As Senators and Members of the House of Representatives celebrate their two-year milestones at the national level, it is important for us the electorate who entrusted them with our votes to pause and reflect on their Scorecards. We must ask ourselves: Have these leaders truly represented us well? Have they brought development, fairness, and growth to our communities?
In Oyo State, we have three Senators and fourteen Members of the House of Representatives now thirteen, following the unfortunate passing of Hon. Prince Akinremi Jagaban of Ibadan North. May his soul rest in peace.
Let’s take a closer look at how these individuals have performed:
Senator Fatai Buhari (Oyo North):
Senator Buhari has done an outstanding job. He has been actively involved in sponsoring bills and delivering tangible benefits—the true dividends of democracy—to his constituency. His efforts have eased the people’s burdens and contributed significantly to the development of Oyo State. He is a shining example of responsible and effective representation.
Senator Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South): A barrister by profession, Senator Alli has sponsored five bills. He has remained fairly active in national affairs, maintains communication with his constituents, and continues to play a visible role. His performance so far can be rated as average, with room for improvement—particularly in his legislative responsibilities and in leveraging his office to facilitate employment opportunities for members of his constituency.
Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central): So far, he has only moved a motion, and his overall impact remains limited. Many of his constituents describe him as inaccessible and out of touch. He appears to live a corporate lifestyle, distant from the everyday realities of his people. Unless he adjusts his approach, concerns about his effectiveness will continue to grow. The people need more than just a title, they need genuine service.
Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, Hon. Remi Oseni, and Hon. Anthony Adepoju: As first-time lawmakers, these three have made significant progress. Despite their limited experience, they have shown impressive dedication and exceeded expectations. Their work proves that effective leadership is not about how long you’ve been in politics, but how well you use the opportunity to serve.
Hon. Remi Oseni, the House Committee Chairman on FERMA, stands out. He has performed excellently in sponsoring bills, contributing to legislative discussions, reaching out to his constituency, and initiating various empowerment programs. Over 80 individuals serve as his Special Assistants (SAs). He has also donated transformers to underserved areas and supported student empowerment initiatives. His commitment is commendable.
Hon. Akin Alabi (Egbeda/Ona Ara) and Hon. Akeem Adeyemi “Skimeh” (Oyo Federal Constituency): These two have remained consistently active in sponsoring bills, fulfilling oversight functions, and ensuring their constituents benefit from good governance. Their efforts in both legislative work and community development show they understand the responsibilities that come with public office.
Hon. Akinmoyede Wasiu Olafisoye (Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency): His performance has become a source of concern to many constituents, party members, and stakeholders. He is rarely seen participating in House activities, and his absence is notable. There’s a lack of communication and minimal legislative impact at the National Assembly. Some constituents allege that he only becomes visible during festive periods to distribute food items. In Lagelu Local Government, from where he hails, both the local and ward meetings have not been held—signs of poor leadership and internal disunity. This poses a serious risk to the APC in the area. The people deserve better.
Hon. Abass Agboworin (Ibadan North East/South East): While he may face challenges with fluency and articulation during debates, he is making an effort to serve his people. His overall performance is close to average, but with the right support and improved communication, there is room for growth.
What we are witnessing shows that competence matters more than party affiliation or name recognition. When you elect capable leaders, the results speak for themselves. Just look at Senator Fatai Buhari or the effective representatives from Ido/Ibarapa East, Egbeda/Ona Ara, and Ibarapa North/Central—praised for their dedication and performance.
It is no longer enough to vote based on party loyalty, popularity, or sentiment. We must begin to elect leaders based on the capacity to deliver, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the people.
Oyo State deserves better. We deserve lawmakers who will sponsor bills, drive development, stay connected to the people, and speak up for us at the national level.
As we prepare for future elections, let us rethink our voting decisions. Let competence and integrity guide our choices.
The power is in our hands, not just to vote, but to vote wisely.
