Oyo at 50: Aborisade Calls for Return to People-Centred Governance
Barrister Chief Niyi Aborisade, lawyer, human rights activist and African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, has called for a return to people-centred governance as the state marks its 50th anniversary.
Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, from the old Western Region and originally included the present Osun State, which was carved out in 1991.
Speaking in Ibadan as part of activities commemorating the golden jubilee, Aborisade described Oyo as Nigeria’s “pacesetter state,” noting that the title must be continually justified through quality leadership and public-oriented policies.
He paid special tribute to the state’s first civilian governor, Chief Bola Ige, whom he described as “the gold standard of governance in Oyo State.”
According to him, Ige’s four year administration between 1979 and 1983 demonstrated that effective leadership was not dependent on long tenure, citing the introduction of free education and healthcare, the establishment of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), the construction of Gbagi Tuntun Market, major road projects and the development of the Alakia Airport.
“He showed that development is a product of vision, discipline and sincerity of purpose,” Aborisade said.
The ADC aspirant also recalled the political crisis of the early 1980s, including the violent split within the Unity Party of Nigeria and the activities of the late Busari Adelakun, which he said nearly derailed democracy in the state.
He further highlighted the brief tenure of Dr. Omololu Olunloyo before the 1983 military coup, as well as 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 his eventual reinstatement by the courts reaffirmed the supremacy of the rule of law.
On the current administration, Aborisade said Governor Seyi Makinde, who came to power 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 said.
The governorship hopeful outlined what he termed his vision for Oyo State if elected in 2027, which includes the restoration of free education and affordable healthcare, expansion of the state’s airport to international standards, investment in mechanised agriculture to create jobs, development of tourism, and improved security.
He stressed that security remained central to economic growth and social stability.
“Without safety, investment cannot thrive, tourism cannot work and development becomes impossible,” he said.
Aborisade added that Oyo’s 50th anniversary should serve not only as a moment of celebration but as an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to purposeful leadership.
He urged political leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal ambition, stating that the state must “lead again not just in name, but in action.”