longstanding marginalisation and exclusion by the dominant Ibadan political structure.

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The following is how the lion mentality can drive a successful advocacy:

*1. Fearlessness in Confronting Injustice*

The lion fears nothing in its domain. As Òkèògùn advocates, we must shed fear — of power blocs, political manipulation, or intimidation. We must boldly and always speak truth to power.

Marginalisation cannot end by begging; it will end through strategic confrontation backed by facts and history.

*2. Unshakable Belief in the Cause*

A lion does not second-guess its role in the wild. A lion does not doubt or entertain unbelief its going timo win. Similarly, Òkèògùn must move with full confidence in the justice of its cause, that after over 48 years of Oyo State's existence, it is unjust and unacceptable that no son or daughter of Òkèògùn has governed.

Our belief that our victory is certain and assured must be louder than excuses and stronger than any internal doubt.

*3. Strategic Focus – Not Easily Distracted*

Lions don't chase every rabbit; they pursue what truly sustains them. Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa must avoid any distractions, divisions, religious sentiments, party affiliations and "townism". We must stay focused on the core goal, which is Gómìnà Ọ̀yọ́ Àwa Lọ́kàn.

In other words, we must stand for fairness, justice, equity, equality and inclusivity when it comes to governorship rotation in Oyo State.

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4. Leading the Pride – Building Alliances*

The lion leads but never hunts alone. A lion mentality in advocacy means galvanising allies. In view of this, we must strengthen our allies and collaboration with Ìbàràpá, Ọ̀yọ́, Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́, and even Ìbádàn who believe in justice, equity, and inclusion. This is not a regional war; rather, it is a democratic demand for balanced leadership.

*5. Relentless in Pursuit*

When a lion starts a hunt, it does not stop halfway. Therefore, our advocacy must maintain consistent pressure through different strategic programmes special meetings, town hall meetings, media engagement, grassroots mobilisation, rallies, elite dialogues, retreats, seminars, conferences, and participation in political structures.

We must know and understand that advocacy is not a seasonal campaign. It is a permanent mission until justice is done.

*6. Master of Its Territory*

Òkèògùn must take full ownership of its region —politically, culturally, intellectually. The lion owns the jungle. The people of Òkèògùn must own their political space through voters' registration, presentation of quality candidate, support for one voice, and controlling of our electoral destiny.

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7. Attacking Division, Feeding Unity*

A lion doesn't fight its pride. Òkèògùn must guard against internal betrayal, sellouts, and division. Only unity and a common front can produce power. This call is beyond party — it is about regional liberation and inclusion.

Final Roar

Òkèògùn has been patient, loyal, and tolerant long enough. Now is the time to rise with the mentality of a lion — fearless, focused, and ferociously united — until the governorship seat is no longer the monopoly of any one zone, but a shared heritage of all Oyo State indigenes.

It is good to note that lions don't ask for power. They take it — with purpose and pride.

*Pst. Favour Adéwọyin,*
_a public analyst, social critic, writer, journalist, public relation manager, youth manager, leadership expert, teacher of the word of God and community leader._

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