Power, when stripped of purpose, becomes spectacle. And spectacle, when mistaken for leadership, leaves communities vulnerable, poorer in spirit, trust, and progress. In recent times, the contest for the chairmanship of Odidi Federated Community has begun to resemble a Game of Thrones—a struggle defined less by service and vision, and more by intrigue, rivalry, and the hunger to “win” at all costs. This path is dangerous, unnecessary, and deeply unfair to a people who deserve better.

Odidi is not a battlefield. It is a living community—rich in history, culture, resilience, and promise. Leadership here should never be reduced to a throne to be seized, defended, and guarded by loyalists. Unlike the fictional kingdoms of television drama, Odidi does not benefit from chaos, betrayal, or winner-takes-all politics.

When leadership becomes a game, the community becomes the casualty.

The chairmanship is not a crown. It is a responsibility. It is not a prize for the loudest voice, the deepest pocket, or the most aggressive camp. It is a mandate of trust bestowed by the people, for the people. The true power of the chairman does not lie in dominance, but in stewardship—listening more than commanding, uniting rather than dividing, and serving rather than ruling.

A “Game of Thrones” mindset breeds factions. It turns brothers into rivals and neighbors into enemies. Every decision becomes suspicious, every initiative politicized, and every dissenting voice labeled as opposition. In such an environment, development stalls. Roads remain broken, youth remain unemployed, elders feel ignored, and the collective dream of progress is sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition. This is the current and perfect description of Odidi Federated Community now.

The Odidi Federated Community deserves leadership anchored in values, not vanity. A chairman should be a bridge, not a wedge. The office should symbolize unity across quarters, families, age grades, and interests—not the victory of one camp (Cartel) over another. When leadership is inclusive, even those who did not support the chairman can still feel represented, respected, and protected.

History teaches us that communities thrive when leaders see themselves as temporary custodians, not permanent rulers. The chairmanship is a relay, not a dynasty. Each administration should aim to leave Odidi stronger than it found it—socially, economically, and morally—so that the next leader builds forward, not start over amidst resentment and distrust.

Youth empowerment, transparent decision-making, conflict resolution, community security, and sustainable development should dominate the chairman’s agenda—not endless power struggles. Elders should be consulted for wisdom, youths engaged for energy, and women recognized for their indispensable role in community stability and growth. This is governance and leadership. This is a service to humanity and sustainable development.

The language of war has no place in community leadership. There should be no “enemies,” only differing opinions. No “conquests,” only consensus. No “thrones,” only duty. When ambition is disciplined by humility and guided by love for the people, leadership becomes transformative rather than destructive.

Odidi stands at a crossroads. One path leads to perpetual conflict, suspicion, and stagnation—the path of the Game of Thrones. The other leads to unity, progress, and shared pride—the path of servant leadership. The choice should be clear.

Let us reject the politics of drama and embrace the politics of development. Let us demand chairmen who are builders, not gladiators; listeners, not lords; servants, not kings. Because Odidi Federated Community does not need a throne to be fought over—it needs hands to work, hearts to care, and minds committed to a common future.

And when history looks back, let it be said that Odidi chose wisdom over spectacle, unity over rivalry, and leadership over power.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Amb. Truston Gesikeme Gbenekama, a Doctoral Fellow Institute of Global Peace and Conflict Management (DrFigpcm) and PhD in view, Delta State University Abraka, writes from Odidi Kalama

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