By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Oyo State governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has emphasised the need for politicians to embrace good governance and people-oriented leadership as a fundamental principle of politics in Nigeria.
Ajadi made this call on Friday, shortly after the 4th Annual Ramadan Lecture, organised under his Omituntun 3.0 platform at the BCOS Garden, Bashorun, Ibadan, where he spoke with journalists on the significance of the lecture, themed “Oselurere” (Good Governance).
The well-attended event featured a lecture by a renowned Islamic scholar, Fadheelatus-Sheikh Al-Mufasir Usman Sannu Sheu, the Chief Tafseer of Ilorin Emirate, Al-Adaby, who spoke extensively on the Islamic and socio-political perspectives of good governance, stressing that leadership must be anchored on justice, accountability, and service to humanity.
Speaking after the event, Ajadi explained that the choice of Oselurere as the theme for this year’s lecture was deliberate, noting that it was necessary to educate both current and aspiring politicians on the true essence of politics as service to the people.
According to him, the practice of good politics must be properly understood from both religious and socio-political viewpoints so that the coming generation of leaders can develop the right character for public service.
He said: “Oselurere, which means good governance, was carefully chosen as the topic so we can hear from our guest lecturer about the rewards of practising good politics and also understand what good politics is all about.”
Ajadi added that the lecture was also intended to correct the mindset of politicians who seek public office without clear plans to improve the lives of the people.
“The topic is also chosen so that politicians will learn that they should not just assume office without having good things in mind to offer the masses and our nation. That is why we invited our Islamic and renowned scholar, Sannu Sheu, to treat this important subject,” he said.
Reflecting on the history of the annual lecture, Ajadi disclosed that the first three editions were held in Ogun State, where the focus was on humanitarian services and feeding programmes during Ramadan as a way of demonstrating compassion and service to humanity.
“The first to third Ramadan lectures hosted by me were held in Ogun State for Muslims and people of other faiths to witness how good it is to feed people and render humanitarian services. The month of Ramadan is one of the best periods to demonstrate these virtues, and that is why I have come to my father’s state of origin, Oyo State, to continue the humanitarian services,” he said.
He further called on Nigerians to use the Ramadan and Lenten periods as opportunities for spiritual rebirth, unity, and prayers for the nation.
“Let us use this period of Ramadan and Lent to learn how to live together in peace, remain united, and be prayerful for our country,” Ajadi advised.
The PDP gubernatorial aspirant also expressed optimism about the electoral fortunes of his party in future elections, saying he believes the PDP will record victories at different levels.
“By the grace of God, our great party will be on the ballot and there will be total victory in the various political offices our candidates will contest for,” he added.
In his lecture, Sheikh Sannu Sheu emphasised that good governance is not only a political obligation but also a moral and religious responsibility. He said Islam places a high premium on leaders who are just, trustworthy, and committed to the welfare of their followers.
The cleric explained that the concept of Oselurere goes beyond political promises, stressing that it includes fairness, transparency, accountability, and prioritising the needs of the weak and vulnerable in society.
He urged leaders at all levels to see their positions as a trust (Amanah) from God and the people, warning that they would be held accountable for how they exercise authority.
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The scholar also encouraged citizens to support leaders with prayers and constructive engagement while also holding them accountable through lawful means.
The event attracted Islamic clerics, political stakeholders, community leaders, party members, and residents of Ibadan and its environs. It also featured Qur’anic recitations, special prayers for Oyo State and Nigeria, as well as spiritual musical performances by notable Islamic artistes.
Some of the political stalwarts who graced the occasion included the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government and Chairman of ALGON, Hon. Sanda Sikiru Oyedele; the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun; and Chief Babatunde Tijani, popularly known as “Double T,” a prominent political figure and Olori-Ebi of the Omituntun Dynasty, among other political leaders.
Observers noted that the annual Ramadan Lecture has continued to grow in prominence, serving as a platform for discussing the intersection between faith, governance, and societal development while also promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different religious and political backgrounds.
