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…

My first encounter with Adegboyega Oyetola, then Chief of Staff to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, occurred in 2014 during the buildup to the Osun governorship election, where Aregbesola sought reelection on the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket. Today, Oyetola serves as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. “And reckon (people) by the number of years, so that they may understand.” (Quran 18:19). My second and most enduring encounter with Oyetola commenced in October 2016, when I was appointed Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media by Aregbesola. I later continued to serve under Governor Oyetola in the same capacity from December…

Governance requires effective time management to thrive. Unfortunately, political systems often waste this precious resource, compromising citizens’ well-being and national prosperity. As a universal currency, time is equally distributed but unequally valued, with marginalized communities frequently bearing the brunt of temporal inefficiencies. At the politics-time intersection, power dynamics emerge, shaping lives through prioritization, policy and resource allocation. To maximize productivity, strategies like prioritization and goal-setting are crucial, lest poor management leads to missed deadlines and lost opportunities. Historically, societies aligned tasks with natural rhythms, highlighting the tension between short-term gains and long-term benefits, thus underscoring the need for intentional time…

According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism generates over $1 trillion in exports annually, creating millions of jobs and stimulating local economies. Be that as it may, it is important to note that Nigeria’s vast growth and development opportunities are being overlooked due to a lack of vision and self-centeredness on the part of its successive leaders, ultimately hindering the greater good and benefiting only a privileged few. This issue pervades all levels of government, from state to local, with authorities neglecting their duties to harness the potential of natural attractions for promotion and development. The plight of Erin Ijesa…

Nigeria is at the moment in a precarious position, teetering like a heavy toddler due to the instability of its monocrop economy. The country’s heavy dependence on crude (not even refined) petroleum exports exposes a cumulative effect of defective political economies and the complacency of the ruling elite “who have been trained as to how not to think”. It also reminds one of the stage-like observations of Robert Nester Marley, that “amid water, the fool goes thirsty”. Nigeria’s reliance on oil can be diversified, but the elite’s mindset stands in the way. A notable example is Mexico’s Acapulco, which transformed…

Assuming no unforeseen circumstances, Dangote Refinery is expected to make its first delivery of refined premium motor spirit, PMS, to the Nigerian market by September 2024. The Federal Government has also announced that sales of crude oil to Dangote and other local refineries will begin on October 1, 2024. To address concerns about pump prices and dollar-naira exchange rates, the Federal Executive Council approved a plan. The plan offers 450,000 barrels for domestic consumption in naira to Nigerian refineries, with Dangote Refinery as the pilot. To begin with, this directive to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) marks a…

“Not to know what happened before you were born is to remain forever a child.” – Cicero, 46 B.C. Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC-43 BC), renowned statesman, lawyer, philosopher, poet and ‘the greatest forensic orator Rome ever produced’, was right! We have to go into the past to understand today! The present conundrum in the National Assembly highlights just how far we have departed from many rational definitions of public service. It wasn’t always like this! From the early 1950s, with the commencement of self-rule in the regions and at the centre, parliamentarians were on allowances. This is because there…

“I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens”. These were the words of President Bola Tinubu in a broadcast to the nation on the now-suspended #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. Among other things, the protests have highlighted the plight of Nigeria’s forgotten poor, who are not just passive bystanders but active voices demanding change. The brief nature of this outcry finds its flow in the poor’s ability to sustain their demands and hold their…

Last Sunday, President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation amid #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests, expressing sorrow over lost lives and urging peace. He defended his economic reforms, highlighted progress and unveiled initiatives for youth empowerment, housing and food security. Nevertheless, his address sparked a range of responses, and indeed, it received mixed reactions, with critics saying he didn’t address root causes and others commending his efforts to tackle challenges. The government’s subsidy removal and allied policies have had a mixed impact. They’ve increased government revenue, attracted private investment, and reduced fiscal burden. However, these policies have also led to higher fuel prices, increased…

On Saturday, August 3, 2024, the funeral service for the late Mrs. Aderoju Janet Akinyemi will take place at the Cathedral Church of St. James the Great, Oke Bola, Ibadan, Oyo State. The ceremony will be followed by the committal of her mortal remains to Mother Earth. We invite friends, family and loved ones to join us as we bid farewell to an inspirational figure. Aderoju, wife of The Most Reverend Michael Olukayode Akinyemi, the Retired Archbishop of Kwara Province and Bishop of Igbomina Diocese (Anglican Communion), passed away in the United States of America on May 15, 2024. A…

The trend of endorsing governors for a second term has gained significant momentum. This trend is particularly noteworthy in the context of Nigeria’s political landscape, where endorsements can make or break a candidate’s chances of winning. In various states, governors have received endorsements from diverse groups and individuals. For instance, Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State secured the backing of the Northern Community in Enugu, while Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has earned the endorsement of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, barely a year into his tenure. On October 22, 2023, former Governors Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayo…