𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑷𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝑨 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑩𝒐𝒍𝒂 𝑶𝒚𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒋𝒊 𝑩𝒚 𝑲𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒎 𝑨𝒅𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒚𝒐.

Leadership is measured not only by ambition but by character, humility, and respect for the institutions that sustain society. In Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial Candidate ,has displayed a worrying pattern of behavior and political miscalculation that raises serious questions about his suitability to govern.
Oyebamiji hails from Ikire in Osun State, firmly within the Osun West Senatorial District. Yet, he has repeatedly referred to himself as being from the so-called “Westorial District of Osun,” a claim that suggests either a misunderstanding of his political base or a deliberate attempt to redefine his identity for political advantage. Such a disconnect is troubling, revealing a candidate who is either out of touch with his roots or willing to manipulate perception for political expediency.
This pattern of misjudgment is mirrored in his conduct toward traditional authorities. At a recent public function, Oyebamiji knelt to show deference to Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, the wife of his godfather, former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, yet extended only a handshake to the Soun of Ogbomosho, a first-class Oba from Oyo State, a senior and highly respected monarch. The contrast is glaring. A man seeking to govern Osun prioritized personal loyalty over the dignity of a revered traditional institution—a clear sign of selective humility and political calculation.
This was not an isolated incident. A few months ago at Akinlalu, Oyebamiji displayed a similar pattern, showing allegiance to personal connections while downplaying the respect due to traditional authorities. The repetition of this behavior indicates a pattern of conduct that is politically and culturally risky, even before assuming office.
His APC associates mirrored his approach, kneeling before Mrs. Oyetola while standing stiffly before the Soun. This public display of selective respect reflects a hierarchy in which personal loyalty eclipses cultural protocol, institutional respect, and public responsibility. Can a governor who treats senior traditional authorities with such casualness command the respect necessary to lead Osun effectively?
Traditional rulers, whether within the state or in neighboring regions, are more than ceremonial symbols; they are custodians of culture, anchors of social cohesion, and vital conduits between government and the people. Disrespect toward them signals arrogance and a lack of humility qualities incompatible with effective governance. If Oyebamiji cannot navigate these relationships with decorum before holding office, one must ask how he will relate to other traditional institutions across Osun, which are essential for conflict resolution, governance, and community trust.
Leadership demands humility and recognition that authority is a responsibility to all, not a privilege exercised selectively. Bola Oyebamiji’s repeated conduct coupled with his misrepresentation of his political and geographical base reveals a selective deference and political calculation that is incompatible with the dignity expected of a governor.
Osun voters are at a crossroads. Will they entrust the state to a candidate whose actions suggest personal loyalty and political expediency outweigh respect for institutions, tradition, and the people? Or will they insist on leaders who honor their roots, respect cultural authority, and uphold the dignity of public office?
Bola Oyebamiji’s actions speak louder than any campaign promise. Without humility, respect for tradition, and adherence to protocol, governance risks becoming a vehicle for personal favor rather than collective progress. Osun deserves leaders who uphold dignity, culture, and institutional respect. Anything less is a gamble the state cannot afford.