Who Will Rise to the Occasion?
By Oyedeji Ahmed (LMP)
The emergence of two illustrious sons of Ogbomoso as deputy governorship candidates of different political parties has inevitably sparked conversations about competence, exposure, temperament and leadership capacity ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.
At a recent gathering in Ilorin attended by the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zaccheus Adedeji, political stakeholders reportedly engaged in a comparative assessment of the two candidates. One was described as polished and articulate, while the other was characterised as timid and inexperienced.
Beyond the rhetoric, however, the more important question is what each candidate brings to the table. Leadership positions demand more than popularity or political backing; they require sound judgment, composure, administrative capacity, exposure and the ability to represent the state effectively when circumstances demand it.
This distinction brings attention to the record of Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal. Since assuming office in 2022, Lawal has repeatedly acted as Governor Seyi Makinde during the governor’s official travels and vacations. On such occasions, he has coordinated government affairs without publicly documented disruption, while maintaining the constitutional boundaries of his office.
Governor Makinde himself has publicly acknowledged his deputy’s performance, particularly following his most recent vacation, describing the administration as a strong team and commending Lawal for effectively holding the fort in his absence.
The practice also raises a broader question about the relationship between governors and their deputies in Nigeria. The willingness of a governor to entrust executive responsibilities to a deputy speaks not only to constitutional procedure but also to the level of confidence the principal has in the deputy’s judgment and capacity.
For the people of Ogbomoso, therefore, the debate should go beyond political affiliations, financial influence or the strength of individual sponsors. The more fundamental issues are competence, character, experience, temperament, intellectual preparation and demonstrated capacity to serve.
A deputy governor is not merely a running mate. By constitutional design, the office carries significant responsibilities and may, at any time, require its occupant to assume the full weight of executive leadership. The ability to communicate, make difficult decisions, manage people and institutions, and represent the state effectively therefore matters.
Political sponsorship may facilitate emergence, but it cannot substitute for competence. Money may influence political calculations, but it cannot manufacture experience, exposure or leadership temperament.
Ultimately, the people of Ogbomoso will have to examine the records, credentials, conduct and demonstrated capacity of the candidates before making their political choices. The question is not simply who carries the louder political machinery, but who possesses the preparation and capacity required for the responsibilities that come with the office.
In the final analysis, history will judge not merely who emerged, but what each candidate was capable of contributing to the progress and dignity of Ogbomoso and Oyo State.
To be continued.
Oyedeji Ahmed (LMP)
Writes from Ogbomoso
