It came as a surprise to many when Senator Buhari AbdulFatai, Ph.D., announced during an interview on Parrot FM 101.1 Ogbomoso that he would not be seeking re-election into the Senate come 2027.
Instead, he expressed his desire to contest for the governorship of Oyo State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). For those familiar with his political journey, this declaration was not made on a whim but was born out of years of consistent service, leadership, and sacrifice for the people of Oyo North and the entire state.
Alhaji Omotayo Buhari is more than a politician; he is a seasoned parliamentarian, a grassroots politician in every sense, and a man whose humility and accessibility remain unparalleled. He holds a Doctorate degree from a reputable Nigerian university and would, by 2027, have completed 16 years of meritorious and excellent service in the National Assembly — one term in the House of Representatives and three consecutive terms in the Senate. Despite his achievements, Senator Buhari continues to reside in his family home in Ogbomoso, a rare feat for someone of his stature and remains a constant presence among his people. He is approachable, courageous, and resourceful, with an uncommon connection to the masses. The question, then, is what more should we seek in a governorship aspirant that Senator Buhari does not possess?
In terms of achievements, his record as a legislator is both remarkable and impactful. Almost 500 unemployed youths have secured placement in federal government establishments through his Facilitation and support, including myself. To the best of my knowledge, there are no fewer than five (5) ICT centres in each of the thirteen (13) local government areas across Oyo North, alongside a large national library and the facilitated establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in Okeho, currently awaiting presidential assent. This is a cause deserving of the prayers of every well-meaning citizen.
Major road projects such as the Iseyin-Okeho road and the Saki-Okerete International Market road are the results of his influence at the federal level. Senator Buhari has also installed more than 120 transformers across towns and villages in the district of his representation, provided 6,000 solar-powered streetlights, drilled over 350 boreholes, and sponsored WAEC fees for over 2,000 students within his senatorial district.
Fatai Buhari’s Mother’s Death: FIRS Boss, Zacch Adedeji Condoles Oyo North Senator
Beyond infrastructure, Senator Buhari AbdulFatai Ph.D has facilitated numerous key appointments for Oyo North indigenes, securing positions such as Directors, General Managers, Airport Managers, a Director-General, Board Members in MDAs and Parastatals, and even a Provost for the Federal College of Education. He has organized massive empowerment programs on three occasions, training no fewer than 12,000 constituents in various trades — complete with startup resources and financial support to help them succeed. He has consistently contributed millions of naira towards community projects and causes. These are the kinds of verifiable, people-centred, progressive leadership traits that Oyo State urgently needs.
When Senator Buhari declared during his interview, “Even if the party zones the senatorial seat to Ogbomoso and the governorship to Oke-Ogun, I won’t run for the Senate again. I would rather support one of my associates. That’s leadership,” he was simply reinforcing the age-old Yoruba principle: “Ti a ba fun ni aso bi, ki a fi t’eni je e” — if we are given a fabric, let’s sew it in a way that benefits all. Leadership is about service, sacrifice, and knowing when to pave the way for others.
It is important to reiterate that the issue of power rotation in Oyo State is long overdue. Since the state’s creation in 1976, except for the late Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala who first assumed office under special political circumstances before eventually securing a single term, every other governor has emerged from Ibadan.
To put this into perspective: out of the five zones that constitute Oyo State, Ibadan alone has produced governors for a combined total of 26 years. This includes the 2 years of Chief Kolapo Ishola, 4 years of Alhaji Lamidi Adesina, 4 years of Senator Rashidi Ladoja, 8 years of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and the ongoing 8-year administration of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde. This figure does not include Alao-Akala’s 11-month acting tenure before his elected four-year term.
This is not to diminish the contributions of these respected leaders who have done their best for the progress of our state. However, in the interest of fairness, equity, and peaceful coexistence, it is only proper that other parts of the state be allowed to contribute to the governance and development of our land.
Across Nigeria, other states have embraced the wisdom of power rotation. Niger State rotates power among its three senatorial districts. Lagos State has allowed the East, Central, and West to take turns. Ogun State continues to agitate for Ogun West to produce a governor. Osun State has consciously rotated the office among its major zones. Even at the national level, Nigeria practices a North-South power-sharing arrangement to maintain balance, peace, and unity.
This is why we are not merely making an emotional appeal but presenting a logical, well-grounded, and patriotic case. The Northern region of Nigeria, in the interest of unity and fairness, has allowed the South to produce the President on three occasions: Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and now Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If this can be achieved at the national level, it is only natural that Oyo State, the Pacesetter State, should lead by example in equity and inclusiveness.
As advocates for peace, fairness, and progress, we strongly believe it is time to give other parts of the state — particularly Oke-Ogun, Oyo, Ogbomosho and Ibarapa — the chance to lead and contribute to our collective destiny. Let us build a truly united Oyo State, where every region has a sense of belonging and pride.
The results of the 2023 gubernatorial election are revealing. Oke-Ogun alone contributed 205,634 votes from its ten local governments, while Ogbomoso’s five local governments (including Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa) delivered 129,636 votes. Oyo North alone, excluding Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa, produced over 309,000 votes. Yet, this bloc remains sidelined in the state’s leadership. “Ti a ba n pin epo, ka ma fi idi je t’okan soso” — when sharing oil, let it not be monopolized by one person alone.
To our brothers and sisters in Ibadan, this is not a call to diminish your political relevance, but an appeal for fairness, unity, and brotherhood. There are capable, tested, and trusted leaders from other zones — Oke-Ogun, Oyo, Ibarapa, and Ogbomoso — with proven integrity, competence, and leadership experience. Supporting power rotation will foster peace, strengthen political bonds, and uphold the unity of Oyo State.
Senator Buhari Omotayo AbdulFatai, PhD, fondly called Omoluabi, embodies what leadership should be — humble, progressive, accessible, competent, and genuinely committed to the people’s welfare. The time is right for Oyo State to embrace equity and give Oyo North, particularly a leader like Senator Buhari, the opportunity to replicate his track record at the state level.
“Ti a ba n yo’ni l’oriki, ka tun fi owo osi gbadura fun” — while we praise one’s achievements, let us also pray and support them for even greater responsibilities ahead. The time for a power shift in Oyo State is now, and Senator Buhari AbdulFatai, Ph.D., remains a worthy torchbearer for this cause.
Hassan Popoola (Kishi-Man)
[…] Equity, Experience, And The Future Of Oyo State […]