“Died in beauty, like a rose blown from its parent stem” – Charles Doyne Sillery
At last the curtain fell on the exemplary life of the Commandante of The Army of the oppressed and dis-inherited people world-wide. Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz has passed on after 90 eventful years, 49 of which he spent as the Prime Minister and later President of Cuba. Indeed, Castro had become a permanent feature of political and ideological discourse for more than five decades, such that we almost thought he would live forever.
At his passing, the feeling is mixed. Yes mixed! To lose such an inspiring figure and profound personality is eternally painful. For such a legend to depart at a ripe age of 90, however, deserves a huge celebration in a world where average life span hardly surpasses 50 years. But not more than 70 years for men in the most advanced nations on our planet.
On behalf of the government and people of The State of Osun, and in recognition of the historical and cultural bond between the Cubans and Yoruba in the State of Osun in Nigeria and worldwide, we salute the courage, determination, vision, resilience and revolutionary zeal of Fidel and his companions, the indomitable spirit of Cubans, and Solidarity of all people of the world, committed to human dignity, freedom and happiness.
From the July 26 movement of 1953, the Granma Expedition of November 25, 1956, the ultimate victory of the revolution on January 1, 1959 and to his final departure from our realm at about 10 p.m, November 25, 2016, we are sure that our Commandante had lived a fulfilled life that history will never forget.
Millions of people – students, academics, poets, politicians, trade unionists, artisans, revolutionaries and humanists – including my humble self, drew inspiration from him, his rhetorics, writings, reflections, dedication, integrity and commitment to building socialism. There is no doubt that the world is a better place because of Fidel Castro. A gem has been lost indeed.
He was a symbol of resistance to injustice and oppression as all the oppressed people of the world drew inspiration from him. He held the unenviable record of the man who has had the most assassination attempts on his life, with none succeeding. He stood for what he believed in and not for once did he flinch in the face of the most formidable military encirclement and daunting economic and financial strangulation. Ironically, the man that the greatest powers on earth could not break, finally succumbed to illness and ultimately the cold hands of death, in the way of all mortals.
As Africans, we remember the solidarity, partnership, high level of discipline and sense of DUTY of the Cubans to the liberation struggles, to health care delivery, education, sports and youth development and political consciousness in Africa under the leadership and direction of Fidel Castro and his administration. Although Castro’s Cuba is a nation with modest means but has a gargantuan spirit of internationalism, support and assistance to the poor and exploited peoples and nations of the world. We proudly acknowledge the heroism of Cuba in this unparalleled show of solidarity and humanism.
Nevertheless, even in death, Castro has joined the pantheon of immortals whose ideas and praxis dominated and influenced their world and will therefore live forever in the hearts of the people. In literature and politics and in the physical monuments that will be named after him all over the world Castro will live forever. Millions will carry on the struggle from where he left it.
Fidel Castro has been rightly described as a ‘revolutionary icon.’ It is expected that well deserved encomiums and heartfelt tributes will pour in for his life of struggle, spartan discipline, selflessness and sacrifice that he lived.
As we mourn and celebrate the passage of this international revolutionary legend, hero of the oppressed, fighter of oppression and exploitation, promoter of social justice, soldier and Commandante of ideas, we join the people of Cuba in their grief and urge them to renew and redouble their commitment and duty to the struggle for justice.
Fidel Castro has completed his earthly assignment but the ideas for which he struggled, defended, sacrificed, lived and died like his other immortal colleagues, will live forever.
Long Live Cuba!
Long live the revolution!!
Till everlasting victory!!!
* Aregbesola is the governor of Osun State.
