By Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael (DG Opomulero)
This is not an attack on Akoko, Akure, or any other community. It is a sincere appeal to the sons and daughters of Owo to reflect deeply on our political journey and begin an honest conversation about our collective future.
For decades, Owo has remained one of the most historic and politically significant kingdoms in Yorubaland. It is a land that produced great national leaders and played a defining role in the progressive political movement that shaped the old Western Region. Owo has always stood for courage, leadership, fairness and progressive politics.
Sadly, despite this rich political heritage, Owo has gradually lost much of its influence—not because our people lack capable leaders, but because we have become divided while others have remained united in pursuing their common political interests.
This reality explains why I have refused to follow a political direction that, in my opinion, may continue to mortgage Owo’s political future for the advantage of others. My position is not driven by hatred, envy or personal ambition. It is driven by my conviction that Owo deserves fair representation, stronger political organisation and a united voice in determining its own destiny.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with any community producing competent leaders or occupying strategic public offices. Every appointment should be based on merit, competence and service. However, politics is also about protecting the collective interests of one’s people through unity, planning and strategic engagement.
Today, the Akoko axis occupies several strategic political positions within Ondo State and the Federal Government, including:
- Minister of Interior.
- Minister of State for Finance.
- Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District.
- Director-General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
- Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI).
- Executive Director (Projects), South West Development Commission.
- Executive Director, Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), South West.
- South West Representative, Code of Conduct Bureau.
- Executive Director, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).
- Ondo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
- Member, House of Representatives (Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency).
- Member, House of Representatives (Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency).
These positions are not listed to condemn anyone or to diminish the achievements of those occupying them. Rather, they demonstrate what unity, strategic political planning and collective support can achieve.
The question Owo people must ask ourselves is this: What have we done to protect our own collective political future?
Unfortunately, we spend too much time fighting one another instead of building consensus around issues that affect Owo Kingdom.
Instead of strengthening one another politically, we often pull ourselves down.
Instead of supporting those already serving in government, we sometimes become their greatest critics.
Instead of building political structures that can compete effectively, we become divided by personal interests, money politics and individual ambitions.
No community can continue on this path and expect to remain politically relevant.
As Owo people, we must learn to appreciate leaders who have demonstrated confidence in our kingdom.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa deserves commendation for ensuring that Owo remains visible at the highest level of governance through the emergence of Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami and the appointment of Hon. Omowumi Isaac as Commissioner for Finance—one of the most strategic ministries in Ondo State.
As Director-General of the Opomulero Group, I have consistently maintained my support for Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami and Hon. Omowumi Isaac because I believe Owo should encourage its sons and daughters who are entrusted with important public responsibilities.
Supporting them does not mean abandoning accountability.
Democracy requires us to appreciate good leadership while demanding measurable performance from everyone elected into public office.
This is why Owo people must also begin asking serious questions about the performance of all elected representatives.
What major constituency projects have been attracted?
What legislative contributions have been made?
How has Owo benefited from their years in office?
These are legitimate questions every voter has the right to ask before another mandate is requested.
Political office is a public trust—not a personal entitlement.
Every elected official owes the people a transparent account of stewardship.
If Owo fails to appreciate those presently serving in government while also holding elected representatives accountable for their performance, we risk weakening our political relevance and reducing opportunities for future generations.
For this reason, I have been unable to align with the current political direction of the Honourable Minister of Interior.
My position is not personal.
It is based on what I genuinely believe represents the long-term political interest of Owo Kingdom.
I believe every political leader aspiring to higher office must present a clear vision that guarantees fairness, inclusion, equity and balanced development across every part of Ondo North Senatorial District.
Leadership should unite communities—not divide them.
I also believe every elected government deserves sufficient time to concentrate on governance before conversations about succession begin.
Premature political campaigns distract government, create unnecessary tension and slow development.
Ondo State deserves political stability, responsible leadership and mature democratic engagement.
This article is therefore not a call for hostility against Akoko or any other community.
Rather, it is a wake-up call to Owo.
Communities that remain united will always negotiate from positions of strength.
Communities divided by internal rivalries will continue to watch opportunities slip away.
The future of Owo cannot depend on emotions, personal ambition or money politics.
It must be built on unity, strategic planning, strong political institutions, support for competent sons and daughters of the kingdom and a shared commitment to protecting the interests of generations yet unborn.
The time has come for Owo to rediscover its political strength.
The time has come for Owo to speak with one voice.
The time has come for Owo to rebuild its relevance in Ondo State and Nigeria.
If we fail to unite today, history will not blame outsiders.
History will blame us for failing to protect our own political destiny.
I come in peace.
Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael
Director-General, Opomulero Group (DG Opomulero)
