L-R: Prof Oyedele, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Chief Wole Olanipekun, and Mrs Olu Verheijen, after the lecture themed “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” at the Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), Akure, on Monday
The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, has called for a fundamental shift in political leadership culture.
He asked politicians to stop telling the people what they intend to do for them and instead explain clearly how they plan to implement the collective vision and priorities of the people.
Oyedele made the call on Monday while delivering his lecture at the Ondo State at 50 Public Lecture held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), Akure, as part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee of the creation of the state.
The event provided a platform for deep reflection on the state’s developmental journey and renewed commitment to building an inclusive, prosperous and sustainable future for the next generation.
He said that sustainable development can only be achieved when governance is anchored on clearly defined, people-driven plans that outlive individual administrations.
Besides, he stressed that leadership should be measured not by lofty promises but by the quality of execution, institutional continuity and measurable outcomes.
He urged the Ondo State Government to deliberately improve the state’s performance index across critical sectors, noting that development must be tracked, evaluated and benchmarked against clear indicators to ensure accountability and progress.
Oyedele advocated the formulation of a comprehensive development plan for the next 50 years, which, he said, should be rigorously pursued by successive administrations irrespective of political differences, in the overriding interest of the people.
He warned that without a long-term, binding framework, governments risk repeating cycles of abandoned projects, policy inconsistency and wasted resources, adding that continuity of vision was essential for economic growth, human capital development and institutional strength.
Describing himself as a proud son of Ondo State, Oyedele declared his willingness to contribute directly to the state’s future, offering his services free of charge towards the preparation of a robust long-term development plan capable of guaranteeing a sustainable future for the people.
“I am offering my services pro bono for the preparation of a plan that will secure a sustainable future for Ondo State,” he said, adding that such a document must be data-driven, inclusive and firmly rooted in fiscal discipline and economic realism.
Oyedele noted that Ondo State possessed enormous human and natural resources, stressing that what was required was disciplined planning, strong institutions and political will to translate potential into tangible prosperity.
The public lecture, themed “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” formed a central intellectual pillar of the Ondo State at 50 celebrations and attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, academics, professionals and stakeholders from within and outside the state.
