How Chief Akande’s continuing leadership guidance remains relevant

Chief Bisi Akande, fondly known as Baba Akande or Baba awon omo kekere, remains one of Nigeria’s most respected elder statesmen. Though retired from active politics, his decades of leadership continue to inform national governance. His tenure as Governor of Osun State from 1999 to 2003 was marked by practical reforms that expanded free education, […]

Chief Bisi Akande, fondly known as Baba Akande or Baba awon omo kekere, remains one of Nigeria’s most respected elder statesmen. Though retired from active politics, his decades of leadership continue to inform national governance. His tenure as Governor of Osun State from 1999 to 2003 was marked by practical reforms that expanded free education, strengthened healthcare, and ensured prudent fiscal management, earning the state a reputation for stability, transparency, and progress. Today, his experience serves as a benchmark for disciplined and citizen-focused leadership.

At the Joel Babatola Annual Lecture organised by the Ekiti Council of Elders in Ado-Ekiti, Akande drew on this wealth of experience to address Nigeria’s current challenges and prospects. In his lecture, “Governance, Structural Reforms and the Economic Landscape of Nigeria in the Present 21st Century,” he emphasised that effective governance requires a blend of historical awareness, strategic planning, and practical action. He paid tribute to the late Chief Joel Babatola as “a great son of Ekitiland and one of the champions of the Action Group’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria,” linking past leadership ideals to contemporary responsibilities…

Akande paid tribute to the late Chief Joel Babatola describing him as “a great son of Ekitiland and one of the champions of the Action Group’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria.” He traced the historical roots of Nigeria’s political economy emphasizing the complex interplay of regional kingdoms, early conflicts and the structures left behind by colonial administration.

Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Osun State, Baba Akande highlighted reforms that expanded free education strengthened healthcare and ensured prudent fiscal management. These achievements earned Osun State a reputation for stability transparency and progress. Observers note that his administration combined strategic planning with citizen-focused programs offering practical examples of how governance can be effective and responsive.

During the lecture Akande answered a wide range of questions on governance policy and leadership with clarity and precision. His guidance has shaped presidential decisions twice in succession underscoring his role as a strategist and advisor behind the scenes. Political insiders frequently point to his foresight practical reasoning and strategic judgment as reasons why leaders continue to seek his counsel.

Akande also drew lessons from history reminding the audience of past struggles under colonial rule and military dictatorship. “The military in most civilizations is trained to kill destroy and conquer not to govern civil societies,” he said. He explained how military rule left a legacy of fiscal indiscipline and distorted priorities which continue to affect Nigeria’s economic and social development.

Turning to contemporary governance he highlighted the PBAT Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a blueprint for 21st-century economic renewal. Key priorities include food self-sufficiency infrastructure development human capital growth and national unity. These measures aim to defend Nigeria’s resources from internal sabotage and external exploitation while opening opportunities for citizens to take leadership roles in the economy.

Closing his lecture Akande called on Nigerians to uphold the values of integrity service and patriotism. “Blessed be the memory of Joel Babatola. Blessed be the unity and progress of Nigeria,” he said earning applause from traditional rulers academics and government officials present. His voice continues to influence policy and decisions demonstrating that real leadership does not end when formal office is left behind.

Baba Akande’s life shows that disciplined thought practical action and unwavering honesty can leave a lasting mark on a nation. His guidance ensures that Nigeria’s leaders have both direction and perspective as they navigate complex economic and political challenges. Those who follow his counsel recognize that his influence remains as relevant today as it was during his tenure in office and that the country continues to benefit from his steady hand.

Temilade Okesanjo is a governance strategist and crises management expert with over 16 years’ experience in both the private and public sectors. She holds an LLM in Law, from Buckingham University, UK, and a first degree in Communication from Lead City University, Nigeria