There is an old principle of justice that says: “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.” It is a timeless reminder that before pointing accusing fingers at another person, we must first examine our own conduct, records and conscience.
The recent allegation against Chief Dare Adeleke, by Taofiki Arapaja and his ilks concerning alleged disposal of PTS vehicles during his period in office deserve to be considered in the light of facts rather than rumours, personal attacks or village politics. An allegation, however loudly repeated, does not become truth merely because it is convenient to those making it. Where claims have been examined and found unsupported by the facts, Arapaja should have towed a responsible path, acknowledge the truth and move on.
Available accounts of the tenure of Chief Dare Adeleke, ( the Supreme Leader of Ibadan South East Local Government ) at the Pacesetter Transport Services point instead to a period of hard work, enterprise and responsible stewardship. Rather than diminishing the assets entrusted to him, his efforts reportedly contributed to the growth and multiplication of the properties and interests of the company. Such a record should be assessed objectively, on evidence and verifiable outcomes: not on insinuations.
But the principle of clean hands must apply to everyone.
Taofiki Arapaja, who has positioned himself as a crusader against alleged wrongdoing, must also be prepared to answer questions about his own record of service. In 2023, he was entrusted with fifty sets of Apple Mac book Computers, Generators, office furnitures, Internet Facilities and other materials ; and his Bode office was equipped by the Federal Government to train youth in Artificial Intelligence and other higher Computer knowledge.
Ibadan people are entitled to ask about the whereabouts of those items. Arapaja should give account, how many young people have benefited from the programme since over two years that the Computer workshop was handed over to him. We have our report that the equipments have developed legs while the Workshop has remained under locks and keys forever. Transparency demands that he account for these items. Failure to do so, we will not hesitate to petition the government over this bankruptcy.
This is not about destroying anyone’s reputation. It is about applying one standard to all. Nobody should claim the moral high ground while refusing to account for his own stewardship.
In the final analysis, Arapaja should show courage , and submit himself to public scrutiny. Equity demands clean hands from everyone.
Gafari Hammed, Laako Area ward 2 ibadan South East
