SOLA AJISAFE AT 60: A LAWYER, A POLITICO, AND A FIGHTER

A my friend 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. Being a greenhorn in Ondo State politics, I was unknown to many people—but not to Sola Ajisafe. He welcomed me warmly 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, and reform within society and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Trained as a journalist and later as a lawyer, activism is encoded in 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 and good governance.

In Ondo State, anyone who has heard Sola speak on radio or television, seen him coordinate political events, or read his work in print or on social media would attest to his skills as a communicator. Sola has an uncanny ability to rally support, inspire others, and sway public opinion through the media or direct action. His oratory reflects a depth of historical knowledge, the heft of legal insight, and a deep respect for culture and tradition. 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 conviction. At great personal cost—whether during the pro-democracy agitations or during political crises in Ondo State—Sola has stood up for his beliefs, taken risks in challenging powerful figures, and engaged in activism that often put him at odds with the system.

As ever, Sola, the relentless advocate for progressive ideals, remains committed to his vision of a better future. He is willing to confront power structures, both within and outside his political party, to fight for policies that align with his values. At sixty, Sola has been bruised and battered on the battlefield of politics. But nothing defines this politico better than his resilience. He has faced opposition, setbacks, and personal attacks, yet he continues to push forward, undeterred by challenges.

And to you, my dear Sola, your message to me as this milestone approached got me thinking. In your opinion, what makes people happy? What gives meaning to people's lives? Let me tell you: people who lead meaningful lives are generally happy, but not all those who live happy lives derive meaning from their existence. Generally, those who are able to satisfy their wants—those who are healthy, have money, and can afford the basics of life—are happy. However, these things are not necessarily connected to living a meaningful life.

People who live happy lives focus on the present, while those who lead meaningful lives 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? In essence, meaningfulness comes from giving, while happiness comes from taking. Living a happy life is not bad, nor is it selfish—it is just not as fulfilling. Living a life of meaning is no walk in the park either; it is riddled with stress and challenges.

Those who lead meaningful lives often experience higher levels of anxiety, stress, and worry. These challenges arise because they engage in difficult situations and causes that are unrelated to their well-being or personal pleasure. I hope this explains your life to you. You have spent these years giving to society at great personal cost. Would you have lived differently, given who you are? No!

Political fighters like you are crucial in shaping societies, sparking movements, and often leading the charge in moments of both peaceful and radical political change. I salute you at sixty. Kudos to you for living a life of meaning and for fighting for equity and good governance. For our sake and for the sake of humanity, I pray that God grants you more healthy years of impact. Congratulations!

Yèyé-Ọba Bamidele Ademola-Olateju

Former Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Ondo State, currently the All Progressives Congress Director of New Media and Corporate Services