The Chairman of the Association of Traditional Baales in Ibadan, Baale Olounde Ige, has expressed profound disappointment following Eng. Dotun Sanusi’s withdrawal from the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State.
Ige, who has dedicated decades to public service, articulated the hope many had placed in Sanusi’s candidacy to bring transformative change to the state’s governance.
Baale Ige emphasised that while the reasons for Sanusi’s withdrawal are known, the community had anticipated that his leadership would offer a new direction for Oyo State.
“Your potential as governor could have reshaped governance in a meaningful way,” he stated, reflecting on the high expectations surrounding Sanusi’s political aspirations.
With a career in Oyo State service dating back to 1962, Ige shared his insights into the historical significance of civil servants in maintaining governmental order.
He recalled a time when civil servants were effectively barred from politics, a measure that ensured accountability and integrity within the public sector.
“Under the Western Region government, any civil servant who acted like a politician faced immediate dismissal,” Ige noted.
However, the narrative changed dramatically with the rise of military rule in Nigeria.
Ige lamented that military leaders began demanding large cash withdrawals from Accountant Generals, undermining the previous system of financial management.
“This shift has led to a culture where civil servants now instruct political appointees in the art of financial mismanagement,” he remarked.
In his letter, Ige called for a leader who can address the “mess” left by years of mismanagement and corruption.
He expressed concern that noble politicians like Sanusi, who seek to improve the lives of the less fortunate, are choosing to withdraw from politics to preserve their integrity and that of their families.
“We need leaders who are willing to stand firm in the face of adversity, not retreat in fear of tarnishing their names,” he urged.
Baale Ige concluded his heartfelt message with a prayer for divine intervention in the troubled political landscape of Oyo State.
“May God save us from this crisis,” he implored, emphasizing the urgent need for authentic leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the people.