Residents of Oyo State should reject use-and-dump politics as the 2027 elections approach, Okanlomo Oodua and renowned philanthropist, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, has advised.
The Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland also urged the people of the state to approach the forthcoming elections with wisdom, vigilance, and a strong sense of collective responsibility.
He stated these in a message addressed to various groups across the state, including market men and women, traders, artisans, labour unions, pensioners, teachers, healthcare professionals, farmers, students, traditional leaders, youths, snf security associations, among others.
Use-and-dump politics and 2027 elections
Sanusi emphasised the need for voters to carefully assess the character and track records of political aspirants before casting their votes.
He warned against what he described as use-and-dump politics where he said politicians engaged with the people only during election periods, making lofty promises that would be quickly abandoned after getting to power.
He said: “Oyo residents should be wary of leaders who fail to honour agreements, betray public trust, and show little concern for the welfare and struggles of ordinary citizens.”
Sanusi stressed that leadership should be anchored on service, compassion, accountability, and respect for the people, rather than personal ambition and self-glorification.
He urged the electorate not to sell their votes or allow the future of the state to be determined by temporary inducements, noting that the destiny of Oyo State should not be entrusted to individuals with records of broken promises and disregard for human dignity.
He further encouraged citizens to support leaders who have demonstrated integrity, consistency, commitment to public welfare, and respect for agreements, stressing that character and proven record of service should take precedence over political propaganda and empty promises.
Sanusi highlighted the contributions of workers, traders, farmers, teachers, students, traditional institutions, professionals, youths, elders, and community development stakeholders.
He declared that the strength and progress of Oyo State lie in the collective efforts of its people.
Sanusi therefore called on residents to remain united in their pursuit of justice, truth, accountability, and good governance as the state prepares for another electoral cycle.
He urged voters not to forget past experiences when new campaigns begin, reminding them to remember leaders who stood by the people during difficult times and those who failed to do so after attaining public office.
Sanusi, however, expressed hope that wisdom would guide the decisions of the electorate, adding that future generations of the state would be proud of the choices made in the 2027 elections.
Chief Dotun Sanusi has become a major stakeholder in the politics of Oyo State in view of his philanthropic and humanitarian gesture and non-committal to elective politics.
A businessman of note, Ilaji Hotel and Resorts, owned by the Ibadan-born businessman of international repute, has become a Mecca of sort for politicians aspiring for elective public offices in the 2027 elections.
Widely speculated to have initially been nursing the interest of contesting the governorship election in 2027, Sanusi has, at various fora, stated that he was not interested in elective politics.
He actually, at a time, announced his withdrawal from contesting for the governorship seat in the state in 2027.
Sanusi had disclosed then that he took the decision after discussions with his father, adding that it was rooted in what he describes as a “frustration with the circus that is unfolding” within the Oyo State current political framework.
He said then that his decision reflected a choice not to participate in a system he felt was deviating from the principles of selfless service.
He said, having undertaken a comprehensive assessment, including consultations with independent experts, contesting for governorship would be incompatible with the current political environment.
“Joining politics under these circumstances would not serve the best interests of our citizens,” he said then.
Since then, governorship candidates of various major political parties in Oyo State have been visiting Sanusi to solicit his support for their ambitions ahead the elections.
