Inside the Closed-Door ‘Family Meeting’: What I Discovered About AMBO That Osun Must Hear -By John Oyebanji

A few hours ago in Osogbo, I walked into what was described not as a press conference, but a family meeting with Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, the gubernatorial flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State.

It was a closed-door media parley attended by a select number of seasoned broadcast journalists across the state. No grandstanding, no theatrics, no prepared applause lines, just conversation.

From the onset, the tone was strikingly different. It was expressly stated that journalists were not there to echo propaganda or align with any candidate. We were encouraged to report the truth, as we saw and heard it. That singular declaration immediately changed the atmosphere. There was openness. No coercion, and no subtle attempt to plant narratives. It felt less like politics and more like dialogue.

But beyond the setting, what truly drew my attention was the man himself.

AMBO came across as composed, intellectually grounded, and remarkably personable. A gentleman with a calm confidence, not loud, not defensive, but assured. His resumé alone could fill pages, but credentials, as impressive as they are, were not the highlight of the day. What stood out was how he contextualised his experiences.

After sharing a brief personal and professional background, only five journalists were given the opportunity to ask questions. I was privileged to go first.

I took him back to one of the most controversial periods in Osun’s governance history (i.e the era of Rauf Aregbesola), particularly the half-salary policy introduced during the financial crisis.

I asked him directly: “You acknowledged being part of the administration when the half-salary policy was introduced. Looking back now, do you believe that policy was the best option at the time, and what would you do differently today if Osun faces a similar financial crisis? What concrete safeguards will you put in place to ensure workers in Osun never experience salary cuts again?”

It was not a comfortable question, it wasn’t meant to be.

Yet, his response was calm, reflective, and devoid of blame-shifting. He acknowledged the peculiarity of that fiscal period and addressed the complexities without throwing anyone under the bus. It was measured, not evasive. (His detailed response deserves a standalone conversation, and I intend to give it one.)

What impressed me even more was what happened afterward.

I requested a brief one-on-one audience. He granted it, without hesitation. No handlers rushing him, no time-policing interruptions, he listened patiently.

During that interaction, I asked: “What lessons from your experience at Osun State Investment Company Limited will directly shape your economic plan for Osun State if elected governor?”

His answer revealed the technocrat behind the politician.

As former Managing Director of the Osun State Investment Company, he explained that he gained practical experience in restructuring public enterprises and repositioning state-owned assets for productivity.

Under his leadership, subsidiaries in distribution, water production, and property development were reorganised. Housing projects were delivered beyond Osun – in Lagos and Abuja. The company diversified into the oil and gas sector, maintaining a functional gas station in Abeere. A new corporate headquarters, now known as Omoluabi Holdings, was completed. He also highlighted the development of Osun Mall as a project that continues to stimulate economic activity and create employment.

To him, these are not mere achievements, they are proof of concept. Evidence, he argued, that investment-led growth is not theory but practice.

He emphasised that, if elected, his administration would focus on inclusive governance, policies with multiplier effects, sustainable development, infrastructure expansion, and private-sector participation. The vision, as he described it, is an economy that does not merely survive federal allocations but actively builds wealth internally.

Beyond policies and projects, what left an impression on me was his accessibility. In a political culture where many aspirants become distant the moment ambition ripens, he was remarkably open. My hope is that such accessibility endures beyond election season.

I am a firm believer that elections should be contests of ideas, not contests of noise. Even before official campaigns commence, this engagement laid a foundation for issue-based discourse.

Going forward, I intend to interface with other gubernatorial candidates as well. Democracy demands balanced engagement.

But as of today, this is my honest account, the APC has presented a candidate with demonstrable administrative exposure, investment experience, and a measured temperament.

Whether that translates into electoral victory is for the people of Osun to decide.

For now, one thing is clear, and that is the fact that there is material on the table.

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John Oyebanji is a Public Affairs Analyst, Media/PR Specialist, and Educational Administrator, among many other things he represents. He writes from Modakeke, Osun State, and can be reached via +2349032201075, thejohnoyebanji@gmail.com