It is often said that true leadership is not a destination but a journey of consistent service, and few stories illustrate this better than that of Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari. My own connection to this narrative began last July when I noticed a glaring omission in the honors list during the University of Ilorin’s golden jubilee. While many were celebrated, the silence regarding Dr. Buhari—the first and only Senator to emerge from the “Better By Far” institution—was too loud to ignore.
Thankfully, the university leadership, under Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, listened. By last November, during the institution’s 50th Anniversary Alumni Colloquium, the oversight was corrected, and Senator Buhari was rightfully honored. This recognition was more than just a plaque; it was a testament to a career that began in the lecture rooms of Unilorin in 1985 and transitioned through the high-stakes world of the private sector before finding its true calling in public service.
Buhari’s political trajectory is one of steady, deliberate growth. He first made his mark in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007, representing Ogbomoso. After a period of “recharging”—which he used to earn a Master’s and a Doctorate in Public Policy—he returned to serve as a Commissioner under the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi. Since 2015, he has represented Oyo North in the Senate, winning three consecutive elections in a district that covers a massive portion of the state.
What sets Buhari apart in the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly is his proactive nature. Currently serving as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, he has become a fierce advocate for the average traveler. Whether he is pushing for stricter regulations on smaller airlines to ensure passenger safety or challenging the “sky-high” fares charged during the festive seasons, his focus remains on the people. As noted by Reports, he has even taken the bold step of calling for public inquiries into allegations of substance abuse among pilots, prioritizing national safety above all else.
Beyond the capital, his impact at home is tangible. He was a driving force behind the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology (FUNATO) in Okeho, a feat that finally brought a significant federal presence to the long-neglected Oke-Ogun region. In fact, the Vice-Chancellor of the new institution credited Buhari with nearly 90 percent of the effort required to make the university a reality. To his constituents, however, he isn’t just a lawmaker; he is “Mr. Employment.” Known for carrying a briefcase full of CVs of young graduates, he spends his time lobbying for jobs rather than personal enrichment.
As we look toward 2027, the conversation in Oyo State is shifting toward the Government House in Agodi. With Governor Seyi Makinde’s successful second term winding down, there is a powerful and justified clamor for the Oke-Ogun/Ibarapa zone to produce the next governor. Given the historical dominance of Ibadan in the state’s top office, the call for equity is growing louder.
Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari emerges as the natural choice for this transition. He possesses the rare combination of academic depth, private-sector discipline, and an exhaustive record of legislative achievement. If he has been able to accomplish this much from the Senate floor, one can only imagine the transformation he could bring to the entire state with executive authority. For those seeking a leader who is both experienced and deeply connected to the grassroots, Buhari isn’t just a candidate—he is the right fit for the future of Oyo State.
