CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF A HERO : THE MAN ELAYO. The key to a more prosperous enjoyable life , Elayo told me, is the ability to overcome pessimistic tendency, avoiding the savage of jealousy and placing tremendous premium on the needs of less previledge. Such stoical proposition has typified the life of one of the most celebrating and successful figure in the chronology of History of Alago nation. An erudite school Teacher, a towering politician of his time, a two time commissioner during a Defunct Benue-plateau, a prolific administrator, a zealous philanthropist and now Osana of Keana who is formerly a holder of a traditional tittle Turakin keana. A man who rose to the zenith through stickness to the path of truth and intergrity. A man who who never believes in the act of vengeance and retaliation. A distinguish ed personality of remarkable ability, a versatile educationist, an undotted public servant, A man with impeccable pedigree, a man with a sense of moral decorum and a revered custodian of Keana chiefdom. Without prejudice, the only man that combined this attributes is HRH Sen. Emmanuel Elayo OON,KSM. He was christened Emmanuel by the white missionaries who invaded our territory and brought us religion, while his pagan parent named and Birzonised him ONYATIKPO. Onyatikpo was destined for Great things, having served , tested and excelled in different capacity. Even before his ascension to the throne, many Elders have had a clairvoyance that Elayo would be the next Osana of keana after Otaki not only due to his closeness with the late king but because even the late Otaki understand that Emmanuel is the only man standing; The Heir Apparent. Omallo, as he was addressed by his kinsmen, is a perfect definition of a Charismatic Ruler; heavily built and strong, fearless and courageous, simple and friendly but when provoked would roar that can send even devil scampering in commotion. His oratory prowess is another quality that endeared him to his people which makes them to be proud of him. When he talk, the Suavity of his thoughts and language portend him as a marvelous speaker and a linguist. He understand virtually all nigerian major languages. He can speaks Hausa fluently without con-switching, when he turned to Igbo or Tiv he do it perfectly without resorting to artificial stammering and when he decide to switch to Grade 1 Elizabethan English, the acquiety and precision of his intonation scare even the oral gurus. By all standard, Emmanuel Elayo has all the characteristics virtues of a sincere leader. The insuperable mettle of his spirit is stupifying. His genealogy is conspicuously that of Royale ,having descended from Ruling OGWU Royal House. A Son of 3 Osanas; Sabo, Agede and Otaki. Also a grandson of 3 Osanas, namely : Omadefu, Osheka and Agbo. This is a story of a man who has royal blood floating on him from all angles. This is a story of a man whose heroism and outstanding achievements was celebrated and was rewarded. Onyatikpo led the struggle for the creation of Keana LG during era of late Gen. Abacha. He pave way for the 1 st construction of Lafia-keana road when he was the commissioner for Finance and economic Planning in the then defunct Benue-plateau. The General Hospital we see in keana today was his handiwork. He sponsored and mentored many Alago students who are today leaders. The interesting aspects of it all is that, this strides by Elayo did not go unticed. His people have rewarded his selfless sacrifice with a crown. Is it Bad? He is now in OGARO completing the reign of Osana Osheka, his Biological Grandfather . As it is says, uneasy lays the head that wears the crown, Emmanuel Onyatikpo life has typified the exact interpretation of this aphorism. Highly devoted to the ideals of one united Alago nation devoid of hate, acrimony and Gossip. There is no greater testimony to his leadership accumen than in the opinion of late Solomon Daushep Lar, a former Civilian admistrator of plateau state about Elayo. To quote Lar verbatim, he view out The man Elayo never compromise his job for any thing. He is the most reliable person I ever came across who is concerned about the welfare of his people at all times. Onyatikpo, though a catholic but will always says that he is not only Osana to christian but to Muslims and even pagans. Today HRH Sen. Emmanuel Elayo has every cause to be grateful to His Lord for all the favors and gift of life because he is been blessed with people and children. Elayo is a friend to late J.S TARKA. He is a father to Turakin Keana, a father In-Law to Gen. Onoja and JSK, a Mentor to Mike Omeri and Hamza Elayo and a Benefactor to All. Elayo is indeed a blessing to our Generation. Unfortunately, our Man is loaded with so much responsibility. Unfortunately, today Elayo was plaque with twins grotesque evils: sickness and old age. He will be celebrating his 85th birthday soon and will not beckon to the land of no return untill he celebrate his 150 yrs anniversary in the throne. I wish to conclude my prologue to Osana with the immortal words of A.B Shelley untill the future dare forget the past, ur fame and fate shall be light and echoe unto eternity . My sincere condolences to Osana of keana, members of Osegba family, the Sabos , the Oji and the generality of keanians over the sudden demise of My Tanko, Sadeeq ,Shehu and Uncle 110. RIP
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 06:32:57 +0000