An Ibadan High Chief, Oloye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, has identified corruption, bribery, mediocrity, and weak institutions as major factors preventing quality and effective leaders from emerging in Nigeria’s political system.
Adegoke, who is the Aare Egbe-Omo Balogun of Ibadanland, stated this while delivering a lecture titled “Democracy and the Search for Quality Leadership in Nigeria” at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council 2025 Press Week, held at the NUJ Secretariat, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Monday.
The event was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde (represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi), Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Labour, Comrade Bayo Titilola-Sodo, NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola, and journalists from across the state.
Speaking at the event, Adegoke lamented that genuine and capable individuals continue to avoid politics because of entrenched corruption and a lack of accountability in governance. He stressed that for Nigeria to witness transformational leadership, citizens must become more politically active and insist on merit during electoral processes.
“Citizens should demand accountability from their leaders by asking questions, seeking information, and holding them responsible for their actions,” Adegoke said.
“We must invest in education and critical thinking to make informed decisions and participate effectively in democracy. The search for quality leadership requires attitudinal change and collective effort. We must build a Nigeria where leaders are chosen based on merit, not mediocrity.”
He urged Nigerians to unite in building institutions that promote transparency, such as an independent judiciary, a free press, and anti-corruption agencies.
Representing Governor Makinde, Hon. Ogunwuyi commended the NUJ for its commitment to strengthening democracy and promoting accountability. He noted that the theme of this year’s Press Week—“Democracy and the Search for Quality Leadership in Nigeria Ahead of the 2027 General Election”—was timely and relevant to the nation’s current realities.
“As we approach another election cycle, the media must continue to play its noble role — not as a tool for division, but as a beacon of accountability and civic education,” Ogunwuyi said.
He congratulated Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin for being honoured as Outstanding Legislative Leader of the Year and lauded Comrade Demola Babalola and his team for their six years of dedicated service to the union.
Also speaking, Speaker Ogundoyin urged Nigerian youths not to shy away from politics, stressing that many of them possess the capacity to lead.
“I appeal to the youths to believe in themselves and take up the mantle of leadership because no one will hand it to us unless we aspire for it,” he said.
In their remarks, Dr. Olanrewaju and Comrade Sodo commended journalists in Oyo State for their role in informing and educating the public about government activities.
In his address, NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola, expressed gratitude to the state government and members of the union for their support throughout his two-term tenure, urging the incoming executive to build on the achievements recorded.
