As we are gearing toward the Oyo State 2027 governorship election, there is a compelling narrative emerging which draws parallels between the enduring legacy of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande and the rising political trajectory of Oriyomi Hamzat. These two are separated by generations, the similarities between these two media icons turned public servants, offer not just inspiration but a strategic guide for transformative governance rooted in service, accountability, and grassroots development.
A Legacy Born in Journalism: Lateef Jakande and Oriyomi Hamzat
Let us dive into a bit of history, Lateef Jakande’s journey to power began not in the corridors of political parties or political elites but in the newsroom. As the editor of the Nigerian Tribune and founder of The Lagos News, he used his pen to expose injustice and advocate for the common man. His journalism was activism, and by the time he ran for governor of Lagos State in 1979, he had already built an unshakable reputation as a man of the people.
Similarly, Oriyomi Hamzat has become a household name in Oyo State and beyond through his fearless journalism and media advocacy. As the founder of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat has used his platform to champion the rights of the oppressed, demand accountability from those in power, and deliver humanitarian interventions across the state just like the late Lateef Jakande. He is not just a broadcaster, he is a public servant in every sense only without the title.
Transitioning from Media to Governance: The audacity of Oriyomi Hamzat
Late Alhaji Lateef Jakande contested the 1979 election of Lagos State governor under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and shocked the political establishment. When he entered politics in 1979, the people knew him not as a politician, but as a trusted voice of truth. And when they gave him the mandate, he delivered. His legacy is written in Gold in the minds of millions of Lagosians. His works on free education, low-cost housing estates, improved infrastructure, and governance that was fast, frugal, and focused are crystal to the blind, so audible to deaf. He proved that integrity, vision, and action were enough to govern successfully with no godfather required.
Oriyomi Hamzat is now on a similar path. Though not yet in office, his public acceptance is rooted in trust, authenticity, and proven service and his fanbase is purely organic. He speaks directly to the people not through scripts or slogans, but through lived experience and empathy. Like Jakande, his strength lies not in political machinery but in people power.
A Shared Vision: People First
I believe that both men are defined by a commitment to people-centered policies. Late Jakande believed that good governance must first address the needs of the poor, the vulnerable, and the underserved. His policies were revolutionary in their simplicity and effectiveness.
Oriyomi Hamzat embodies this ideology in his advocacy and in his conducts. He champions free and quality education, he has effortlessly fought for the masses, he has been an advocate for improved healthcare, youth empowerment, and responsive governance. His philanthropic efforts ranging from school sponsorships to housing support for indigent families are already showing what his administration might look like.
If history serves me right, late Lateef Jakande’s victory was a direct rejection of the political elite and their failure to deliver on promises. He ran as a progressive outsider and succeeded because he represented hope, not politics as-usual. Today, Oriyomi Hamzat carries that same outsider energy. His persistent critique of corruption and inefficiency within the Oyo State government when necessary has positioned him as a clean, credible alternative. His campaign will not just be about winning power, it will be about redefining it.
My Piece of Advice to Oriyomi Hamzat ahead of 2027
For Oriyomi Hamzat, the story of Lateef Jakande is more than history, it should be a guidebook. Here are my key takeaways:
Act fast, deliver more: Late Jakande was known for hitting the ground running. Oriymi Hamzat must have Clarity of policy. There must be a well-thought out policies on education, health, security, Youth development, welfare of the state and other critical areas.
Also, Grassroots loyalty matters in politics. Oriyomi Hamzat must continue his direct engagement with the masses and be the voice of the voiceless as he has been. Majority of the masses have seen him as their true ambassador because he has lived and demonstrated that he is part and parcel of them.
Conclusion: The Mandate Awaits
In many ways, Oriyomi Hamzat’s story is the 21st-century continuation of Lateef Jakande’s legacy though in another state. A testament to how integrity, courage, and a heart for the people can translate into governance that transforms. His microphone has long been his weapon, now, the ballot could be his mandate. If you are familiar with Oyo states for the past 10 years, you will the influence of Oriyomi Hamzat in the political affairs of Oyo state. Underrate him at your own peril.
As Oyo 2027 approaches, the question is no longer if Oriyomi Hamzat can lead, but when the people will hand him the baton. In a political environment that is dominated by recycled elites and transactional politics, Hamzat represents a fresh proposition, an outsider with insider knowledge of the people’s pain. He is not perfect, what matters is the heart to serve and the courage to act.
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