By Lawal Akinkunmi M
The safe return of the pupils and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government has brought relief to their families, Oyo State, and the nation at large. It was an outcome many prayed for, and the security agencies involved in the rescue deserve commendation for their efforts.
However, beyond the celebration lies an important conversation about leadership, accountability, and the messages public officials send during moments of national concern.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s comment that, “I declared to contest for president by 4 p.m., and the abduction took place by 9 a.m. the following morning,” has understandably generated public debate. While the governor may have intended to draw attention to the timing of events, many citizens viewed the remark as an unfortunate shift in focus from the suffering of the victims and the broader security challenges confronting the state.
At a moment when the public expected reassurance, empathy, and a clear outline of measures to strengthen security, the statement instead introduced political considerations into an issue that many believe should have remained entirely about the safety of innocent schoolchildren and their teachers.
Oyo State has long been associated with the Omoluabi ethos—values of responsibility, humility, compassion, and exemplary leadership. Those values demand that leaders demonstrate sensitivity during moments of crisis, placing the concerns of citizens above political narratives. Whether intentional or not, remarks that appear to connect a tragic security incident with political ambition risk creating the impression that governance is becoming secondary to politics.
Even more concerning is the fact that this security challenge did not emerge without warning.
As far back as 2022, concerns were reportedly raised on the floor of the Oyo State House of Assembly regarding suspicious movements and growing insecurity within the affected axis. The warning reportedly came from a lawmaker belonging to the governor’s own political party, suggesting that the issue had already attracted official attention years before the recent abduction.
This naturally raises questions. Were those warnings thoroughly investigated? Were sufficient preventive measures implemented? Could stronger security interventions have reduced the likelihood of such an incident occurring?
These are legitimate questions in any democratic society. Asking them does not diminish the commendable efforts that eventually led to the rescue of the victims. Rather, they seek to ensure that lessons are learned so that similar tragedies can be prevented.
The role of government extends beyond responding effectively after a crisis has occurred. It includes identifying threats early, acting decisively on intelligence, strengthening vulnerable communities, and maintaining public confidence through transparent and empathetic leadership.
The Oyo State House of Assembly also has an important constitutional responsibility. Beyond passing legislation, it serves as an oversight institution expected to ensure that security concerns raised within government receive appropriate attention. Where early warnings exist, effective legislative oversight becomes an essential component of preventing crises.
The rescue operation deserves celebration, but it should not end the conversation. Success after tragedy should not overshadow the need to examine whether the tragedy itself could have been avoided through earlier intervention.
The people of Oyo State deserve leadership that places security at the forefront of governance. They deserve institutions that respond promptly to credible warnings, communicate with empathy during difficult moments, and remain focused on protecting lives above political considerations.
Ultimately, leadership is judged not by political declarations or future ambitions, but by the confidence citizens have that their government will act swiftly to protect them, listen to early warnings, and place public welfare above every other consideration.
Lawal Akinkunmi M writes from Ibadan North. He can be reached via lawalakinkunmimonsur@gmail.com
