By Temi Kingsway Eyoyibo
In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through our society, Oghenemine Ogidi’s life was cut short by the Nigerian police in what can only be described as an extrajudicial execution. This tragedy is more than just a failure of law enforcement; it reflects a deeper societal dysfunction that transcends the actions of the government.
At the core of this event lies a fundamental question about our values and ethics as a society. Regardless of the allegations surrounding Ogidi, there is no justification for taking a life. This disregard for human rights speaks volumes about the psyche of the average Nigerian citizen. Are we, as a society, becoming numb to violence and injustice? Or has the erosion of our traditional values led us down a path where human life is treated as expendable?
The traditional values that once bound our communities, respect, empathy, and a deep sense of communal responsibility, seem to be waning, replaced by an adherence to a form of civilization that does not align with our unique identity. Conventional education and imported religious ideologies may promise improvement, yet for many, they seem to have worsened our condition rather than uplifted it.
It is vital for us to examine what has gone wrong. We must ask ourselves what systems and beliefs we continue to uphold and whether they truly serve our society. The tragic death of Oghenemine Ogidi is not merely a statistic; it is a reminder that we must urgently revert to what works for us, embracing our heritage and values that prioritize life and dignity over conformity to an alien system.
Growing up in Warri was a unique experience marked by an unspoken awareness of right and wrong, an understanding that transcended formal education or parental guidance. In those days, there was a palpable sense of community ethics that shaped our actions, regardless of whether we were being watched.
One vivid memory etched in my mind is the area along the Warri-Sapele road where firearms were openly displayed for sale. These weren’t merely items for transaction; they were a stark reminder of the reality we lived in. Accompanied by one or two security guards stationed in a see-through glass house, this place was an anomaly that attracted curiosity. Yet, when school would close noon, and clusters of students would make their way home, we instinctively veered away from that area. There was no need for admonishment; the collective consciousness guided us. We understood, perhaps instinctively, that some spaces were not meant for us.
However, as time has passed, we are now witnessing a disconcerting shift, disillusionment, or perhaps a ‘dis-civilization,’ where the values that once defined our communities seem to be fading into obscurity. The moral compass that once directed our youth has dimmed, replaced by a sense of apathy and disregard for core principles.
Today, the innocence that accompanied our formative years is overshadowed by a troubling reality. Youngsters are often guided by trends that prioritize superficiality over substance, and the once-visible lines between right and wrong appear blurred. This evolution or devolution raises questions about what we are teaching the next generation. Are we losing the essence of our identity?
Reflecting on my experiences in Warri, I am left to wonder about the future. How do we rekindle that sense of communal respect and responsibility? It is crucial for us to revisit those values that once nurtured our character and defined our interactions. For the sake of our community and the youth who will inherit it, we must strive to instill a renewed sense of consciousness, one that finds strength in unity and integrity, even in a changing world.
As we mourn this senseless loss, let it ignite a conversation about the kind of society we wish to build. We must advocate for change, not only within our police force but also within ourselves as citizens. It is time to reclaim our values and demand respect for human life, both from those in power and from each other. Only then can we hope to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future.
Temi Kingsway Eyoyibo, a social pundit, writes from Ugborodo in Warri South-West, Delta State.
