Who Is Afraid of Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo? -By Adeyemi Temitope Sanya

Politics in Ondo State has never been dull. But recently, the conversations have become more intense, more strategic, and in some quarters, more defensive. One name keeps surfacing in political discussions across the state, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

So, let’s ask the honest question: who is afraid of Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo?

Let’s stay with facts.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is Nigeria’s current Minister of Interior, appointed in August 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Before that, he represented Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023.

During his time in the House, he chaired the Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), where legislative oversight intensified, including the forensic audit process of the commission. That is part of the public record.

Now to his ministerial performance.

Shortly after assuming office, the Ministry of Interior announced the clearance of over 200,000 passport backlogs. For years, passport delays were a major national concern. The Nigeria Immigration Service publicly confirmed the clearance efforts.

A contactless passport application system for Nigerians abroad was introduced. Automation and process reforms reportedly improved revenue generation into government coffers, running into billions of naira. E-gates were deployed at major international airports to strengthen border management. Reforms were also announced across agencies under the ministry, Immigration, Civil Defence, Fire Service, and Correctional Service, focusing on digitisation and operational efficiency.

These are measurable steps, not campaign speeches.

Across political lines, individuals within and outside his party have acknowledged that his presence at the federal level has brought visibility to Ondo State. Within the APC in Ondo, elders and youth leaders have publicly commended his work.

Back home in Ondo State, governance continues under the current administration. But politics naturally involves comparison. When one individual is delivering visible federal reforms with national attention, people will talk. When performance is documented and verifiable, it becomes part of political conversation whether anyone likes it or not.

No insults are necessary. No direct attacks are required. Facts create their own pressure.

In politics, fear rarely announces itself loudly. Sometimes it appears as discomfort. Sometimes as subtle pushback. Sometimes as calculated silence.

But one thing is certain: Ondo people are observant. They evaluate records. They understand performance.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has a legislative track record. He has chaired a major federal committee. He is serving as a minister implementing reforms that Nigerians can point to.

So again, who is afraid?

Because when competence becomes visible, political mathematics changes.

And in Ondo State today, the mathematics is clearly being recalculated.