By Dr. Femi Akinkuebi
Leadership is not necessarily defined by age, political seniority or the position one occupies. It is defined by the willingness to accept responsibility, rise above personal differences and make difficult decisions in the collective interest.
Recent political developments in Ondo State present an important opportunity to reflect on this principle.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s recent engagements with political stakeholders, his participation in the posthumous commemoration of his predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and his public recognition of former Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko deserve attention beyond the immediate political calculations surrounding the 2027 general elections.
The commemoration of Aketi’s 70th posthumous birthday was particularly significant. Beyond celebrating the life and contributions of a former governor, it provided an opportunity to acknowledge a shared political history, preserve institutional memory and encourage reconciliation.
Political differences should never permanently diminish the value of service or the dignity of those who have contributed to the development of our state.
Similarly, the recognition accorded to Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, our own Iroko, carries an important message: leadership must recognise contributions across political generations and historical divides.
The recent broadening of political engagement and the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Akure further demonstrate the importance being placed on bringing different political tendencies together.
However, I believe the significance of these developments should extend far beyond President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
Ondo State has an opportunity not merely to rebuild its political relationships, but to strengthen the foundations of its economic and developmental future.
Political stability and meaningful inclusion can create a more conducive environment for policy continuity, investment confidence, institutional cooperation and long-term development.
A state cannot fully harness its enormous human, industrial, agricultural and coastal potential while its political stakeholders remain trapped in avoidable divisions.
This is why reconciliation should not end with ceremonial appearances, political appointments or campaign structures. It should translate into enduring cooperation, stronger institutions and a shared commitment to development.
One important assignment remains: the consolidation of Ondo Central.
Mr. Governor, as efforts continue to strengthen political relationships in Ondo South and deepen cooperation across Ondo North, I respectfully encourage further engagement with the diverse political interests and leadership structures in Ondo Central.
Akure, Ondo Kingdom and the other communities within the senatorial district possess enormous political, economic and intellectual resources. Bringing these interests into a more formidable and inclusive platform would strengthen the wider reconciliation process.
Such engagement must recognise legitimate aspirations, respect historical contributions and create room for meaningful participation without demanding that everyone surrender their individual political identities.
The objective should be a united Ondo State in which political competition does not prevent cooperation for the common good.
Ultimately, the enduring value of the Governor’s present efforts will be measured not only by political cohesion, but also by what that cohesion delivers for our people: improved security, stronger local economies, industrial development, youth opportunities, infrastructure and inclusive prosperity.
Mr. Governor, there is an opportunity to complete this work of reconciliation and give it a lasting institutional foundation.
The positive signals are becoming visible. The greater task is to translate them into tangible results that ordinary citizens can experience.
History remembers leaders not simply for the offices they occupied, but for the divisions they healed, the institutions they strengthened and the future they helped to build.
May this emerging spirit of reconciliation become a lasting foundation for Ondo State’s political stability and economic transformation.
Dr. Femi Akinkuebi
Industrial Development Advocate | Community Development Enthusiast
Itesiwaju — Power for Progress