17/06/2025
In response to our legal luminary Barrister Muideen Olalekan Olagunju , I totally appreciate your honesty and integrity regarding your take on Oriyomi Hamzat’s ambition.
I will love to point out few things as regards his ambition.
In the past few days critiques have emerged questioning his readiness to govern, with concerns ranging from his academic background and financial capacity to his political inexperience. While these concerns may seem valid on the surface, a deeper and more realistic analysis of today’s political terrain tells a different story. I want to state categorically that Oriyomi Hamzat is not only eligible, he is remarkably well-positioned to lead.
You pointed out his educational pedigree falls short of being the next Governor. I want you to know that education alone does not define leadership. You argued that Oriyomi Hamzat lacks the elite academic or professional background traditionally associated with Nigerian governors but this argument rests on outdated assumptions about governance. If you will agree with me, leadership in the 21st century is less about certificates and more about capacity, emotional intelligence, social intelligence, accountability, and connection to the people.
Like you said, some past governors in Oyo State have had sterling academic records, but history also shows that not all technocrats make great leaders. What Oriyomi brings to the table is lived experience, managing people, crises, platforms, and influence in real-time. He leads a highly structured media organization, engages daily with institutions like the police, judiciary, and government agencies, and navigates complex societal challenges and this is practical governance in action.
Another point you mentioned if funding. Funding Is evolving and social capital beats moneybags
We all know that elections in Nigeria are expensive, but the model of “money politics” is being disrupted. The 2023 general elections, particularly with the Labour Party movement, revealed that money alone doesn’t win elections anymore, authentic grassroots support does. Oriyomi’s biggest political asset is not cash, it is his organic followership. He doesn’t need to “buy” radio time, he owns it, he doesn’t need to pay influencers, he is one. If we are to quantify the kind of PR he’s getting lately in monetary terms, we will be talking of millions and he’s getting them for free. With Agidigbo FM and his robust online presence, he reaches millions daily without breaking a sweat or a budget.
Most importantly, he has what politicians spend billions to simulate: trust. That trust can translate into crowdfunding, volunteerism, and voter loyalty and all these are crucial in modern political movements.
You talked about party platforms, it’s imperative to know that people are the pillar and structure of the party. Many believe that Oriyomi will be locked out of the dominant parties and left with an obscure platform but recent electoral history shows that third-party candidates are viable when backed by purpose and people.
As quoted by you, In 2007, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko won Ondo State under Labour Party. In 2023, NNPP led by Kwankwazo won Governorship election in Kano, defeating the ruling party. These few instances have redefined Nigerian electoral dynamics under a relatively weak structure. It shows that with the right message, right personality, and voter mobilization, party insignia becomes secondary.
It’s a known fact that Oriyomi’s name already transcends party politics in Oyo State. Whether he flies the flag of a big party or a smaller one, his visibility and influence can energize any platform or build a new one from scratch.
You undermined his team and I believe team can evolve like every great leader’s team did. The assumption that Oriyomi’s inner circle lacks political sophistication is a short-sighted one. Well meaning leaders don’t always start with perfect teams, they build them. Even in the current administration of PBAT, we still have some of his cabinet members that are performing below expectations. Oriyomi’s current base is made up of loyalists, professionals, and grassroots influencers who understand his values. If elected, he will have access to a broader talent pool of technocrats, policy experts, and administrators. A good leader’s role is not to know everything but to surround themselves with those who do. Oriyomi has shown leadership in media and advocacy, that same ability to coordinate and delegate can be replicated in governance.
Lastly, you talked about him lacking Political experience. Political experience Is not limited to holding Office. One of the most common yet flawed arguments is that Oriyomi lacks political experience but what defines political experience? Is it simply contesting elections or holding office? Or is it engaging with the machinery of governance, challenging injustice, and standing up for citizens?
In case we forget quickly, Oriyomi Hamzat has spent over a decade: Exposing corruption, Mediating between victims and the state, Engaging government actors on policy failures, And shaping public discourse through radio and digital platforms.
Those are the real political engagements, arguably deeper than what some sitting office holders have done. Governance is about listening, advocating, resolving, and implementing, Oriyomi has been doing that consistently.
My final submission, The future belongs to people like Oriyomi Hamzat. The criticisms aimed at Oriyomi Hamzat are based on traditional political frameworks that are no longer absolute. Nigeria is evolving. Voters are seeking honest, relatable, and courageous leadership. They are looking for people who have stood by them not just during campaigns, but during hardship, injustice, and voicelessness.
Oriyomi Hamzat symbolizes that kind of leadership. He may not have the deepest pockets or the most “polished” political résumé, but he has what many in power do not: authenticity, loyalty of the people, and moral authority. As Oyo State inches closer to another election cycle, the conversation must shift from “who fits the old mold” to “who can truly lead in this new reality.”
Oriyomi Hamzat may just be the kind of leader that moment demands. Let the people decide with clarity, fairness, and open minds.
