Power Tussle!

By Oladotun O. Fadeyiye

Power is one thing every man desires. To be in control, to have the final say that no one dares question the decision. Yes, that is every man’s dream. Ironically, both the rich and the poor would love to be in control of power even if it is just for one minute of the 24 hours that make one day. Similarly, in the wild, lions are known to be calling the shots over other animals, that is debatable anyways, but African folklore and scientific facts of animal science have proven that “Lion is the king of Jungle” this does not necessarily mean that other animals in the jungle are weak or they cannot challenge the lions, the likes of tigers, cougars, cheetahs and even elephants are equally strong and there is a always a tussle for power and survival amongst them. However, with all these power and control lions have in the jungle, they also grow old and die. Yes, lions do grow old and die!
In human context, power means so many things to different individuals, to some it is wealth they have acquired, to some, it is their political position, to others is riches or money and connection they have, while to some, it is the spiritual powers in their possession. With all these meanings, I still believe the combination of all these will deliver power into hands of any man.
However, I have found out that the nature of power is that, it belongs to no one until it is seized hence the tussle for power among men. To me, power could also be described like a fickle-minded mistress that can be lured away by any man at any time! Since the beginning of human existence, men have always fought for power and territorial control. I also believe that the cliche “survival of the fittest” was born out of the rate at which humans contend with one another, forgetting that just like lions die in the jungle when he become old and weak, humans too equally die and leave whatever looks like power in our custody behind!
Power tussle is still evident today, in politics, public offices, governments, churches, homes (husband and wife), industries and even on the streets. Wherever there is power tussle, it brings about violence, brutality, hatred, conflicts and even war.
I believe power tussle is in humans ‘DNA’, in other words, power tussle will always be, as long as human still exits.