Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, Okanlomo Oodua, has lamented over what he described as growing hardship and insecurity in Oyo State, urging the government and politicians to priortise the interest of the people and not 2027 elections.
The Bada Olubadan lamented in a statement, on Thursday, that there were growing hardship, insecurity and uncertainty facing residents across the state.
Sanusi On Hardship, Insecurity
He declared in the statement, titled “My Heart Bleeds for Oyo State,” that he was speaking not as a politician or partisan figure, but as a concerned son of the state whose heart was burdened by the challenges confronting the people.
Sanusi noted that Oyo State has, historically, been known for honour, courage, intellectual excellence, and progress, having produced generations of leaders, scholars, and patriots who laid a solid foundation for development and prosperity.
According to him, the current realities facing many residents paint a troubling picture, with families living in fear, farmers becoming increasingly reluctant to visit their farms.
He added that business owners were struggling to stay afloat, and parents were expressing concerns over the safety and future of their children.
“Oyo State has always been a land of honour, courage, intellect and progress. But today, many of our people live in fear. Families go to bed uncertain of what tomorrow may bring.
“Farmers are afraid to go to their farms, business owners are struggling, and parents worry about the safety and future of their children,” he stated.
The chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Resort stressed that, at a time when citizens are grappling with numerous challenges, government policies and actions should be guided by the welfare of the people.
He insisted that the pains and concerns of residents must become the priority of politicians and those in leadership positions.
Sanusi also called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public finances, particularly amid ongoing discussions surrounding government borrowing and expenditure.
“The people deserve openness and honesty. They deserve to know why decisions are being made, how resources are being spent, and what future is being prepared for their children and grandchildren,” he stated.
Maintaining that his intervention was not politically-motivated, he warned that decisions taken today on issues, including public debt, security, and economic opportunities, would have long-term implications for future generations.
He urged political leaders across party lines to place the interests of the people above partisan considerations, advocating dialogue, responsible governance, and practical solutions to the challenges confronting the state.
“I call on all leaders, regardless of political affiliation, to put the interests of the people first. Let us reduce the noise of politics and listen to the heartbeat of the people.
Let us replace division with dialogue, excuses with action, and promises with results,” he said.
The respected traditional chief also appealed to residents not to lose hope, encouraging them to continue to demand accountability peacefully while working collectively towards a more prosperous and secure Oyo State.
He prayed for peace, progress, and renewed prosperity in Oyo State, expressing hope that history would remember the present generation as one that stood up to protect the future of the state.
