By Prof Ray Ozolua
“Here was a Solomon! When comes such another?” Paraphrased from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (Act 3, Scene 2).
Shocks are often not in short supply, but some can indeed be rude. The passing away of the former Inspector-General of the Nigerian Police Force, Dr Solomon Arase, has come to me and very many people with a pain not amenable to any known analgesic. Here, I pay tribute to a charismatic, altruistic and quintessential good man with whom I had in common, same quarter in Sabongidda-Ora (Evbiobe-Ora), an alma mater, and a mother tongue.
As I grew up in Sabongidda-Ora, I knew of an older young boy who was often in his maternal grandfather’s house which was two houses away from my grandfather’s where I grew up. His cousin, Iria, was a childhood friend who was often called to clear the plates after each meal by his grandfather, Pa Samuel Odion Ifidon. The elderly, as the tradition was, must leave something on the plates for kids to eat. The sweetness of the maize pap (akamu/ogi) prepared for Pa Ifidon, was a strong reason for me to visit often so that I would share the remnant with Iria. Pa Ifidon, like Pa Giwa-Amu, Pa Imoukhuede and Pa James Ozolua (my grandfather’s nephew) were among the well-to-do in town. It is said that the rest of the day can often be predicted by its early morning weather. So, despite the more-than-average comfort, Dr Arase was focused and exhibited uncommon confidence and determination to succeed in life. Handsome, strong, and with high approval rating among the youths in the town, he was a good combination of brain and brawn much like Alexander the Great of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon. He was the goalkeeper in his alma mater, Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongidda-Ora. Those who knew of the glorious days of invited relays at inter-house sports, and local and regional soccer competitions would recall that a goalkeeper’s name, like the goal scorer’s, was known by everyone. Dr Solomon Arase was popular.
He loved his mother’s people with passion as he did his father’s and was available to help others succeed, following due processes. Successful people are often judged by the number of people they have helped up on the rungs of the success ladder. In this wise, and although never so rich as to be listed among the richest in Edo, let alone Nigeria or Africa, he mentored and made himself the ladder for the growth of many persons. The Mercy Arase-Igbe Foundation offers yearly scholarships to brilliant but indigent youths of Owan East and West Local Government Areas. A similar Solomon Arase Foundation offers scholarships to youths of Edo South. His yearly medical outreach will not be forgotten. After retirement, he freely availed state and local governments of his expertise and often supported security initiatives with logistics. These are testaments to his benevolence. He has given many, without bias towards tribe and tongue, the needed shots in the arm that helped them overcome their economic inertia of unproductivity induced by despondency, despair, and disillusionment, to becoming confident, competitive and conquering. Such generosity without encumbrances!
Dr Arase was affable, humorous, smart, gentility personified, fascinatingly sociable, yet humble and self-effacing. He aligned with Chinua Achebe’s admonition in “Things Fall Apart” that “Those whose kernels were cracked by benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble.” His greatness was not in his physical size but in the profundity of his virtues and professional endowments. His excellent performance as IGP must be the reason he was retained by President Muhammadu Buhari despite the heat and tension that accompanied the 2015 elections. I recall that before his age-related retirement, he was specially hosted and publicly appreciated by President Buhari. He was indeed a rare cop.
He was internally and externally cool, calm, yet ebullient, and radiated a magnetic flux of peace that touched everyone around him. These qualities must underscore his large heart of forgiveness because I cannot recall any occasion when he was offended to the point of deep animosity. Indeed, he displayed sagacity in mending fences and building confidence wherever these were nonexistent. He was often the lubricant that freed the friction between bosses and their subordinates.
I have tried to come to terms with the fact that I can no longer see this dependable elder who listened to me, embraced me, encouraged me, supported me, and with whom I could boast. I know that very many people share with me, this unenviable circumstance, but I remember the words of Nishan Panwar, the renowned author, that, “We are all stories in the end, remembered by the adventures we had, the achievements we made and the people we loved. So, make sure your story is a good one.” Dr Solomon Arase, the Ojeagbase of Ora and the Utebise of Iuleha, was iconic.
The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 3:1–2, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born and a time to die….” Dr Arase’s life has run its compass as it was established by the Creator who we certainly cannot question. As I say goodbye to this remarkable gift of God, I take comfort in the memories I shared with him, the lessons I learned from his life, and the impact he had on lives. May his good legacy continue to inspire people to strive for greatness, benevolence, and humility. I end with these words by an unknown author:
“Heaven has called upon you today,
leaving so many words left to say.
But now it’s too late, for your time has come.
Words unspoken – I am sure everybody has some.
Regrets and wishes are probably there too,
but lasting forever are memories of you.”
I will surely miss Dr Solomon Arase. From the lens of my imperfect eyes, his was indeed a life to the greater glory of God (Ad Majorem Gloriam Dei). May his rest be in the paradise of God.
Ray I. Ozolua
1st Global Vice President of Holy Trinity Grammar School Old Students Association
Former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of UNIBEN.
