Author: Abiodun KOMOLAFE

We are at midterm, which means that the next electoral cycle has already started. Unfortunately, governance will begin to slow as politicking and jockeying for advantage become more pronounced, distracting from the real work of administration and the quest to achieve sustainable development. The ruling party currently holds a significant advantage, facing an ill-defined and unfocused array of interest groups lacking cohesion. Unlike parliamentary systems, presidential systems don’t truly have an ‘opposition’ concept. Instead, they offer a focused alternative platform, presenting a distinct and more positive stance than the governing party’s. It sums it up: within the reality of a…

One of the off-cycle elections next year will take place in Ekiti State, where Governor Biodun Oyebanji will face reelection. As conventional wisdom widely acknowledges, Oyebanji has several strengths to leverage when campaigning begins, particularly his efforts to redirect the state’s political economy in a positive direction. Ekiti State has navigated the current economic transformation in very steady ways. The state’s poverty level is relatively manageable rather than crippling. The governor’s strategic intervention in agriculture has built up buffers of price-modulating and supply-adjustment mechanisms. This approach has effectively withstood economic headwinds, serving as a model that other states would do…

President Bola Tinubu’s recent announcement to unbundle the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State, into six geo-political zones is an important landmark in Nigeria’s journey towards true federalism and regionalism, which lies not in the constitutional or institutional structure, but in the society itself. This move will go a long way in addressing the historical imbalance in the distribution of national institutions and fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity among Nigeria’s diverse populations. Ultimately, this development is a step towards addressing Nigeria’s deep-seated structural issues perpetuated by a centralized system. One can only pray that the…

The Year 2024 has been flogged to death! With 2025 now underway, it’s clear that this year will be crucial for Nigeria and Nigerians. The government must develop a comprehensive framework to address the economic, social and political challenges ahead to ensure a game-changing year. To begin with, President Bola Tinubu should leverage his political expertise to facilitate a consensus-driven approach to the Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly. This requires negotiating with regional stakeholders, addressing politically-driven concerns, and finding common ground to ensure the Bills’ successful passage. The Tax Reform Bills are to be commended as the…

*Continued from last week Saturday. Legacy “I want to be remembered as a governor who always tells the truth. I won’t lie! My goal is to live in the hearts of the Ekiti people, and I believe the key to achieving this is by staying connected with them and implementing policies that positively impact their lives. Ultimately, I aspire to be remembered as a governor who brought prosperity to our people, and one who demonstrated responsible and responsive leadership. “Chief Obafemi Awolowo is remembered more for his revolutionary policies, such as Free Education, than for symbols like Cocoa House. To…

I recently had the honour of visiting Ekiti State, where I embarked on a self-guided tour to explore the projects completed or underway by Governor Biodun Oyebanji. From the bustling streets of Ado-Ekiti to the quaint towns of Ikere-Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti, and Oke Ako-Ekiti, Oyebanji’s transformative initiatives have inspired optimism among residents, who appreciate his people-first leadership. As I concluded my tour, I sought out the governor’s perspective on his administration’s progress. Our thoughtful discussion revealed a leader committed to redefining the boundaries of possibility for all Ekiti residents. With his dedication to his people’s welfare, Oyebanji stands out as a…

There has been another addition to President Bola Tinubu’s media team. The president has also restructured his media team in a bid to “enhance efficiency within the government’s communication machinery.” Thanks be to God! Well, we are not here to look into the costs and benefits of this new addition at a time when Nigerians are clamouring for a review of the cost of the machinery of the government and the implementation of the Oronsaye Report on the cost of governance. Our focus is on the strategic relationship between government and citizens, as explored in ‘Media, democracy and the public…

Yorubaland’s royal institutions face significant challenges, threatening their traditional significance. Across the region, from Akure to Ikire and from Ikorodu to Idiroko, once-revered thrones have devolved into a chaotic game of musical chairs. Nowhere is this more evident than in Oyo, where the protracted search for a new Alaafin has become a seemingly interminable saga. The prolonged process has all the hallmarks of an endless marathon, with contenders awaiting divine intervention or a miraculous resolution to crown the next Alaafin. Elsewhere, while the ‘Emir’ of Iwoland’s relentless pursuit of power has diminished the throne’s value, the Soun of Ogbomoso’s sudden…

Ijesas are distinctive! They are known for their discerning nature and exceptional brilliance. Their rich history reveals fascinating connections. For the record, they are the masterminds behind Osomaalo, a pioneering business phenomenon in Africa. Ijesaland is credited with originating the iconic ‘Nwa Boy’ style, now a multibillion-dollar industry in Igboland. Ijesas are found to have excelled in various sectors, and this has gone a long way in demonstrating their versatility. In the 1930s, Obafemi Awolowo, the legendary statesman, once resided in Ilesa as Secretary to Daniel Ajayi Afilaka. At a time in the history of Ijesaland, Olori Remilekun Anike Agunlejika,…

The illustrious 42-year reign of Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the 40th Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, has come to a close. As we bid farewell to this venerable monarch, may his soul rest in peace, free from worldly burdens! May God comfort the people of Ijesaland and grant them solace during this difficult time! Oba Aromolaran was installed on Saturday, February 20, 1982. His remarkable journey came to a close on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. His illustrious reign beckons us to contemplate the transience of human existence and the impermanence of earthly authority. I had a personal connection to Aromolaran’s…