Take Heart, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Death is like an iron door that mortal hands cannot break or bend. Knocking does nothing but show the futility of human effort. The heart breaks at the deep sadness that Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu is feeling over the untimely passing of his friend, Herbert Wigwe. Commiserating with him, Lagosians have asked the governor to take heart and strengthen himself to continue where Wigwe stopped, to the best of his abilities.

Wigwe’s death came as a giant bell hitting one awake to the uncertainties of human life. It was a rude awakening, one that pushed many Nigerians to the limit, causing them to question why we are here in the first place. Wigwe did not seem to reach the peak of his life, despite his many achievements. But he died – and in such a bad way.

According to reports, Wigwe passed away from a helicopter crash on Friday, February 9, 2024. He was not alone. Along with his wife and son, as well as Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Wigwe crossed to the other side, leaving pain and heartache behind.

Few felt the pain of the Access Holdings man passing as Governor Sanwo-Olu. According to the latter, Wigwe was his brother, his friend, and his adviser. Doubtless, the duo had planned to do many great and awesome things in Lagos. But there are no redos with death.

Sanwo-Olu’s pain has brought discussions about how well one person’s competence can inspire another. Wigwe and Sanwo-Olu would definitely have groomed Lagos into something great, even as Sanwo-Olu is doing now and Wigwe did with Access Holdings. They definitely inspired each other, but Wigwe can no longer be pushed to his best by Sanwo-Olu’s achievements.

Governor Sanwo-Olu can only take heart, as so many others have told him. Legacies depict the prints of human life better than words ever can.