The compassionate Buhari of Oyo State — by Innocent Raphael

Is there a new Buhari on the block? Yes — this time in the Pace Setter State.

You see, when many people hear the name “Buhari”, their minds quickly go to the late Muhammadu Buhari, former Head of State and President of Nigeria. While some remember him for his leadership achievements, others hold different views — and that is fine. No leader is perfect, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

But in Oyo State, there is another Buhari whose story has been quietly unfolding — one who has spent years building people, touching lives, and walking a path of politics that genuinely illuminates the future of his community. This is the Buhari whose name is steadily being written in the hearts of the good people of Oyo: Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari.

In the political story of Oyo State today, Senator Buhari stands out as a leader whose actions speak louder than any campaign slogan. His approach is straightforward — stay close to the people, understand their needs, and serve with sincerity. Over the years, he has earned a reputation as a leader who genuinely cares, blending experience with a unique sense of kindness that many in Oyo North talk about with deep appreciation.

Born in Ogbomoso in 1965, Buhari’s path into public service is not one of sudden fame. It is built on discipline, learning and steady progress. From studying Business Administration to earning a PhD in Public Policy, he has invested heavily in knowledge. That foundation has helped him rise smoothly through both executive and legislative responsibilities, from the House of Representatives in 2003 to becoming a three-term senator known for reliability and hard work.

In Abuja, he has not been just another senator — he has been one of the nation’s most productive lawmakers. Independent assessments named him the best senator from Oyo State and the entire South-West in the 9th Assembly by bills productivity, and fifth in Nigeria. These achievements reflect his belief that Oyo State’s future depends on sound policies — policies in education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, ICT, and governance.

That same compassion that drives his empowerment programmes also guides his work in aviation oversight, where he currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation. In recent months, he has taken bold steps to protect both air travellers and aviation workers, insisting that safety, fairness and transparency must never be compromised.

After a thorough investigation into recent developments in the aviation sector, he openly criticised the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau for releasing inconsistent reports that could mislead the public and damage the country’s aviation reputation. In the same vein, he also urged regulators to coordinate properly, insisting that no airline or crew should be wrongly accused in ways that endanger the livelihoods of workers or erode public confidence.

His defence of local airlines — commending their safety protocols and calling for clearer, verified reporting — reflects his belief that compassion in leadership includes safeguarding the dignity of professionals who keep the aviation sector running.

His empathy extends equally to passengers. After receiving numerous petitions on flight delays, fare increases and loss of baggage, he initiated a public hearing to address these frustrations. He pushed for a comprehensive investigation into issues affecting the sector, from allegations of drug use among pilots to incessant delays that inconvenience travellers. Over sixty stakeholders — from the Minister of Aviation to agencies like NAMA, NiMet, and FAAN — were invited to ensure that every concern was heard. For him, accountability is a form of kindness: it reassures passengers that their voices matter and strengthens a system that millions rely on daily. His insistence on fairness, proper checks and legislative reform demonstrates a leader who sees both travellers and aviation workers as people deserving protection, respect and justice.

But beyond the statistics and legislative achievements, Senator Buhari’s impact is most visible in his connection to everyday people. His empowerment programmes have reached almost every corner of Oyo North. Young people, women, widows, farmers, artisans and students have all felt the effect of his kindness. From cars and motorcycles to sewing machines, grinding machines, ICT centres, bursaries and free medical outreach, his interventions are practical and life-changing.

It is no surprise that many compare him to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu — not merely for political reasons, but because of the deep, genuine love for people that defines their brand of leadership. The description of Senator Buhari as “Tinubu-like” comes from years of consistent compassion and a leadership style that goes far beyond what is common in politics.

One of his most admirable qualities is humility. He often says that empowerment is not a favour to his people — it is a covenant. Even after elections, he continues to roll out his “Thank You Empowerment Programmes”, showing gratitude instead of complacency. At a time when many politicians disappear immediately after winning, Buhari does the opposite.

As 2027 draws closer, his intention to run for governor in the nearest future (as mentioned in one of his interviews) feels like the next natural chapter in his journey. After more than two decades of national service, he now hopes to bring his experience directly home to Oyo State. He has already made it clear that he will not return to the Senate, even if the ticket is offered. For him, leadership includes giving others room to rise, a sign of maturity and long-term thinking.

Across Oyo State, calls for him to contest have continued to grow. People see in him a leader who understands policy, who has administrative experience, and more importantly, who has consistently shown love and loyalty to his people. Whether in Abuja or Ogbomoso, his character remains the same — approachable, dependable and genuinely hardworking.

In a period when Oyo State is searching for stable and people-centred leadership, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari stands out with a refreshing record. He has shown that leadership can be effective and compassionate at the same time. His kindness is not mere rhetoric — it is visible in the lives he has transformed, the projects he has championed, and the hope he continues to inspire.

Innocent writes from Lagos