Whenever responsive representation, effective leadership and accountability are discussed in Oyo, the name of Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu cannot be left out of the history of those who represented the people with purpose.
But in 2026, after 12 years of representation in the National Assembly, if we are still celebrating solar streetlights as though they are extraordinary achievements while fundamental needs remain unattended to, then, ọmọ, we are truly in a deep mess.
Good governance is not defined by the number of solar streetlights installed or promises of reaching the moon and stars. It is about making life meaningfully better through safe and motorable roads, reliable electricity, functional healthcare, clean and potable water, quality education, employment opportunities and sustainable infrastructure. We should therefore ask why, after decades of representation, the bare minimum still feels like a miracle in Oyo.
For years, the people of Oyo Federal Constituency have struggled with inadequate access to potable water, while the Erelu and Fiditi Water Projects remain critical to addressing that challenge, just as the Oyo–Ogbomoso Road remains an important infrastructure need.
I remember vividly how Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu, during her time in the Senate, used her influence to lobby for funding and support towards the continuation of the Erelu and Fiditi Water Works, as well as advocating for the Oyo–Ogbomoso Road.
History must also be told honestly: Hon. Kamil, before Mama’s tenure, played a role in efforts surrounding the Erelu Water Project. Interestingly, the same “Mr. 12 Years Honourable” now asking the people to identify and celebrate his achievements was once seen associating with Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu’s team during inspections of ongoing projects, including the Erelu/Fiditi Water Works and Oyo–Ogbomoso Road. If he knew the importance of these projects then, what happened afterwards?
Since Mama left the Senate, how many of these critical projects have subsequent representatives successfully influenced, revived or pushed towards completion? Where is the sustained advocacy for Erelu and Fiditi Water Works? Where is the urgency regarding the Oyo–Ogbomoso Road? Why are projects capable of providing long-term solutions receiving less attention than solar streetlights and ₦50,000 empowerment programmes?
Empowerment has its place, but temporary relief cannot replace sustainable development. A small cash intervention may help someone today, but it cannot substitute for functional infrastructure that benefits an entire community for decades. A streetlight may illuminate a road at night, but it cannot replace reliable electricity, good roads, potable water, healthcare or employment opportunities. Our people need more than temporary relief; they need systems that work and representatives who will pursue projects that address the root causes of their problems.
The real test of leadership is therefore not how many ceremonies a politician attends, how many streetlights are installed or how many empowerment items are distributed. It is the fundamental problems solved and the lasting development left behind. Oyo should not be conditioned to celebrate the bare minimum as though it were a miracle. Oyo deserves visionary, accountable and development-focused representation, not the politics of managing expectations.
As 2027 approaches, the people have another opportunity to distinguish between genuine representation and mere occupancy of office, and to demand leadership that thinks beyond temporary interventions and pursues sustainable development. Come 2027, the people of Oyo will have the opportunity to demonstrate what **responsive representation, accountability and good governance truly mean.
