Jagaban TV Ramadan Lecture: Olagoke, Adenitan Advocate Integrity, Electoral Reform
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — A renowned Islamic scholar and founder of Shafaudeen Islamic Organisation, Professor Sabit Ariyo Olagoke, has urged Nigerians to prioritise integrity and thorough vetting of political aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Olagoke made the call on Sunday while delivering a lecture at the 3rd Edition of the Annual Jagaban TV Ramadan Lecture 1447 AH (2026), held at Jagaban TV Studio, Baba Ijesha street, Oluwo Nla, Bashorun, Ibadan.
He attributed Nigeria’s democratic challenges largely to the failure of citizens and institutions to properly scrutinise the backgrounds and character of individuals seeking political office.
“Our process of choosing leaders is faulty. We do not look at the background. We do not examine the personality traits of those who want to come into the arena of power. Until we revisit it, we will continue to miss it,” he said.
Democracy and Moral Responsibility
Olagoke noted that although democracy is noble in principle, it can falter in societies where discipline, justice, and moral restraint are weak.
Citing the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, he warned that unchecked freedom without ethical oversight creates fertile ground for corruption and mismanagement.
He questioned the lack of attention given to the early conduct and personal history of political aspirants.
“Why is it that we do not look at how they behaved in secondary school or in university? Without examining personality traits and background properly, we continue to hand over leadership to individuals whose true character only emerges after they assume office,” he added.
According to him, Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources position the country for global competitiveness, but persistent mismanagement and lack of integrity continue to undermine national progress.
In his earlier address, the Founder and Executive Director of Jagaban Communications, Mr. Samuel Oluwaseun Adenitan, emphasised the need for Nigerians to support leaders who embody integrity, competence, accountability, and selflessness.
“Nigeria can rise. Nigeria can prosper. Nigeria can lead. But only through integrity, accountability, strategic leadership, and collective responsibility,” Adenitan stated.
He stressed that ethical leadership should extend beyond electoral cycles and remain central to national development and security planning.
Samuel Adenitan further underscored the importance of strategic diplomacy in Nigeria’s foreign relations and security engagements.
“Nigeria must engage global powers strategically and carefully, particularly in areas of security cooperation and crime prevention.
While international alliances are important, our sovereignty and internal security must remain paramount,” he said.
He also advocated comprehensive electoral reform, including the adoption of digital and technologically advanced voting systems to enhance transparency, curb manipulation, and strengthen public trust in the electoral process.
In addition, Adenitan suggested that Nigeria’s multiparty system may require restructuring.
According to him, a more streamlined two-party system with clear ideological foundations and policy direction could improve accountability, reduce political fragmentation, and foster effective governance.
The lecture drew religious leaders, media professionals, and members of the public, with discussions centring on leadership ethics, democratic reform, and national development.