On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
US-Based Osogbo Professor Who Assisted Over 70 Nigerians to the Diaspora Declares Vision for Osun, Scores Adeleke ‘Zero’
In another edition of LΓRΓ T'ΓMI, a widely followed public affairs podcast anchored by Mukhtar Ajelogbon of Osun Reporters News, Nigerian-born retired U.S. Professor of Mathematics, Raifu Oyewole Durodoye, shared deep reflections on his life journey, education, return to Osogbo, and why he is joining the 2026 Osun governorship race under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Professor Durodoye, an illustrious son of Osogbo, began by recounting his humble background.
“I am from Iyalode Compound at Oja-Oba,” he said. “I attended AUD Primary School in Sabo, Osogbo, before moving to Saint Charles for my secondary education. My tertiary education was at the University of Ibadan. While in Ibadan, I received a scholarship to study in the United States, where I completed my Master’s and Doctorate degrees and taught Mathematics for 35 years across five states.”
He disclosed that he lectured in West Virginia, Texas, Virginia, Boston, and Massachusetts, eventually retiring in Texas before deciding it was time to “return home.”
*"Osun Has Not Transformed" — Prof. Durodoye Laments*
Speaking with visible concern, Professor Durodoye expressed disappointment at the level of development in Osun, despite the passage of time.
“The state capital has not morphed from its past,” he lamented. “Osun has not transformed. Government is vested with omni-competent powers and citizens look up to leaders to do what is right.”
To illustrate effective governance, he narrated the story of a foreign governor whose car was towed in Bulgaria for wrong parking, prompting the governor to publicly apologize on national television.
“That is what accountability looks like,” he noted.
*Diaspora Connections and Return to Politics*
The retired academic explained his relationship with Nigerians in the diaspora, saying he had lived across several U.S. states before settling in Texas.
On why he is venturing into politics, he said his ambition is driven by a desire to uplift Osun State and empower its people.
“When you join politics, it gives youths pathways to governance and creates avenues to address societal needs like health and the economy,” he said. “What I saw after returning home makes me sad.”
He expressed concern over unemployment among graduates, warning that the future of Osun is at risk if the state continues to waste the knowledge of its youth.
*Harsh Critique of Gov. Adeleke*
In one of his most controversial remarks, Professor Durodoye strongly criticized the performance and educational background of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
"If he were in my class, I would score him zero,” he said.
He described the Atlanta institution attended by the governor as “low profile,” claiming it was not comparable to Morehouse College. He further questioned the timeline of the governor’s academic progression and the quality of healthcare in the state.
“If you take any patient to LAUTECH, you may end up sitting there all day. For MRI, they refer you to Afe Babalola in Ekiti. To what benefit are roads to unemployed, hungry graduates?”
*Plans for Education, Health, Economy, and International Partnerships*
Professor Durodoye revealed that he has already set up a committee in the U.S. to support his development blueprint for Osun. Members include a former ambassador to Nigeria and diplomats in public affairs.
“I told them that I served their country for 35 years; now it is their turn to serve me,” he said.
He outlined an ambitious international education exchange program where:
Osun students will spend two years in the state and two years in the U.S. or Canada.
Children of diaspora partners in the U.K. will spend two years abroad and complete their studies in Osun.
For healthcare, he proposes creating Efficient Emergency Units (EEUs) in all three senatorial districts.
“In case of accidents, it should not take more than three minutes for rescuers to respond,” he said.
On the economy, Durodoye disclosed that he visited China and Japan in search of technological and industrial opportunities that can create jobs for Osun youths.
“If I don’t bring these opportunities home, then my years in the U.S. are a waste,” he stated.
*Helping Nigerians Access Opportunities Abroad*
As part of his commitment to giving back, Professor Durodoye said he has helped more than 70 Nigerians relocate to the diaspora. He also facilitated a program involving the then U.S. Vice President under President Bill Clinton during Nigeria’s Obasanjo administration, which eased travel processes for Nigerians.
Professor Raifu Oyewole Durodoye presents himself as a scholar, reformer, and political hopeful determined to deploy his global experience toward reshaping Osun State. His comments, rich with promises and sharp criticisms, are already stirring conversations ahead of the 2026 governorship race.
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