Before anyone entrusts a man with the future of 33 Local Governments and the over 8 million people of Oyo State, it is only proper to ask how has he fared with the mandate already entrusted to him ?
The Yoruba adage says, “Ojú ẹni ni a ti ń mọ àkùísìn ọmọ” a child’s upbringing is judged by what is visible in his conduct. Leadership too is judged by performance, not promises.
Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli represents 9 Local Governments in Oyo South Senatorial District. Yet, many constituents have continued to express disappointment over what they describe as inadequate representation, limited constituency projects, poor accessibility, and insufficient impact compared to the enormous expectations they had when they elected him.
If a Senator has struggled to convincingly satisfy the aspirations of nine Local Governments under his constitutional responsibilities, how then can he suddenly become the champion of thirty three Local Governments and the entire people of Oyo State?
Governance is not about eloquent declarations ahead of elections. It is about proven capacity, visible performance, and keeping faith with the people.
Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde did not promise Omituntun, he delivered it. From roads to education, healthcare, agribusiness, workers’ welfare, and infrastructure spread across the state, his achievements speak louder than political advertisements.
No one is against Local Government autonomy. In fact, every democrat should welcome policies that strengthen grassroots governance. However, financial autonomy without capacity, accountability, and institutional safeguards is merely a slogan.
The people of Oyo State have become wiser. They will ask questions:
✓What have you done with your present mandate?
✓How many lives have you positively impacted?
✓What visible legacy have you left in your constituency?
✓Why should we trust promises made for tomorrow when today’s assignment remains a subject of public complaints?
Leadership is progressive. One who seeks a greater responsibility must first excel in the smaller one already entrusted to him.
The governorship of Oyo State is too important to be entrusted to promises alone. Oyo deserves competence over propaganda, performance over political poetry, and proven leadership over mere ambition.
The people will judge not by what is said in 2027, but by what has been done before 2027.
Performance remains the true language of leadership.
