By Ola Asubiojo
The Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga Stephen, has charged the people of Igede and Awo Ekiti, members of staff, political stakeholders, youths and market women to cultivate an enduring culture of love, unity, constructive engagement and genuine support for the development of their communities.
Oluwatuyi gave the charge on Monday while engaging dynamically with vibrant youths, market women, political heavyweights and proactive members of staff across the Local Government, in continuation of his characteristic open-door and people-oriented leadership approach.
The Chairman emphasised that leadership and followership are inseparable partners in the journey of development. He therefore urged citizens to see those presently entrusted with political and administrative responsibilities not as infallible “tin gods,” but as human beings who, despite their manifest intentions and commitments, remain capable of making mistakes.
According to him, every elected representative assumes office with beautiful dreams, manifestos and developmental aspirations which inspired the electorate to entrust them with their mandate. However, “no one is a repository of all knowledge.”
Consequently, whenever a leader errs, the people should respond with objective criticism, humility, love and constructive suggestions rather than distant condemnation, silent resentment or judgment from the sidelines.
The Chairman described positive criticism as an indispensable ingredient of purposeful leadership, stressing that constructive feedback does not weaken leadership but strengthens it.
In his words, “citizens should not merely identify shortcomings; they should also suggest practical pathways through which their representatives can improve governance and deliver greater dividends of democracy”.
He cited the leadership disposition of the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Abayomi Oyebanji, as an example of governance that accommodates the voices, opinions and constructive contributions of the people.
According to him, responsive leadership flourishes when leaders remain accessible, humble and willing to listen, irrespective of political differences or divergent opinions.
Oluwatuyi further expressed profound appreciation to the people of Igede and Awo Ekiti, as well as the dedicated staff of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, for their confidence, encouragement, advice and continued partnership with his administration.
He noted that his administration’s journey is far from complete, declaring that there is still much more to accomplish, consolidate and add to the visible achievements already recorded before the conclusion of his first term.
With characteristic optimism and a deep sense of responsibility, the Chairman assured the people that the remaining months of the administration would be utilised purposefully to strengthen existing achievements, pursue additional developmental initiatives and position Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government for even greater heights.
His message ultimately resonated as a call for collective ownership of governance: leadership must listen, citizens must constructively engage, and both sides must work together with humility, love and sincerity.He therefore seek for their ultimate support and Unrivalled organic votes for the second term bid of himself, his vice chairman and other councillors in the forthcoming local government election,slated for December, for the upward continuity of leadership skills in the development, growth and unwavering steps to the glorious promised land, by the grace of God.
For Oluwatuyi, the road to a truly enviable community is not built by leaders alone. It is forged collectively—through love without bitterness, criticism without malice, followership without blind loyalty, leadership without arrogance, and a shared commitment to making the community better than it was found.
As the next chapter of his administration beckons, the Chairman’s philosophy remains unmistakable: governance is a collective journey, and sustainable development becomes possible when leaders and citizens walk that journey together.
