Character, Competence, and Credibility: The Bola Oyebamiji I Know

One of the most exciting and reassuring developments in Osun State’s evolving political landscape is the calibre of individuals stepping forward to lead our beloved state. From law, management, and finance to public service, business, and governance, the finest minds of Osun are stepping forward. This is not only a good development but also an indication of a deepening democracy and a maturing political culture.

As someone privileged to have walked the corridors of both government and the private sector, I hold deep respect and admiration for all the aspirants. Each of them brings a unique selling point, as an accomplished individual with a desire to contribute to the future of our dear state.

However, amidst this impressive array of aspirants, I feel compelled to speak from a place of personal experience and professional insight about Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), a man I have known long before politics came into view, and whose aspiration I deeply believe in.

Our paths first crossed during my years in the banking sector. Even then, AMBO stood out, not just for his quiet competence, and sterling performance, but for his professional depth and character. He is a thoroughbred financial expert, whose approach to banking, management, and people was principled, precise, and pragmatic. He demonstrated maturity and understanding that clearly pointed to leadership capacity far beyond the corporate world.

As Managing Director of the Osun State Investment Company Limited (OSICOL), he transformed the organisation, diversified its business portfolio and recorded nearly 1,000% growth in assets within five years. His business acumen and transformational leadership skills were top notch.

When he was later appointed the Commissioner for Finance, following his sterling performance at OSICOL, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji brought the same standard of excellence into public service. During a time of severe fiscal challenges, he played a pivotal role in stabilizing the state’s finances under the administrations of both Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Governor Gboyega Oyetola. He worked closely with other stakeholders in the state finance team, and the State Legislature to navigate the most challenging macroeconomic period and set Osun on the path of fiscal sustainability.

These are not hearsay accounts. I speak from first hand experience with Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji . As a banker, I managed OSICOL’s accounts even before his appointment as Managing Director. I also managed Osun State Government’s banking relationship with four different commercial banks, from Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s administration through the early part of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s second term. Later, as a legislator, I served on both the Public Accounts Committee and the Finance and Appropriation Committee of the Osun State House of Assembly during his tenure as Finance Commissioner. Our professional relationship spanned both the private and public sectors, and I can confidently say Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji is a grounded expert who knows his onions, values competence and intellectual depth in others.

What distinguishes AMBO is not merely the offices he has held, but the transformational leadership he brought to each of them. As a technocrat, he excelled. As a public servant, he stood tall. As a man of the people, he remained accessible, thoughtful, and genuinely committed to grassroots development.

Beyond numbers and performance indicators, it is his character that shines the brightest. Bola Oyebamiji is a listener, one who hears even the silent cries of others, and he makes no noise about his generosity. He is a man of his word. He knows how to say “no” with kindness and “yes” with caution. Strategic yet compassionate, firm yet fair, visionary yet grounded in reality, he exemplifies leadership in the true sense.

AMBO is a pan-Osun aspirant whose heart resonates with every corner of the state, not just a district or zone. He is no stranger to our people or our challenges. He is not an outsider to our politics and governance, our business terrain, or our development needs. He is a true son of Osun, who has walked our paths, felt our pains, and carries our collective dreams with honour.

I speak of the Bola Oyebamiji I know:
The one who sees public office as a platform for service, not self-promotion or mere display of power.
The one who believes in the greatness of Osun and the shared prosperity of its people.

The one who recognizes talent, embraces diversity and knows how to build inclusive teams that deliver results.
The one who is not just running to contest, but prepared to lead, with sincerity, focus, and a future-proof agenda.

As we look forward to a new chapter in Osun’s history, the state needs a leader who is calm in approach, sound in judgment, and skilled in wealth creation and public financial management. We need someone who understands the weight of governance and the dignity of responsibility, not driven by ambition, but inspired by a genuine desire to serve.

I have been opportuned to interact with almost all of these finest individuals offering to lead our dear state, and I hold them all in high esteem. They are, indeed, our pride and invaluable assets to Osun State.

But in Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, I see not just the best fit but also the right leader for this season.
He is not only competent, but credible.
Not just prepared, but proven.
Not just running, but ready.
He is a technocrat and public administrator with the heart of a servant-leader, a rare blend of professional depth and a spirit of stewardship.

Leadership is not defined by ambition alone. It is measured by capacity, consistency and credibility. In all the three, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji is abundantly qualified.

If given the opportunity to lead, I am confident he will serve Osun State with the Character, Competence, and Credibility it truly deserves.