In every democratic setting, political parties are expected to reward loyalty, credibility, competence and performance. The ultimate essence of governance is service to the people, and when an elected representative distinguishes himself through visible achievements and people-oriented programmes, many believe such a leader deserves encouragement rather than political isolation. That is why the reported denial of a second-term senatorial ticket to the Ajagunnla Oodua Ti Ile Yoruba, Senator Olubiyi Oluwole Fadeyi by the All Progressives Congress has continued to generate conversations across Osun Central Senatorial District and beyond.
For many constituents, the issue is not merely about politics; it is about whether outstanding performance still matters in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Without exaggeration, supporters of Senator Ajagunnla Olubiyi Fadeyi insist that few lawmakers in recent times have touched lives across the ten local government areas of Osun Central as profoundly as he has done.
From education to infrastructure, youth empowerment, women development, electricity intervention, security support and healthcare delivery, his footprint appears boldly written across the district.
One of the most celebrated interventions under his stewardship remains the Ajagunnla Annual Bursary Awards Programme. In 2023 and 2024 alone, no fewer than 2,624 indigent students benefited from the scheme. About Eighty-Three Million Naira (₦83,000,000) was disbursed to students across the ten local government areas within Osun Central Senatorial District, while another Fourteen Million Naira was extended to beneficiaries outside the district. At a time when many families struggle under severe economic hardship, the bursary programme became a lifeline for students whose dreams of higher education could have been cut short. Early thisyear, the Distinguished Senator in a gathering affirmed that a sum of 150 million naira has been earmarked by him for the 2026 Ajagunnla Annual Bursary Awards.
Beyond education, Senator Fadeyi also made empowerment a central pillar of his representation. In December 2024, he reportedly disbursed about Four Hundred Million Naira to empower constituents gathered at the WOCDIF Centre in Osogbo. The programme was described by many observers as one of the largest empowerment initiatives by any senator from the district in recent history.
His interventions were not limited to financial empowerment alone.
Senator Fadeyi purchased and distributed eleven seven-seater buses to party chairmen across Osun Central and the senatorial leadership of his party at the time, a gesture seen as both political support and logistical assistance for grassroots mobilization.
Infrastructure development equally formed a major component of his legislative achievements. Roads were constructed in Osogbo, Ikirun, Inisha and Ila-Orangun, helping to improve transportation and ease movement for residents and businesses. Across many communities in the district, electricity supply also received attention through the distribution of about twenty transformers to communities battling poor power supply.
Security and welfare were not neglected. Senator Fadeyi reportedly paid allowances for policemen and women undergoing training at Iperu Remo, demonstrating support for security personnel at a time when many public officers merely issue statements without practical intervention. He also presented a patrol vehicle to police in Ila Area Command office.
Perhaps nowhere are his projects more visible than in Ila-Orangun, where constituents point to the hospital for women and children he facilitated, alongside a clinic aimed at improving access to healthcare services. He also played a significant role in facilitating the 123MVA Substation project expected to improve electricity supply and industrial growth in six local government areas- Ila, Ifedayo, Boluwaduro, Boripe, Odo-Otin and Ifelodun.
Beyond constituency projects, Senator Fadeyi has also emerged as one of the vocal advocates for the proposed creation of Igbomina State, working alongside Hon. Clement Akanni, who represents Ila/Ifedayo/Boluwaduro Federal Consistency at the National Assembly, Abuja; and other stakeholders who believe the proposal would bring development closer to the people.
For many political observers, the question therefore remains unavoidable: if performance, accessibility and grassroots impact are the true measures of leadership, why should a politician with such visible achievements be denied another opportunity to serve?
Supporters argue that Senator Ajagunnla Olubiyi Fadeyi possesses not only the political structure but also the goodwill necessary to win a general election for his party. They insist that among the aspirants seeking the senatorial ticket, he stands out in terms of verifiable projects, human development initiatives and grassroots acceptance.
While internal party decisions are often influenced by several political calculations, many well-meaning Nigerians believe that political parties must be careful not to sacrifice competence and performance on the altar of internal interests. Democracy flourishes best when excellence is rewarded and when elected officials who genuinely impact lives are encouraged to continue serving.
As conversations continue within political circles, constituents across Osun Central are watching closely. For them, the debate goes beyond party politics; it is about the future of representation, the value of impactful leadership and whether service to humanity still counts in the nation’s political equation.
Only time will reveal the final decision of the party leadership, but one thing remains certain in the minds of many constituents: the name Ajagunnla Olubiyi Oluwole Fadeyi has become strongly associated with grassroots development, empowerment and visible democratic dividends in Osun Central Senatorial District.
Omotayo Babalola is a political analyst and public commentator whose insightful writings have inspired positive change and promoted sanity within society.
