The Awolowo Benchmark: Aligning Makinde’s Development with Timeless Standards|Deji Ola*

Growing up on Gbadebo Street in Mokola, Ibadan, I often overheard my father and other politically inclined individuals discussing significant leaders, and without fail, the name of Baba Awolowo was always at the center of those conversations.

Though I wasn’t born during his era, history paints a picture of a time marked by transformative achievements—from robust education systems to impressive infrastructural development. To this day, no one seems to speak ill of Baba, a testament to his lasting legacy.

Following Baba Awolowo, we read about the emergence of the late Bola Ige, a man often compared to the great sage. Ige served as Oyo State’s governor from October 1979 to October 1983, and although he was defeated in the 1983 election by Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, his political influence remained undeniable.

His subsequent court challenge to the election result was unsuccessful, yet the tides shifted three months later when Olunloyo lost his seat due to a military coup led by Generals Muhammadu Buhari and Tunde Idiagbon.

I vividly remember the 1999 gubernatorial campaign, where Bola Ige’s accomplishments were prominently featured by his supporters, many of whom were disciples of Baba Awolowo.

The famous campaign slogan—“Free education, Bola Ige lo le se, oti se ri ko’baje, Bola Ige lo le se”—echoed in the streets, cementing his place in the ongoing effort to honor the benchmark set by Baba Awolowo.

Fast forward to 2019, when the election of Governor Seyi Makinde brought a renewed sense of hope to the people of Oyo State.

At a time when civil servants, pensioners, and students were enduring hardship, Makinde’s victory rekindled optimism.

Citizens trusted that his leadership would restore their dignity and improve their quality of life. Six years into his tenure, it is with great joy that I can confidently say the people’s hopes have not been dashed, as his administration has delivered remarkable achievements across every sector.

Perhaps one of the most significant changes was the swift resolution of the long-standing issue of delayed salaries for workers and pensioners.

The relief felt by Oyo State’s civil servants was immediate and tangible, and beyond the obvious moral benefits, the regular payment of salaries has had a profound economic impact. In simple terms, when workers are paid on time, the money supply in the economy increases, boosting consumer spending.

This leads to higher demand for goods and services, benefiting markets across the state and contributing to overall economic stability.

The people of Oyo State can now walk the streets with a renewed sense of security and pride in their government. Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has been marked by qualities of humility, empathy, heroism, patience, self-reflection, charisma, and, perhaps most importantly, divine wisdom.

It is difficult to imagine that Oyo State would experience such growth and progress after so many years of stagnation. Yet, the strides we are witnessing today align with the benchmark set by our forebears.

To say that I am convinced we are on the right track is an understatement. Oyo State is in safe hands, and it is crucial that we continue on this path of progress, ensuring that this momentum is sustained beyond 2027.

Today, Oyo State is thriving in critical areas such as security, economy, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, business, and workers’ welfare. These advancements represent a commitment to the future that we can all be proud of.