24/08/2024
CELEBRATING THE REAL BUFFALO @ 60
The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State is invariably a dignified personality and yet down to earth.
This altruism makes him somehow too difficult to describe, yet practically accessible.
I wonder what would have happened to me, if I had not met him in the course of my life.
The prayer of every child of destiny ought to be to meet his or her destiny helper earlier enough in life.
It is that germane.
GOD ALMIGHTY so loves me that He graciously ensured my steps were ordered by Him to meet this man of valour, versatile mind and my destiny helper, Mr. Tayo Akinmade Ayinde earlier in life.
I suppose, it was not too late when I met him. And if it was late, I am convinced that he makes up on daily basis for the years I had wondered about searching and seeking for whom the caring LORD has sent to me.
I thank GOD ALMIGHTY that I met him, really. He is a great leader.
In his record-breaking series, 'Insights on Leadership', John C. Maxwell rightly postulated, 'A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way'.
Maxwell's book recognizes and affirms the best practices of leadership.
This is the case with the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, a quintessence of exemplary leadership. The BUFFALO is a leader divinely girded to blaze a trail.
I recall the first time fate thrusted me to meet him, I quietly soliloquized, 'what manner of man is this?'
The rationale being that I had expected to meet a conspicuously flamboyant man as described when I first heard of him.
I guessed wrong? May be I did. Mr. Tayo Ayinde is a simple man, albeit with a sound mind.
In the long run, it dawned on me what the equally-great personalities that discussed him meant.
They meant his rich contents. They meant his probing vision. They meant his unassuming logic. They meant his sturdy depth.
They meant his inner strength. They meant his penetrating gaze with a rare blend of ingenious grace and good judgement.
As in the legal parlance, 'nemo dat quod non habet', literally meaning that "no one can give what he does not have".
Was he then dressed in a borrowed robe by the persons who discussed him at the time? No!
For me to conclude they dressed him in a borrowed robe may malign his divinely-inoculated temperaments.
Macbeth used the metaphor, 'to dress a person in a borrowed robe' to symbolize power, identity, and transformation.
Characters often refer to garments when discussing titles and roles, indicating how well or poorly they fit their new positions.
When Macbeth learnt that Duncan had named him ‘Thane of Cawdor’, he compared the new title, via metaphor, to "borrowed robes," thinking that the title cannot be his because he knew the old Thane to be alive.
Hence, Mr. Tayo Ayinde was never dressed in a borrowed robes when I first heard of him.
This is a man who is not consumed by ambition nor spurred to inordinate action.
Incidentally, working with him is a different kettle of fish. With profound humility, I see myself as part and parcel of him.
The subject matter is a special breed whose carriage and charisma are deeper than ever imagined from a distance.
From a close range either, Mr. Tayo Ayinde is a big fish with innumerable positive life lessons to decipher.
Working with him, to wit, is a steep learning curve which implies learning very quickly.
'Oga' as I call him is a sharp thinker and a goal-getter. Yet he is calm, gentle and contented.
He is never pessimistic yet holds the conviction that no one ever gets anything except it is given to him by GOD.
He is such a purposeful runner! He runs with his vision.
He vividly articulates his goals and actualizes same with dexterity.
He is an astute administrator and shrewd manager of men.
Little wonder he was christened the sobriquet, 'BUFFALO'.
The sobriquet gels, really. Mr. Tayo Ayinde is truly a Buffalo solider!
This reminds me of one of the best reggae songs, 'Buffalo Soldiers' of the great Jamaican music icon, Bob Marley of blessed memory.
The lyrics of the song refer to the black US cavalry units, known as "Buffalo Soldiers", that fought in the Native American Wars after 1866.
Marley linked their fight to a fight for survival and recasts it as a symbol of black resistance.
Among other things, Marley warned in the song, saying that, ’If you know your history, then you would know where you are coming from’.
This aptly describes 'BUFFALO' of our time, Mr. Tayo Ayinde who has firm grasp of his humble beginning and never looks back.
He ensures that hard work is never downplayed.
When you are indolent, your name may not be in his good book.
From his little beginning, he fought his way on arrival, fighting for survival and he keeps winning.
The manner at which he shrugged off the stench whilst in his formative years is quite unprecedented.
As African buffaloes with their horns fused at the base and arch outward and upward, frequently forming herds led by dominant females, and known for their protective behavior and strong social bonds, highly unpredictable and formidable when threatened, so is my highly revered principal in whom there is no guile, whose diamond jubilee anniversary is precious to my heart.
Whereas, in his arduous journey culminating this 60 years of amazing testimonies, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, the rave of the moment, undoubtedly has a vast chronicle of consistently standing up for humanity - the indigent people, old and young.
What perhaps nudged him to the murky waters of politics is his avowed vision to take after his principal, the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) in extending empathy to the masses.
The name of President Tinubu is genuinely synonymous with philanthropy.
That exactly is what Mr. Tayo Ayinde has adopted for years now back to back.
Hence, the beneficiaries in their numbers have scored him distinction in this context.
Quite countless number of them who have benefited from his good heart are his Public Relations Officers propagating the gospel to others. While the 'birthday boy' does not support such notion, the beneficiaries wouldn't take heed but tell the world about the cheerful gestures of this benefactor. His struggles for the masses, particularly, is worth celebrating.
It is therefore, a necessity, to help reconcile his memoirs for posterity's sake. The government and good people of Lagos State are fortunate to have his kind of leader as the Chief of Staff to the people's Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
If I come to this world again, by providence and If God makes Mr. Tayo Ayinde readily available, I wish to serve under his tutelage as a protege.
As African Buffalos dare the odds of impossibilities and uncertainties to protect his subjects, the calves, and put them in good frame of minds, so is my indomitable Principal and Mentor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, whose fiery resolve and defiance in the face of preposterous and inconceivable indexes takes the bull by the horns, with prayers and by divine mercy raises nation builders at different levels.
Having thoughtfully reflected on your sobriquet, 'BUFFALO', I came up with these possible interpretations and particularly in this context:
1. Strength and Resilience: In some cultures, buffaloes symbolize strength, resilience, and determination. By this reality, I acknowledge ability to navigate challenges and their unwavering commitment to aspirations and particularly corporate goals.
2. Wisdom and Experience: In some Native American cultures, buffaloes are considered wise and experienced leaders. By using this term, I raise my head high to salute your wisdom, guidance, and leadership.
3. Tenacity and Perseverance: Buffaloes are known for their tenacity and perseverance in the face of obstacles. By calling you 'Buffalo', I recognize your ability to push through challenges and stay focused on your objectives.
4. Uniqueness: Calling with the sobriquet, 'BUFFALO' is such a way to acknowledge your uniqueness and distinctiveness. You are exceptional, no doubt.
5. Adaptability: Buffaloes are known for their ability to adapt to changing environments and circumstances. By this, I acknowledge your flexibility and ability to navigate complex situations. The dignified office of The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State is a good case study here. You keep excelling however its complexity.
6. Community-oriented: In some cultures, buffaloes are seen as community-oriented animals that prioritize the well-being of their herd. By using this term, I appreciate your focus on building and supporting your immediate constituents, the various ethnic groups and the good people of Lagos State respectively.
7. Authenticity: Buffaloes are often associated with authenticity and genuineness. By this, I celebrate your commitment to being true to your Principals and political leaders, yourself and others.
8. Gentle yet Powerful: Despite their size and strength, buffaloes are often gentle creatures. By using this term, I acknowledge your ability to balance power and compassion.
9. Respected Elder: In some cultures, buffaloes are considered respected elders, symbolizing wisdom, experience, and leadership. By this, your sobriquet, 'BUFFALO' aptly expresses deep respect for your life experience and guidance. It affirms impeccable character as a staunch statesman.
This celebration of 60 years of shining bright, 60 years of illuminating paths, and 60 years of inspiring greatness is grandeur.
Today, I feel proud to celebrate a true gem, a precious diamond, and a guiding light - my beloved mentor.
Yours are six decades of dedication, wisdom, and selflessness which have made you a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration to countless lives.
Your unwavering commitment to excellence, your unrelenting passion for growth, and your unshakeable faith in others have left an indelible mark in my heart.
Your mentorship has been a gift to me, a treasure that has shaped me into the dream I have always had.
Your guidance has been a compass, pointing me towards my dreams and aspirations.
Your support has been a rock, providing me with the strength and courage to overcome obstacles.
I remember your encouraging words, and your generous heart.
I recall the privilege moment spent with you while you dole out inspirational pep talks and sharing your wisdom, expertise and experience with me.
I sincerely cherish the window of laughter, the challenges and the triumphs.
As you mark this milestone, I honor your remarkable journey, your extraordinary achievements, and your lasting legacy.
I salute your tireless efforts, your generous spirit, and your boundless heart.
May this diamond jubilee be a testament to the incredible impact you have had on our lives, and may it be a reminder that your light will continue to shine bright for generations to come.
May you continue to sparkle, shine, and inspire all your proteges.
Here is to many more years of wisdom, love, and inspiration, sir!
Congratulations, Sir!
Peter Ajayi
Personal Assistant to The Chief of Staff
