By Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq.
An opinion article from Adeoyo, Ring Road, Ibadan | October 13, 2026
I am writing this dangerous political observation from Adeoyo, Ring Road, Ibadan, where I am doing justice to a plate of amala and contemplating the political implications of one man’s ambition: Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.
Not from a campaign office. Not from an air-conditioned hotel. I am right here in Ibadan, eating amala, swallowing history and wondering why one politician has accumulated so much experience that he threatens our cherished tradition of learning governance on the job.
Before anyone asks what an Ekiti man is doing in Oyo politics, let me sound this warning: don’t try me!
I have been professionally, politically and emotionally domiciled in Oyo State since 1991. As a former journalist with the *Nigerian Tribune*, a past secretary and chairman of its NUJ chapel, and a two-term chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, I have witnessed the intrigues and transformations of Oyo politics.
I was also part of the political movement that brought Senator Rashidi Ladoja to power, alongside committed associates, including Barrister Adekanmbi, Engineer Adigun and Lloyd. Today, Ladoja occupies the revered throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
So, I know something about this political terrain.
Now, back to our dangerous man!
According to published profiles, Alli became the first elected Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government in December 1991. While some politicians were still learning the language of democracy, he was already navigating grassroots administration.
Is that not alarming?
In a political culture where electoral defeat can consign politicians to oblivion, Alli has stubbornly refused to become yesterday’s newspaper.
His alleged offence became even more serious when he served as Secretary to the Oyo State Government from 2003 to 2005 and subsequently as Chief of Staff under Ladoja. These were strategic positions that exposed him to executive coordination, policy implementation and the machinery of government.
Imagine electing a governor who already understands how ministries function, how decisions are coordinated and how bureaucratic excuses are manufactured!
How will anyone confidently present an inflated project estimate without anticipating uncomfortable questions?
And just when we thought his experience was sufficient, Alli ventured into corporate leadership. He chaired Odu’a Investment Company Limited from 2011 to 2014, gaining exposure to the management of a regional investment institution owned by the governments of southwestern Nigeria.
What exactly does this man want? To bring institutional memory into Government House?
God forbid! We prefer beautiful promises, elaborate ceremonies and magnificent declarations. We enjoy political grammar, not necessarily administrative competence.
Then came his latest transgression: the Senate.
Elected in 2023 to represent Oyo South Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alli brought his experience into the National Assembly. His published profile lists committee leadership responsibilities covering electoral matters, agricultural colleges and institutions, and customs, excise and tariff. He also holds law degrees and a doctorate in Legislative and Strategic Studies.
A lawyer! A grassroots administrator! A former senior state official! A corporate chairman! A senator!
Haba! What have the people of Oyo State done to deserve this accumulation of experience?
Nevertheless, let us be fair. Experience does not automatically guarantee excellence. Academic qualifications do not confer infallibility, and previous public office does not create an entitlement to another.
Alli must still answer questions about his record, integrity, policy priorities, accountability and capacity to deliver measurable development.
The real question is whether his decades in public service have prepared him to govern Oyo State effectively.
As I approach the last morsel of my amala, I must confess that perhaps I have been unfair. His greatest offence may simply be that he has made experience difficult to ignore.
Oyo State needs a governor who understands not only how to win an election but also what to do after winning it. Whether Alli possesses the character, courage and vision to translate experience into prosperity must be judged by his record, his programme and, ultimately, the electorate.
For now, I withdraw my imaginary petition against his ambition—but retain my warning: beware of mistaking political longevity for competence, or dismissing experience without examining what it has achieved.
**Sharafadeen Alli must not become governor merely because he is experienced. He must earn the office by demonstrating that his experience can deliver progress, prosperity and purposeful leadership.**
Now, can somebody please bring me another wrap of amala?
This political analysis has exhausted my first serving!
Pastor Bisi Oladele, Adekanmbi, Alakime—where are you people? Please come and pay for my amala o!
Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq.
Writing from Adeoyo, Ring Road, Ibadan.
October 13, 2026.
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