As another week of service passes, I find myself reflecting more deeply on six years of leadership in Oyo State. One lesson has grown clearer with each passing day: leadership is not just about what you can do, but about what you choose not to do. A scripture recently brought to my attention—Proverbs 28:16—captures this truth well: “A tyrannical ruler lacks judgement, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.”

In other words, the fact that a leader has the power to act does not mean he should do so without first considering how his people will be affected. That is why our administration has deliberately chosen to expand the tax net rather than increase the tax burden on our citizens. Some may call this populism; I call it simple common sense. You do not add to people’s pain when they are already in hardship. True leadership requires both wisdom and empathy.

Bible history provides an example in Nehemiah, who as governor in Jerusalem chose to ease the burden of the people. Unlike his predecessors who imposed heavy levies, he lightened their load. The result? They rallied around him, because they knew his leadership was grounded in their well-being. This is the type of leadership that inspires trust and loyalty.

Only last week, the people of Ibadan North LGA affirmed again that they value a leadership that listens and cares. In the House of Representatives by-election, they voted overwhelmingly for the PDP candidate, Folajimi Oyekunle, who polled 18,404 votes against the APC’s 8,312. This victory belongs not just to Ibadan North but to everyone in Oyo State who continues to stand for a leadership that listens and cares. I thank you sincerely for once more standing by us. Your support strengthens our resolve to continue governing with compassion and responsibility.

On a more personal note, yesterday, I was delighted to visit my father, His Royal Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who will soon be handed the staff of office as the new Olubadan of Ibadan. I admire Ibadan’s succession system, not just because I am from Ibadan, but because it reflects what politics and party culture should look like—orderly, respectful, and free of unnecessary friction. If political parties honoured their internal agreements and commitments the way the Ibadan traditional system respects its line of succession, there would be less conflict and far greater harmony. The seamless transition of leadership in our historic city is a model for civic life everywhere.

So, as we move forward together, let us remember: the real strength of leadership lies not in wielding power, but in applying wisdom, restraint, and empathy. These values have guided us in Oyo State, and by God’s grace, they will continue to guide us in the years ahead.

Thank you, once again, for your trust and support. May wisdom and empathy continue to guide us all, as we keep working together for a better Oyo State.

Talk to you again soon.