Waste management remains one of the most persistent environmental challenges facing Oyo State. Despite repeated declarations of emergencies and public commitments to address the problem, refuse disposal, indiscriminate dumping and poor environmental sanitation continue to raise serious concerns across communities.
This raises an important question for the political leadership seeking the mandate of the people: What exactly is the plan for waste management in Oyo State?
A review of the concerns surrounding Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s political manifesto raises questions about the attention given to waste management. Where is the clear, practical and measurable strategy for tackling this problem, which affects public health, environmental sustainability, urban development and the overall quality of life of residents?
The irony is that this is not a problem that can be solved through occasional clean-up exercises, public warnings or the evacuation of accumulated refuse. Oyo needs a sustainable waste management system that addresses the entire process, from collection and transportation to recycling, processing and final disposal.
Interestingly, the Oyo State Government itself has repeatedly acknowledged the seriousness of the challenge. In February 2025, the government declared a state of emergency over inappropriate waste disposal in markets and public places, announcing plans to distribute skip bins and strengthen enforcement.
In March 2026, another major refuse evacuation exercise was launched across Ibadan, with government officials expressing concern about indiscriminate dumping along road medians, drainage channels and other public spaces. The government also acknowledged that repeated emergency evacuations were costly and unsustainable.
What does Sharafadeen Alli propose to do differently?
There is an important clarification: Alli's newly unveiled Oyo AHEAD manifesto does mention environmental protection, waste management and flood control under its infrastructure pillar. However, the public commitments need to be examined for the practical details of implementation.
How much will be invested in modern waste management infrastructure? What is the proposed strategy for recycling and converting waste into economic opportunities? How will private waste operators be regulated? What happens to communities without reliable refuse collection services? And what measurable targets will determine whether the programme is succeeding?
These are the questions voters deserve answers to, beyond broad political promises.
Leadership also begins with personal responsibility.
Against this background, the sight of the APC deputy governorship candidate eating a banana and allegedly throwing the peel onto the floor raises another important question about environmental consciousness and personal example.
A banana peel may appear insignificant, but indiscriminate littering is part of the everyday behaviour that contributes to an unhealthy environment.
Political leaders cannot consistently demand responsible environmental behaviour from ordinary residents while appearing to disregard the same standards in their personal conduct.
Leadership is not demonstrated only through manifestos, campaign rallies, political endorsements or promises of development. It is also reflected in simple everyday habits.
If keeping one's immediate environment clean is too much to ask of someone aspiring to occupy the highest levels of political leadership, what example is being set for the people?
Oyo State needs more than political promises. It needs leaders who understand that environmental sanitation is a public health priority, an economic necessity and a collective responsibility.
The question remains: Is Oyo ready for a leadership that will treat waste management as a serious development priority, rather than another campaign talking point?
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