As part of his ongoing statewide engagement with former councillors across Oyo State, Senator Buhari AbdulFatai (PhD), popularly known as BAF, continues to reinforce his message of inclusive leadership, trust, and sustainable governance. From Oyo South to North and Central, the distinguished lawmaker is demonstrating that politics built on relationships, humility, and service remains the surest path to sustaining the future of Oyo State.
Sen. AbdulFatai Buhari: Sustaining the Future of Oyo State (Series 1)
The difference between ability and agility is quite distinct yet deeply revealing of what makes a good leader. While a person with ability demonstrates skill, competence, and capacity to act decisively for the benefit of the people, one with agility works through flexibility and adaptability, that is, constantly learning, unlearning, and adjusting to new realities.
However, leadership that thrives combines both. A leader who already possesses the required skills and competence will get things done efficiently, inspire trust and confidence, and rely on agility to remain relevant and resilient in an ever-changing society.
These are the central attributes driving Senator Buhari AbdulFatai (PhD) — fondly called BAF — as he moves strategically and diligently within the Oyo APC political landscape, to the surprise of other contenders in the struggle for the party’s gubernatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Politics today has moved beyond the era of grandstanding and empty bragging meant to mesmerize the senses of opponents and the public. It no longer rewards deceit or manipulative tactics used to secure fleeting support. True politics is about trust, integrity, and reflective change. Having qualities that mirror the genuine aspirations of the people. These are the principles BAF has consistently embodied and leveraged over the years.
BAF is a man who knows how to peel his onions in the kitchen where food is served. He knows who to meet and what to do to bring meaningful development to his Senatorial District and, by extension, Oyo State.
The distinguished lawmaker’s message remains clear: “How to Sustain the Future of Oyo State.” To him, leadership is not about noise or flamboyance but about humility, sacrifice, and service.
From Oyo South, where former councilors across the nine local governments under the late former Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, attested to BAF’s impact during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, to Oyo North, his current senatorial district, the testimonies are consistent. In Oyo North, former councilors across thirteen local governments continue to feel his influence, support, and recognition, even long after leaving office. His leadership extends beyond tenure; it is a legacy of compassion, inclusion, and empowerment.
The story is no different in Oyo Central, comprising eleven local governments. The electrifying atmosphere during recent engagements — the conversations, the testimonies, the strong sense of belonging — all point to one thing: BAF’s leadership style unites, inspires, and transforms.
From all these engagements with former councilors of the APC across Oyo State, one message resonates clearly: a shared commitment to sustain the legacy of His Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, through the tireless leadership of Her Excellency, Chief (Dr.) Florence Ajimobi. BAF’s vision aligns perfectly with this drive, and nothing other than institutionalizing Ajimobi’s School of Thought and Leadership, one that remains unmatched in Oyo State’s political history.
BAF’s idea of leadership and governance is refreshingly different. It reflects a modern, people-centered democratic system where citizens are not passive observers but active participants in shaping policies and decisions. To him, governance must be symbiotic — a mutually beneficial relationship between leaders and the people.
In his words, “There are no shortcuts to understanding the people’s needs without genuine, cordial and direct relationships with them.” For BAF, leadership is about relationships, humility, and service — the true essence of sustainable governance.
Akande Omonike writes from Ibadan, Oyo State.
