Ekiti at the Crossroads Performance Poverty and the Price of Loyalty

By Engr. Amb. Tosin Owonifari

Ekiti State stands at a critical juncture in its political evolution. As activities intensify ahead of party primaries and the emergence of candidates, a fundamental question must be addressed by both leaders and citizens. Are we strengthening a system built on performance and accountability, or are we perpetuating a pattern shaped by loyalty, inducement, and short term political advantage

The Paradox of the Fountain of Knowledge

Ekiti is widely known as the Fountain of Knowledge. This identity was built on a foundation of education, intellectual strength, and principled engagement. However, there is a growing disconnect between this historic identity and present day reality.

Our intellectual capital is leaking. Many of our talented young graduates remain underutilised. Instead of being empowered to drive innovation and development, some are drawn into political structures in ways that do not reflect their capacity or potential. A state that should be a hub for regional innovation is struggling to convert its intellectual strength into measurable prosperity.

The Technocrat’s Dilemma Competence vs Micromanagement

Ekiti is not in short supply of capable hands. The State is blessed with experienced, globally exposed, and technically sound professionals who understand what is required to deliver meaningful development.

However, a major barrier remains. Many of these professionals cannot and will not operate in environments defined by excessive control. They are individuals who value principle, structure, and results.

This has created a system where competence is often secondary to control. In such an environment, those willing to be directed without question are more likely to be accommodated than those capable of independent thinking and delivery.

If Ekiti is to move forward, there must be a shift toward a system that respects expertise and allows capable individuals the independence required to perform effectively.

The Reality of the Current Political Landscape

Across the Senate, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and among appointees, political activity is intensifying. Yet, support is increasingly driven by personal relationships and immediate considerations rather than a clear assessment of performance.

The key questions are not being asked.

What has each officeholder actually delivered to the people

What measurable impact can be identified in local communities

Has access to power translated into opportunities for the wider population

Public office is not a reward. It is a responsibility.

Breaking the Cycle From Poverty to Productivity

There is a cycle that must be addressed.

Leadership does not deliver sufficient development

Economic conditions remain difficult

Those conditions then influence political choices in ways that prioritise short term benefit over long term progress

This has created a system where economic vulnerability can influence political behaviour and decision making.

As someone with business interests in Ekiti and a commitment to the Africa Union Agenda 2063, it is clear that the business environment is not yet sufficiently enabling. Local businesses face operational challenges, and innovation remains underdeveloped.

For Ekiti to realise its potential, there must be a deliberate focus on:

Autonomy for experts allowing professionals to operate without unnecessary interference

Support for entrepreneurship creating a conducive environment for small and medium enterprises

Investment in human capital ensuring that young people contribute meaningfully to economic growth

The Way Forward A Call for Accountability

The time has come for a shift toward performance based evaluation. Decisions on candidacy and endorsement must reflect measurable impact rather than assumptions or alignment.

Transparency in governance must be strengthened. Budgets are passed annually, and resources are allocated. The outcomes of these processes must be visible and accessible at the community level.

Institutions responsible for oversight must ensure that Ministries Departments and Agencies deliver on their mandates. Where there are gaps, they must be addressed with clarity and accountability.

Ekiti must now decide.

Will it continue with a system shaped by loyalty and short term considerations

Or will it move toward leadership defined by performance accountability and measurable impact

Power is temporary. The consequences of leadership are not.

The question remains.

Who has demonstrated the capacity and performance to be trusted with the future of Ekiti

Engr. Amb. Tosin Owonifari

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, T21 Services UK and Nigeria

General Secretary, Ekiti Parapo UK

Africa Union Agenda 2063 Ambassador

Policy and Public Affairs Commentator