The governorship aspirant of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Oyo State, Kunle Olatunji, has called for a shift from what he described as “individualistic leadership” to a more inclusive and collaborative style of governance ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Olatunji stated that Oyo State requires visionary and purposeful leadership driven by empathy, sincerity, and collective responsibility to regain its status as the nation’s “Pacesetter State.”
Speaking during a radio interview with Parrot Newspaper Magazine, anchored by veteran broadcaster, Ambassador Yinka Agboola, the ADP aspirant said leadership should go beyond personal brilliance and focus more on service delivery and teamwork.
According to him, although many competent individuals are seeking the governorship position across political parties, only a leader with genuine commitment to the people and a clear developmental vision can move the state forward.
He maintained that Oyo people are politically aware and capable of identifying leaders with the right qualities to deliver transformational governance.
Olatunji argued that previous administrations in the state failed to fully meet public expectations because governance was largely centered on individuals rather than institutions and collective participation.
The ADP chieftain said his administration would embrace a strategic and inclusive governance model that would involve citizens as active stakeholders in policy formulation and implementation.
He cited the leadership legacies of notable statesmen including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Chief Bola Ige, Michael Ajasin, Bisi Onabanjo, Lateef Jakande and Ambrose Alli as examples of leaders who achieved developmental successes through teamwork and people-oriented governance.
Drawing comparisons with global success stories such as Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew and the Asian Tiger economies, Olatunji stressed that sustainable development can only be achieved through strategic planning, institutional collaboration and visionary leadership.
He assured residents that his administration, if elected in 2027, would pursue reforms aimed at accelerating development across critical sectors and repositioning Oyo State among the leading states in Nigeria.
