Since the shocking news of the passing of Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, I have struggled to find the words that truly capture my tribute to this great man, with whom I had the honour and privilege of working very closely with for eight years in service to the people of Plateau State.
As my deputy, Prof Tyoden embodied the finest qualities of a servant-leader. While many describe him as a “loyal deputy,” I prefer to remember him as a humble partner and companion. For me, loyalty was never an issue between us because I never saw him as subservient or someone who ought to bow to me simply because I held the office of governor. Ours was a relationship built on mutual respect and shared purpose.
For those who may not know, Prof Tyoden was already lecturing at the University of Jos when I enrolled there before transferring to the Ahmadu Bello University to read Law. Years later, when I returned to UNIJOS for my master’s degree, he was the vice chancellor. In many ways, he was my teacher—one who naturally commanded respect. In fact, when I chose him as my running mate, some sceptics warned that his academic stature would make him condescending or difficult to work with. But he proved them completely wrong. He was not only humble but deeply grounded. He once told me that despite being a professor of Political Science, he had learned practical politics from me, acknowledging my experience in the field. The truth is, we learned from each other.
When I selected him as my deputy, I was confident that we would work harmoniously, given his integrity and character. Today, I can proudly say that he never disappointed me. Though we occasionally held different views on certain matters, we never once fought. Someone once told me that I was fortunate to have had the best deputy governor in Plateau State—and I completely agree.
Prof Tyoden played a pivotal role in formulating and implementing many of our policies, especially in education. His deep knowledge and background in the academia greatly benefitted our administration. That is why I entrusted him with the supervision of the Ministry of Education during our first term. Under his oversight, we made significant strides in revitalising primary and secondary education, as well as restoring the Plateau State University in Bokkos and other tertiary institutions that were previously in critical condition. Time does not permit me to list all his contributions to the success of our Rescue Administration.
Contrary to public speculation that we fell out over issues of succession, the truth tells a different story. While this may not be the appropriate place to delve into such matters, I must affirm that our relationship remained cordial and intact until his final days. We always had open, frank and respectful conversations—before, during and after the 2023 transition—regardless of our individual positions.
During his illness, we remained in constant touch. He frequently updated me about his condition, and I visited him several times while he was undergoing treatment. Even when he travelled to London for medical care, I made time to visit and follow up on his health. It was a great relief to us all when he returned in better condition. Sadly, that improvement was short-lived. My last visit to him was at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, just 48 hours before he passed. Although he couldn’t speak, he heard my voice and raised his hand when I addressed him. I did not know that would be our final moment together.
We have indeed lost a man of uncommon integrity, intellect, character, compassion and humility. As we mourn our father, friend and teacher, we take solace in his enduring legacy and the profound impact he made in our lives. He served his generation with distinction and left indelible marks in the sands of time.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife and children, the Mwaghavul nation and the government and people of Plateau State.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in perfect peace.
Lalong is the senator representing Plateau South and former governor of Plateau State (2015-2023).
