Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State must be wondering how the agents of darkness orchestrated an all-out war on what was clearly a noble venture to immortalize late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, politician and former premier of the defunct Western Region.

On September 26, 2017, the governor unveiled a 20-feet statue of the sage, strategically sited in Ikeja with members of the Awolowo family in attendance as well as other dignitaries who gathered to commemorate the unmatched attributes of the acclaimed leader of the Yoruba race. The imposing monument depicted Chief Awolowo sitting, motif apparently drawn from that of former U. S President, Abraham Lincoln, dressed in traditional ‘agbada’ his feet encased in a pair of laced boots. The monument was meant to be a testament of the revered position of the sapient who doubles as a role model and rallying point of his ethnic group.

No sooner had the applause subsided that the virulent attacks erupted from different quarters. Critics rose in unison against the sitting posture, which was adjudged incongruent in nature with the foresighted politician and erudite scholar whose previous monuments had him standing, with two fingers raised in his well-known victory sign. The other vexatious matter which elicited denunciation of the statue bothered on etiquette, ‘It was sacrilegious that the late statesman could be shown sporting laced boots, a flagrant violation of etiquette for anyone dressed in traditional “agbada”, another source fumed.

This vituperation about shoes strikes an ominous cord: the superstitious who are quick to remind us that shoes have often played a defining role in our national psyche have reason to be alarmed. Former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan launched his campaign using his lack of shoes as a source of motivation. Ironically, the metaphor which signified hope for the hopeless in a twist of fate became the symbol of his downfall as he was later derided as ‘shoeless and clueless’ ultimately truncating his presidency. The status of the statute therefore hangs in the balance as scholars of repute are unrelenting in the resolve that it be pulled down.

What has shoe got to do with it, you may ask? Why are critics incensed against the boots on the statue, using it as a basis to demand that the monument be removed? 

It is interesting to note that a huge monument potentially risks being pulled down on account of small matters. That in a nutshell is what etiquette represents- little issues with grave significance capable of great damage. In reality, it is the small things, considered inconsequential that account for the downfall of many. The Etiquette column was born out of the need to sound the note of warning with a view to learn and relearn the hallmarks of civility, and where necessary unlearn bad habits.

Hamza Atta, the designer of the statue, explains the idea behind the laced shoes: ‘What we did was to create a work of art that would celebrate our own. We spent so much time on the detail of those shoes to show what a gentleman this great sage was.’

Predictably, the defence could not calm frayed nerves for the simple reason that etiquette does reward intent, but action, the action which shows a revered gentleman adorned in ‘agbada’ sporting laced boots is a monumental social blunder in this context. Hence, it is regarded as sacrilegious!

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This sacrilege robbed a young graduate who has been in the labour market for more than three years, a golden opportunity of job placement not too long ago. Worried about the silence after an elaborate preparation for the interview, I placed a call to the interviewer and was handed the shocker of my life. ’That candidate is a clown, attending an interview in the bank without socks’ was the verdict from the other end. Not convinced, I sought clarification from the young man. His response got me deeply troubled. ‘Aunty, you can ask anybody, you don’t put on socks wearing this type of shoes.’ The young man actually had casual footwear, which he wore to a formal interview. 

Much ado about shoes! Why are shoes important?

Aside from the primary function of protecting the feet, shoes are often considered the most important element of our dressing. Dressing starts with the shoes. People unconsciously look at your feet. Shoes declare a statement of class, that’s why it is advisable to invest in good shoes.

Many are oblivious of the critical roles their shoes play in the overall assessment of their persona. Your shoes are indicative of attention to detail or deficiency in that regard. That makes it imperative to keep shoes clean, polished and properly heeled.

Although modern trends are pushing the boundaries of fashion, it is advisable to stick to the traditional style.

The occasion determines the choice: formal, informal, party, sports and so on.

Traditionally, the shoes should match the colour of the dress. When in doubt, play safe with the black.

Do not wait to be pulled down, avoid the monumental blunder. Revisit your shoes.