*The Unseen Force Behind Ogbomosholand’s Democratic Gains || By ADETUTU OLADAYO*

As INEC’s voter registration extension winds down, I feel compelled to speak publicly about a man I know from afar.

It is rare to find someone whose commitment to public service endures long after leaving office. In Ogbomosholand, Prof. Afonja stands out. Six years after leaving government, he has contributed more to sustaining the current administration’s vision than many still in office.

Since his exit as Commissioner for Works and Transport — a role he held for less than a year — Prof. Afonja has remained unwavering in his support for Governor Seyi Makinde. While others have drifted away or turned against the governor, he has stayed the course, deploying his personal resources to drive meaningful change across Ogbomosholand’s five local governments.

His interventions are concrete and measurable. Prof. Afonja has:

– *Empowered small businesses* with financial support
– *Assisted residents* with medical bills and school fees, and provided scholarships to children
– *Supported farmers* with funds, seeds, and fertiliser during planting seasons
– *Organized food drives and medical outreaches* for the elderly, widows, and vulnerable children, especially when state resources were stretched
– *Bolstered security* by working closely with local security groups and donating motorcycles to aid community patrols

These actions are not for personal gain or recognition. They are to represent the governor’s support in the community and to ensure that democracy delivers real benefits to ordinary people.

Recently, as voter registration lagged across the five LGAs, Prof. Afonja mobilized his team. He spent his own money and provided vehicles to help residents register. While turnout has not yet reached the desired level, his commitment is clear: without active voters, the progress recorded under Governor Makinde risks being reversed.

During the 2023 Governorship and House of Assembly elections, though he was not on the ballot, Prof. Afonja invested heavily in community programmes that projected the governor’s achievements. He organized food drives for the elderly, children, and widows, took medical outreach to underserved areas, and campaigned door-to-door — reaching religious groups, artisans, traders, and traditional worshippers.

On election day, he provided transportation, served food and drinks to keep voters comfortable, and ensured party loyalists remained engaged. While some in government faltered or defected, he remained dedicated and helped secure victory for the party.

What makes this remarkable is that Prof. Afonja continues to work tirelessly for the party and the governor’s success, despite being sidelined by those who conspired against him. While others benefit from government without delivering results, he has been the silent force behind the administration’s electoral wins — both the 2023 elections and subsequent local contests.

Yet the irony is clear. Despite his contributions to the last two major elections, he was not permitted to nominate supervisors, assistants, councilors, or even submit names for local and ward positions. Meanwhile, some leaders and appointees in Ogbomosholand remain passive on voter registration and preparations for upcoming elections, even as they control the largest share of resources.

If leadership is measured by sacrifice, vision, and trust, then Prof. Afonja’s record speaks louder than any title.

The time has come for Governor Seyi Makinde and the administration to recognize this loyalty and impact. Empowering Prof. Afonja would not only reward his efforts but also be a strategic investment in the future of Ogbomosholand and Oyo State.

The people of Ogbomosholand have seen who stood firm when it mattered. It is time to stand with those who have never stopped standing with the administration.

ADETUTU OLADAYO, is from ward 8 Okelerin, Ogbomoso North LGA