I read what Bamidele Johnson wrote. I also saw the response from Remi Ladigbolu. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that politics, at its best, is all about service. It is, in fact, about representation that people can see, feel and point to with pride. Roads repaired. Schools improved. Hospitals upgraded. Opportunities created. And constituents affected. When a public office holder leaves office, the people should be able to say, “Yes, this person represented us well.”
Sadly, that is not the feeling people like me have when the name Iyabo Obasanjo comes up in conversations about representing Ogun Central Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011. For someone who once served in the Upper House, the story of development in key areas within that district tells a troubling tale of neglect. Communities such as Akute, Lambe, Alagbole, Oke-Aro, Adiyan, Ijoko, Agbado and several other towns that fall within that senatorial district have long struggled with poor infrastructure, inadequate public facilities and very little evidence of impactful legislative representation during her time in office – and even after, with her successors.
These are not obscure communities tucked away in forgotten corners. Akute and Alagbole especially, are bustling towns with vibrant populations and enormous economic potential. Yet, for years, residents have complained about bad roads, poor drainage systems, and a general absence of the type of constituency projects that help communities feel the presence of their representatives. Representation should not be abstract. It should be visible.
When voters elect someone to the Senate, they are not merely sending a voice to Abuja; they are sending an advocate who must fight for the development of their communities. They are sending someone who must attract federal attention, projects, and opportunities to their people. Unfortunately, many residents in these communities would struggle to list tangible projects or legacy initiatives that can be clearly traced to Iyabo Obasanjo’s tenure as senator.
And this is where the contrast becomes even more striking. Take the example of Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented Surulere 1 in the House of Representatives for many years. Yes, he rose to become the Speaker. But whether one likes it or not, the impact of his representation is visible across the constituency. Roads were constructed and rehabilitated. Schools and health centres also received attention. Various empowerment programmes touched the lives of thousands of constituents.
The same can be said of James Faleke, whose representation of Ikeja Federal Constituency has been widely acknowledged by residents who can effortlessly point to concrete projects and initiatives that improved their communities.
These examples are important because they prove one thing: effective representation is possible. Legislators – even those in the House of Representatives – have demonstrated that public office can be used as a tool for meaningful community development. Meanwhile, her’s was the Senate.
Which brings us back to the question many people are asking today. If someone could not convincingly transform or significantly uplift their senatorial district while serving in the Senate, why should the same person be rewarded with an even bigger responsibility such as governing an entire state?
Leadership is not about titles. It is about track records. And personally, I believe strongly that public office holders must earn promotion through performance. When someone performs well, the people themselves will demand that such a person be given higher responsibility. But when performance is questionable or invisible, the logical response is not elevation.
For me, therefore, supporting a bid for higher office under such circumstances would amount to reinforcing non-performance. And that is something I cannot do.
Akute deserves better.
Alagbole deserves better.
Indeed, every community within that senatorial district deserves representation that leaves lasting footprints. Not what they are getting currently.
And until that record exists, my position remains simple and clear: Iyabo Obasanjo is a no, no.
– Azuh Arinze, FNGE, is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and author of important books like The CEO’s Bible 1 and 2, Anything and Everything Journalism, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, My Story of Many Colours, Tested and Trusted Success Secrets of the Rich and Famous, etc
