In Yoruba tradition, masquerades occupy a unique place in society. They entertain, fascinate and sometimes command respect and admiration. Behind the colourful costumes and impressive displays, however, are individuals whose identities are deliberately concealed.
Politics, too, has its own masquerades.
These are not the traditional entertainers who dance in public squares. They are political entrepreneurs who prefer to operate behind the curtains, using influence, money, connections and carefully constructed narratives to shape public opinion and influence political outcomes.
Some operate to protect political or business interests. Others seek to advance ambitions and agendas they may not be willing to openly declare. They hide behind platforms, proxies and anonymous interventions, throwing punches from the shadows while carefully protecting their identities.
As Oyo State gradually moves towards the 2027 general elections, the political atmosphere is becoming increasingly interesting. The battle for influence has begun, and so has the struggle to control public perception.
A few days ago, an experienced politician challenged one of such political masquerades to unveil himself rather than allegedly hiding behind influence and platforms to attack and taint the image of Governor Seyi Makinde and some of his aides.
The challenge was straightforward: if you have a political message, grievances or an alternative vision for Oyo State, come out openly and defend your position before the people.
Interestingly, only hours later, the masquerade responded with another article, attempting to establish his arguments with what he described as “facts.” He also made what appeared to be a clear political declaration, vowing to mobilise support for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the next election.
Perhaps that response has made the matter even more interesting.
But beyond the exchange of articles, accusations, counter-accusations and political banters lies a fundamental truth: the people of Oyo State are not mere spectators in this unfolding political drama.
They may be entertained by the masquerades and their political dances, but they are the critical stakeholders who will ultimately determine who wins and who loses.
That is the beauty and power of democracy.
In 2027, it will not be the loudest political commentator, the richest political entrepreneur or the most influential masquerade that will solely determine the outcome of the election.
The electorate will.
The civil servant, the pensioner, the trader, the artisan, the farmer, the professional and the young people across Oyo State are the real stakeholders in the political future of the state.
Their experiences matter.
Their assessment of government matters.
And ultimately, their votes will matter.
This is why the political conversation ahead of 2027 must go beyond hidden sponsorship, personal attacks and attempts to manufacture public anger against political opponents.
The electorate is watching.
The people are listening.
They are comparing promises with performance.
They are assessing those who seek political power against those who have been entrusted with it.
Governor Seyi Makinde, without doubt, has set remarkable and unprecedented records in the developmental history of Oyo State. Through major infrastructure projects and interventions across critical sectors, his administration has continued to leave visible footprints across the state.
From roads and infrastructure to education, healthcare, agriculture, security and economic development, the administration has pursued policies aimed at repositioning Oyo State and creating an environment for sustainable growth.
His style of governance and investment-friendly policies have also continued to attract businesses and private-sector interests to the state.
Of course, Governor Makinde is not perfect.
No leader is.
No government anywhere in the world can claim perfection.
There will always be areas requiring improvement, and constructive criticism remains an essential part of democratic governance.
Government must be criticised where necessary and held accountable at all times.
However, criticism must be based on facts, sincerity and genuine concern for the people—not hidden interests, personal ambitions, business considerations or political bitterness.
The real test of governance is not whether a governor has critics or political enemies. Every leader will have them.
The real question is: What can the people see and feel?
Can communities identify projects that have improved their lives?
Can civil servants and pensioners testify to the impact of government policies?
Can traders and artisans assess the business environment?
Can farmers point to interventions that have supported agricultural development?
Can residents see improvements in infrastructure and public services?
These are the questions the electorate will ask.
And these are the issues that will ultimately influence their decisions.
As 2027 approaches, the political masquerades may continue to dance.
They may continue to beat their drums from behind the curtains.
They may write articles, sponsor narratives, deploy influence and attempt to shape public opinion.
But there is one force they cannot completely control:
The electorate.
The people of Oyo State are more politically conscious and informed than many political entrepreneurs may imagine. They understand that elections are not won merely through newspaper articles, social media propaganda, political patronage or the influence of powerful individuals.
Elections are decided in communities.
They are decided in homes, markets, workplaces and polling units.
When a voter enters the polling booth, he carries his experiences.
She carries her expectations.
They carry memories of promises made and performances delivered.
That is why those who genuinely seek the support of the people must be ready to openly present themselves and their ideas.
If anyone believes Oyo State deserves a different direction in 2027, such a person should boldly articulate that vision.
Let there be ideas.
Let there be policies.
Let there be programmes.
Let there be clear alternatives on education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, agriculture, employment and economic development.
Democracy is not strengthened when powerful individuals hide behind curtains and attempt to manipulate public opinion.
Democracy becomes stronger when political actors openly engage the people and allow the electorate to make informed decisions.
As the political drums begin to sound louder ahead of 2027, one thing remains clear:
Oyo State belongs neither to the masquerades nor to any individual political entrepreneur.
It belongs to the people.
Governor Seyi Makinde and his administration will be judged by their records.
Those seeking to replace them or take political control of the state will also be judged by their credibility, character, ideas and capacity.
The masquerades may continue to dance.
The politicians may continue to argue.
The commentators may continue to write.
But when the music finally stops and the election arrives, the most important voice will not come from behind a mask.
It will come from the electorate.
And in 2027, between the masquerades and the electorate, the people of Oyo State will have the final say
Gbenga Ajani writes from Ijokodo Ibadan
