As Oyo State marks its 50th anniversary a lawyer, human rights activist, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship aspirant, Chief Niyi Aborisade, on Friday urged a return to people-centred governance, stressing that the state must lead through action rather than reputation alone.
Speaking in Ibadan during the golden jubilee celebrations, Aborisade described Oyo as Nigeria’s “pacesetter state,” a status that must be continually justified through effective leadership and policies that prioritise the welfare of citizens.
“Oyo has a proud history of setting standards for governance in Nigeria. But leadership is not about titles or reputation. It is about delivering tangible benefits to the people. Oyo must lead again, not just in name, but in action,” he said.
Paying special tribute to the state’s first civilian governor, Chief Bola Ige, Aborisade described his administration between 1979 and 1983 as the “gold standard of governance in Oyo State.” He noted that Ige’s tenure demonstrated that meaningful development could be achieved in a short period through vision, discipline, and sincerity of purpose. Under Ige, the state introduced free education and healthcare, established the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), constructed the Gbagi Tuntun Market, developed major road networks, and launched the Alakia Airport, initiatives that laid a foundation for modern Oyo.
Reflecting on the state’s political history, Aborisade recalled the crisis within the Unity Party of Nigeria in the early 1980s and the activities of the late Busari Adelakun, which he said nearly derailed democracy in the state. He also referenced the brief tenure of Dr. Omololu Olunloyo before the 1983 military coup and the role of military administrators such as General Oladayo Popoola, who introduced a state-owned public transportation system. Aborisade described the impeachment of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja in 2006 as “one of the darkest moments in Oyo’s democratic history,” noting that Ladoja’s eventual reinstatement by the courts reaffirmed the supremacy of the rule of law.
Turning to contemporary governance, Aborisade said Governor Seyi Makinde, who assumed office in 2019, still has the opportunity to define his legacy positively. “History will not ask how long he governed, but what changed because he governed,” he noted.
Outlining his vision for Oyo State if elected in 2027, Aborisade highlighted several key priorities, including the restoration of free education and affordable healthcare, the expansion of the state’s airport to international standards, investment in mechanised agriculture to create jobs, development of tourism, and the improvement of security across the state. He stressed that “without safety, investment cannot thrive, tourism cannot work, and development becomes impossible,” underscoring the centrality of security to social and economic growth.
Aborisade concluded by urging political leaders to prioritise public welfare over personal ambition. He said the 50th anniversary should not only be a time for celebration but also a moment for reflection and renewed commitment to purposeful leadership.
“Oyo State must lead again, in deeds, in policies, and in the lives of its people. The citizens must feel the difference governance makes in their daily lives,” he said.
