BY OBADOFIN ADEMOLA
Power is a sacred trust bestowed by God, not a personal inheritance to be wielded recklessly.
Every leader who occupies public office must remember that authority comes with accountability, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people.
Those who abuse power in pursuit of personal ambition often leave behind division, instability, and damaged democratic institutions.
Ondo State has, in recent months, witnessed growing political tension following the APC primary election, many party members and political observers have expressed concerns over what they view as attempts by powerful interests outside the state to influence the political destiny of Ondo people. Such concerns have continued to generate intense debate about the sanctity of internal democracy and the need to respect the collective decisions of party members.
Among the issues frequently raised by stakeholders is the alleged influence of a powerful politician based in Abuja, whose actions, according to critics, have contributed to unnecessary political uncertainty in the state.
These are serious allegations that should be addressed through transparent democratic and legal processes rather than political brinkmanship.
While political distractions continue, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has remained focused on governance. In less than two years in office, his administration has embarked on major road projects, strengthened healthcare services, improved educational infrastructure, promoted agricultural development, encouraged investment, expanded economic opportunities, and continued efforts to position Ondo State as a competitive destination within Nigeria’s growing economy.
Rather than allowing political noise to derail governance, the Governor has projected maturity by concentrating on service delivery.
The people of Ondo State deserve a government that is allowed to work without persistent external political interference. Democracy loses its meaning when the wishes of citizens are overshadowed by the ambitions of a few influential individuals seeking to dictate outcomes from afar.
Concerns have also been voiced by some stakeholders that public resources meant for governance in Abuja are allegedly being used to fuel political activities in Ondo State. If substantiated, such conduct would undermine public confidence and represent a misuse of resources intended for national development.
These claims deserve appropriate scrutiny by the relevant institutions.
Abuja politicians should allow Ondo State to manage its own political affairs. The state has a constitutionally elected Governor with a clear mandate to govern.
The responsibility of every patriotic political leader should be to support peace, democratic stability, and development, not to create avoidable political crises.
The Federal Government equally has a duty to ensure that all political actors operate within the bounds of democratic norms and the rule of law. Any action capable of escalating political tension should be discouraged before it threatens public order.
Nigeria’s democracy is strongest when institutions, not individuals, determine political outcomes.
Ondo State has made significant developmental strides and should not become a battleground for personal ambition.
The collective interest of the people must always take precedence over the desires of politicians who appear unwilling to accept democratic realities.
History has consistently shown that those who become excessively desperate for political control often place personal ambition above public interest. Such desperation is dangerous to democracy, dangerous to development, and dangerous to peace.
Ondo State deserves better. Its future should be shaped by its people, and its Governor should be allowed the space to govern without unnecessary distractions.
BY OBADOFIN ADEMOLA
