“Oyo State is tired of mediocrity in leadership and governance”
The Governorship Candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Oyo State, Hon. Kunle Olatunji KTJ, has called on the electorate to critically assess the character, competence, experience and emotional maturity of candidates seeking elective offices in the forthcoming general elections.
Olatunji gave the warning while participating in the Public Square interactive programme organised by Success FM, held at the Subomi Balogun Conference Centre, University of Ibadan Hotels and Guest Houses, Ibadan, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations on October 1, 2026.
Speaking on his assessment of the various personalities presented by political parties for elective offices, particularly the Presidency and Governorship, Olatunji identified three critical attributes which, according to him, should guide the electorate in evaluating candidates.
He listed these as:
1. Brilliance and intelligence;
2. Experience and exposure to contemporary management of human and material resources; and
3. Emotional balance and maturity.
According to him, Oyo State is fortunate to have a number of intellectually capable and experienced individuals seeking the governorship, although their abilities and exposure vary.
He, however, expressed concern over what he described as significant differences in the level of emotional balance and maturity among some of the aspirants and candidates.
Olatunji stressed that emotional maturity is particularly important because governance at the highest level requires individuals who can manage pressure, disagreements, competing interests and sensitive issues of public administration with restraint, wisdom and sound judgment.
«“My candid opinion is that Oyo State is lucky to have some brilliant, intelligent and exposed individuals offering themselves for the governorship, though certainly at varying degrees of above-average capacity by my assessment.
“However, there is a very high degree of variance when it comes to emotional balance and maturity. For me, this deficiency is critical and should not be overlooked in deciding who should be entrusted with the management of the affairs of the state.”»
He further emphasised that emotional maturity, in his view, should not be measured by age, academic qualifications, social status or professional accomplishments.
Olatunji therefore urged the electorate to look beyond academic credentials, political pedigree and social standing, insisting that the ability to exercise self-control, demonstrate maturity and respond responsibly to complex situations should form an important part of the assessment of anyone aspiring to lead the state.
He said:
«“This challenge has nothing to do with age, academic qualifications or societal status. Leadership requires much more than these attributes. If an individual does not possess the emotional maturity required to manage the enormous responsibilities of governance, such a person should not be entrusted with the affairs of Oyo State.”»
The ADP candidate lamented what he described as the prolonged experience of mediocre leadership and governance in the state, saying that Oyo people deserve a new standard of leadership capable of delivering meaningful development, economic transformation and responsible administration.
According to him, the time has come for the people of Oyo State to demand a higher threshold of competence, character and maturity from those seeking public office.
«“Honestly, I sincerely believe that Oyo State has had enough. We have reached the point where mediocrity in governance should no longer be tolerated.
“Governance and leadership in Oyo State henceforth must go beyond political slogans, entertainment, familiar rhetoric and the politics of the microphone. The responsibility of governing a state requires competence, discipline, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking and the capacity to make sound decisions in the public interest.”»
Olatunji maintained that the 2027 election should therefore provide an opportunity for the people of Oyo State to make a conscious choice based on the capacity of candidates to provide purposeful, accountable and development-oriented leadership.
He concluded by declaring that the forthcoming electoral process would, in his view, provide an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their true capacity for leadership.
“In the days ahead, you will see that the boys will indeed be separated from the men.”
O to ge!
Signed:
Hon. Kunle Olatunji KTJ
Governorship Candidate
Action Democratic Party (ADP), Oyo State.
