...To get all news updates, Join our WhatsApp Group (Click Here)
Connect with us on Linkedin (Click Here)
Ibadan, Oyo State – As Christians across Oyo State and the world commemorate Good Friday, a day that marks the crucifixion and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, Otunba Oluseye Oladosu Opatoki, a prominent political leader and governorship aspirant for the 2027 elections in Oyo State, has extended his heartfelt felicitations to the good people of the state, urging them to imbibe the enduring lessons of love, sacrifice, and hope that the season represents.
In a statement released on Friday morning through his media office in Ibadan, Otunba Oluseye Opatoki described Good Friday as more than a religious observance, but a profound reminder of selflessness, leadership through service, and the triumph of light over darkness. He noted that the essence of the day resonates deeply with the socio-political realities of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole, especially at a time when citizens yearn for purposeful leadership and inclusive governance.
“Good Friday teaches us that genuine leadership is rooted in sacrifice. Just as Christ laid down His life for humanity, we as leaders and aspiring leaders must be prepared to subordinate personal interests for the collective good of our people”, Otunba Opatoki stated.
The governorship hopeful commended the resilience of the people of Oyo State, particularly the Christian faithful, for their steadfastness in faith, prayer, and nation-building. He observed that despite economic hardships and security concerns, the Nigerian citizens have continued to demonstrate remarkable patience, unity, and commitment to peace, virtues which he described as the bedrock upon which a greater Nigeria and Oyo State will be built.
Reflecting on the significance of the Easter season, Otunba Oluseye Opatoki called on political actors, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders across Egbeda, Ona-Ara, Ibadan, Ogbomosho, Oyo, Ibarapa, and Oke-Ogun zones to see this period as an opportunity to renew their commitment to service, equity, and justice. According to him, the death of Christ signifies the end of despair, while His resurrection, celebrated on Easter Sunday, symbolizes hope and new beginnings for the people of Oyo State.
“In my engagements across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, I have seen firsthand the hunger of our people for transformational leadership. Our farmers in Saki, our traders in Oje and Bodija markets, our students in LAUTECH and The Polytechnic Ibadan, and our artisans in Ogbomosho all share one common aspiration, a government that listens, works, and delivers like that of Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration. This Good Friday, I reaffirm my covenant with the people of Oyo State to offer that kind of leadership come 2027,” he declared.
Otunba Oluseye Opatoki, who is also a seasoned quantity surveyor, businessman, and philanthropist, emphasized that the lessons of Good Friday should inspire leaders to prioritize people-oriented policies, transparency, and accountability. He stressed that the state’s abundant human and material resources can only translate into prosperity when leaders embrace the virtue of sacrifice and eschew divisive politics.
He further appealed to citizens to use the solemnity of Good Friday to pray for peace in Oyo State, wisdom for its current leaders, and unity among its diverse ethnic and religious communities. “Oyo State is stronger when we stand together. Whether Muslim or Christian, Ibadan or Oke-Ogun, APC or PDP, we are first and foremost Oyo indigenes. Let the cross of Christ remind us that love conquers all and that our diversity is our strength,” he added.
While felicitating with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, and all Christian denominations across the state, Otunba Oluseye Opatoki urged the youth to emulate Christ’s courage and compassion. He advised them to shun violence, thuggery, and political exploitation, and instead channel their energy into productive ventures, skills acquisition, and civic participation that will shape the Oyo State of their dreams.
The governorship aspirant also used the occasion to restate his commitment to a development agenda anchored on industrialization, agricultural revolution, quality education, affordable healthcare, and infrastructural renewal. He maintained that his vision for Oyo State is rooted in the same principle that Good Friday represents—giving one’s best for the good of all.
“Leadership is not about occupying the office; it is about carrying the burdens of the people. On this Good Friday, I rededicate myself to the service of Oyo State and pledge to be a bridge between the aspirations of our people and the realization of those aspirations.
As he concluded his message, Otunba Oluseye Oladosu Opatoki wished all Christians in Oyo State a solemn Good Friday and a joyful Easter celebration in advance, praying that the blessings of the season bring peace to every home, prosperity to every community, and progress to the entire state.
“May the sacrifice of Christ renew our hope, strengthen our faith, and unite us in the common pursuit of a greater, peaceful, and prosperous Oyo State. Happy Good Friday to the good people of Oyo State,” the statement concluded.
...To get all news updates, Join our WhatsApp Group (Click Here)
Connect with us on Linkedin (Click Here)
