A legal practitioner and public affairs analyst, Barrister Princess Adesola Ajiboye-Omotowo, has called for a new approach to governance in Osun State, declaring that the state requires technical expertise, strategic leadership, economic innovation and a stronger working relationship with the Federal Government to unlock its developmental potential.
Ajiboye-Omotowo, a princess from Oba-Ile in Osogbo, made the call while speaking on the future of the state, stressing that Osun’s next phase of development must go beyond physical infrastructure to embrace sustainable economic growth, stronger internally generated revenue, investment attraction, job creation and improved living standards.
She argued that while the present administration deserves recognition for its contributions, the state must aspire to greater economic prosperity by adopting policies capable of generating sustainable income and reducing excessive dependence on federal allocations.
“Osun needs something better and greater. Development should not be measured by bridges and roads alone. We must examine our IGR, economic capacity, industrial development, employment opportunities, agriculture, infrastructure and the overall welfare of our people. Every major government project must have clear economic and social justification,” she said.
While acknowledging that infrastructure remains essential, she maintained that major capital projects should form part of a broader economic strategy that considers the state’s revenue capacity and other competing demands for public resources.
Ajiboye-Omotowo also emphasised the importance of building a productive relationship between Osun State and the Federal Government, noting that stronger cooperation with the centre could open additional opportunities in infrastructure, investment, security, agriculture, healthcare and education.
She, however, cautioned that political affiliation alone cannot guarantee development, insisting that the state requires competent leadership backed by technical knowledge, administrative experience and the capacity to design practical solutions to its economic challenges.
“Osun needs expertise, not jamboree leadership. We need leadership with strong technical input, vision and capacity — leadership that understands how to grow revenue, attract investors, prudently manage resources and negotiate effectively with the Federal Government, private sector and development partners. Governance is serious business,” she stated.
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Against this backdrop, she described the APC governorship candidate as possessing the competence, experience and technical capacity required to take Osun to the next level, saying his administrative understanding, economic vision and the opportunity for stronger collaboration with the APC-led Federal Government place him in a strong position to attract investments, expand the state’s revenue base and accelerate development.
The lawyer and farmer identified agriculture, tourism, solid minerals, commerce and small-scale industries as sectors with significant untapped potential, arguing that strategic investments in these areas could create jobs, broaden the revenue base and stimulate economic activities across local communities.
She advocated the development of value chains connecting agriculture with processing, manufacturing and markets, as well as an aggressive but business-friendly strategy for expanding internally generated revenue without imposing unnecessary hardship on residents. According to her, creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises and major investors offers a more sustainable route to revenue growth than excessive taxation.
Ajiboye-Omotowo further called for stronger collaboration with the private sector, Federal Government and development institutions, maintaining that Osun cannot continue to depend predominantly on monthly allocations while its population, infrastructure needs and social responsibilities continue to grow.
She urged residents to critically examine the competence, experience, economic programmes and administrative capacity of those seeking to govern the state, stressing that discussions about Osun’s future should focus on competence, ideas and measurable development rather than personalities and political sentiments.
“The present government has made its contributions, and those efforts should be acknowledged. But development is a continuous process. Osun must aspire to something greater,” she said.
“Osun has enormous human and natural resources. What we need is the right leadership, technical expertise and economic strategy to transform those opportunities into prosperity. This should not be about sentiment or personal ambition; it should be about building a stronger Osun for today’s generation and those coming after us,” she concluded.
Ajiboye-Omotowo is a lawyer, lecturer, administrator, farmer, businesswoman and philanthropist. She is married to Professor Babatunde Omotowo and the union is blessed with three children. Her father, Chief Goke Ajiboye, was the first Chairman of Osogbo Local Government and later served as Commissioner for Works and Housing in the old Oyo State.
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