Get Guardian on GoogleA Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ahmed Raji, has urged political leaders in Oyo State to draw lessons from the development philosophy of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and the governance model associated with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos State to accelerate the state’s development.
Ahmed Raji made the call while delivering the guest lecture at the 3rd Lam Adesina Annual Lecture Series held at Jogor Centre, Ibadan.
In his lecture titled, “Shaping the Future of Oyo State: The Nexus Between History, Progressive Politics and Development,” the legal luminary examined the evolution of progressive politics and its relevance to the socio-economic development of Oyo State.
He lauded Awolowo for his resourcefulness and commitment to development despite the limited financial resources available to the old Western Region government.
Raji recalled how the former Premier deployed the region’s economic resources, particularly revenue from cocoa, to implement strategic development programmes, including free education and healthcare services.
He described the initiatives as revolutionary policies that demonstrated how purposeful leadership could transform society and improve the welfare of ordinary citizens.
The SAN also cited landmark projects such as Liberty Stadium and Cocoa House, noting that Awolowo’s development philosophy was anchored on the conviction that government must serve the interests of everyone, irrespective of their social or economic standing.
He said the ideals associated with Awolowo were consistent with the progressive political philosophy represented by the late former Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lamidi Onaolapo Adesina.
Raji urged contemporary leaders to draw inspiration from both progressive icons by developing sustainable policies that would address the needs of the people, particularly young Nigerians.
He identified education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and economic opportunities as critical areas requiring priority attention in Oyo State.
The guest lecturer also urged the state to study Lagos State’s development experience, particularly its pursuit of economic self-reliance, sustainability and institutional stability.
He noted that the progressive ideals of Awolowo and the governance model associated with Tinubu’s administration in Lagos offered useful lessons for Oyo State as it sought to strengthen its development framework.
The lecture also highlighted Lam Adesina’s contributions to education and healthcare delivery during his tenure as governor, including the reported establishment of more than 1,200 secondary schools, as evidence of his commitment to human capital development.
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu, whose message was delivered by his representative, Engr. Joseph Tegbe, described Lam Adesina’s progressive political philosophy as an enduring legacy that should inspire present and future generations of Nigerian leaders.
Tinubu said the late governor demonstrated that strong political convictions could coexist with humility, commitment to the people and a passion for social justice.
He recalled Lam Adesina’s background as a teacher and columnist with the Nigerian Tribune, through which he consistently articulated his progressive beliefs before venturing into partisan politics.
The President added that the late governor believed public office holders had a responsibility to expand opportunities, improve living conditions and ensure equal access to education and other essential services.
Also speaking, Senators Sharafadeen Alli and Fatai Buhari paid tribute to the late governor, describing his contributions to progressive politics and Oyo State’s political development as worthy of emulation.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Hon. Dapo Lam Adesina thanked Tinubu for his support for the progressive political ideology and ideals of his late father.
He said the responsibility of the late governor’s political heirs extended beyond celebrating his memory to sustaining his philosophy through active participation in the democratic process.
Dapo also declared the family’s commitment to working for Tinubu’s re-election and the emergence of all All Progressives Congress candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The event attracted political leaders and traditional rulers, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, represented by Oba Kola Daisi; former Senator Ayo Adeseun; APC deputy governorship candidate, Adesoji Adedeji; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo; and Fatai Ibikunle, among others.
