“True leadership is measured not by words spoken but by lives touched.”
By: Omoniyi Afeez OXYGEN
In a time when effective representation is more crucial than ever, the people of Saki West State Constituency deserve truth, results, and sincere service. Sadly, what they have been handed is a glaring contrast era of media propaganda, unfulfilled promises, and empty statistics all wrapped in the underwhelming tenure of Hon. Shittu Ibraheem, the current state lawmaker.
Recently, . Hon. Shittu Ibraheem Aremu. embarked on a media parade, boldly claiming to have empowered over 4,000 constituents. But we must ask: To what end? Where are the tools? Where are the names and faces of these so-called beneficiaries? Where is the impact? This is not genuine representationit is a desperate attempt to rewrite failure with ink that won’t dry.
To measure the depth of this disappointment, one needs only to reflect on the tenure of his immediate predecessor, Hon. Femi Julius a man whose name still echoes in the streets of Saki West as a symbol of true representation.
One erroneous statement was that the lawmaker faulted His Excellency Engr ‘Seyi Makinde FNSE’s inability to provide constituency allowances to lawmakers in the State. This is a man who almost absconded the sitting process, whereas he made no motion, nor made significant contributions to the house proceedings and others.
Hon. Femi Julius was the embodiment of thoughtful, people-oriented leadership. His empowerment programs were not just visible but life-changing. From the distribution of motorcycles, grinding machines, and financial support to the execution of numerous borehole projects across communities, his impact was felt in tangible ways. He didn’t rely on inflated numbers or photo-ops; he let his work do the talking.
One of his standout achievements remains the construction of a standard TESCOM office, a legacy that continues to serve the people of Saki West till today. His tenure was a blueprint of responsibility marked by accessibility, accountability, and consistent delivery. Unlike his successor, Hon. Femi Julius didn’t need a camera to validate his commitment; the communities bore witness, the people bore witness, and history will always bear witness.
On the other hand, Hon. Shittu’s performance can best be described as an illusion built on exaggerated figures, stage-managed photos, and empowerment programs with little or no meaningful impact. It is a sad reality that while the bar was once set so high, it is now being dragged so low.
The people of Saki West are politically enlightened. They know the difference between performance and pretence, service and showmanship, leadership and loudspeakers. And as the days pass, their discontent grows clearer not out of bitterness, but from the undeniable contrast between what was and what is.
Thankfully, hope is not entirely lost. Across Oyo State, there is a wind of transformation blowing steadily championed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and driven by the visionary leadership of Rt. Hon. Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin , Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly the house members . There dedication show results, of transparency, and synergy with the executive has been exemplary.
At the helm of that executive arm is His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde , whose achievements have continued to redefine governance in Nigeria. From infrastructure to education, healthcare, and social welfare, his administration has prioritized the prosperity of every region, including Oke Ogun. Governor Makinde has proven time and again that leadership is not about occupying office but about lifting lives.
To further underscore PDP’s commitment to development over partisanship, consider the 2019 elections in Oyo town, where all the state lawmakers who emergedsuch as Rt. Hon. Asimiyu Alarape (a former Speaker of the House), Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, Hon. Seyi Adisa, and Hon. Arolewere members of the opposition. Yet, under Governor Makinde’s leadership, Oyo town experienced unprecedented development. This alone is a testament to the fact that PDP doesn’t play politics with the people’s welfare. Development under this administration has been inclusive, objective, and people-driven rrespective of political affiliations.
It is under the PDP-led administration that projects have moved from paper to reality, and the people’s welfare has taken center stage. For that, the people of Oyo State remain proud.
To Hon. Shittu, this is not a personal attack, but a public awakening. You were elected to serve, not to deceive. You were chosen to deliver, not to dramatize. Your predecessor, Hon. Femi Julius, left behind a legacy that is not only visible but unbeatable. If anything, you should take a cue from his playbook because Saki West deserves better.
And come the next political season, make no mistake they will not forget.
Ireoooo
Omoniyi Afeez OXYGEN
