Bimbo Adekanmbi’s political desperation appears to have taken a dangerous turn. He pursues power at the expense of truth, fairness and responsible public discourse.
The statement by Hon. Yinka Akinbode, former Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, has raised serious questions about Adekanmbi’s allegation that Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli misappropriated funds meant for the acquisition of land during his tenure as council chairman. Akinbode, who says he personally handled the relevant file, inspected the property with key council officials and initiated steps to prepare it for agricultural activities, has offered a direct account that Adekanmbi must now contend with.
More damaging to Adekanmbi’s credibility is Akinbode’s assertion that the land was reportedly subdivided and sold by a local government chairman under the current administration approximately two to three years ago. If Adekanmbi’s allegation was made without verifying these circumstances, then he owes the public an explanation and Senator Alli an apology.
On the strength of Akinbode’s account, Alli has received a significant measure of vindication. The burden is now on Adekanmbi to substantiate his allegation with verifiable evidence or withdraw it. Serious allegations of financial misconduct cannot be established by political rhetoric, innuendo or the reckless manipulation of public opinion.
What is particularly troubling is the pattern of pull-down politics that this episode represents. Politics should be about ideas, competence, character and a credible vision for development, not manufacturing scandals, throwing mud at opponents and hoping that some of it sticks. A politician who seeks to discredit others without first establishing the facts risks becoming a victim of his own tactics.
The exalted seat of governor at Agodi demands maturity, sound judgment, integrity and respect for truth. Oyo State needs a leader who can articulate solutions to its economic, security and developmental challenges, not one whose political strategy appears to revolve around dragging opponents through the mud.
Adekanmbi must understand that the desperation to pull down a rival is not evidence of the capacity to govern. If he cannot demonstrate the discipline to verify an allegation before making it, how should the people of Oyo State trust his judgment on matters affecting millions of lives?
The governorship contest should be a contest of ideas, not a competition in character assassination. Oyo deserves better than politics built on allegations that cannot withstand scrutiny.
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Adekanmbi should present his evidence, answer the questions raised by Akinbode’s account and demonstrate the humility to retract any claim he cannot substantiate. Until then, this episode will remain a serious dent on his credibility and his readiness for the responsibility he seeks.
A man who wants to occupy Agodi must show that he can rise above petty political vendettas. The people of Oyo State deserve leadership that builds, not politics that merely seeks to destroy.
