Chief Olawale Ojoge-Daniel, Wife Congratulate Gbolarumi on Certificate of Return, Hail His Poverty-Driven Strategy to End Insecurity

Prominent legal practitioners, human rights advocates and Co-Founders/Co-Hosts of the popular “Stand Up For Your Rights” : JAFETO-E Human Rights Programme, aired every Monday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Almond Radio 94.3 FM, Chief Olawale Joseph Ojoge-Daniel, Esq., and Chief (Mrs.) Bolawale Sobowale Ojoge-Daniel, Esq., have congratulated Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi on the issuance of his Certificate of Return, describing it as a significant milestone and a resounding affirmation of the confidence reposed in his leadership.

In a congratulatory statement made available to the media, the couple described the development as not merely a political victory but a renewed call to purposeful leadership founded on justice, compassion, accountability and the welfare of the people.
According to the Ojoge-Daniels, one of the most remarkable features of Gbolarumi’s public philosophy is his stradfast conviction that poverty, unemployment, hopelessness and social exclusion constitute the primary breeding grounds for crime and insecurity. They noted that while governments often respond to insecurity with increased deployment of security personnel, sophisticated weapons, surveillance technology and drones, such measures, though important, cannot on their own guarantee lasting peace unless the socio-economic causes of criminality are simultaneously addressed.

They disclosed that it was this philosophy that informed Gbolarumi’s support for the JAFETO-E Human Rights Initiative, through which sponsorship is being provided for legal intervention on behalf of 100 victims of unlawful arrest, detention and police abuse, alongside 100 inmates in correctional centres, as the first phase of what is envisioned as a broader justice and rehabilitation programme.

The beneficiaries, they explained, include indigent inmates convicted of minor offences, persons who lacked effective legal representation, individuals unable to pay court-imposed fines, and victims of unlawful detention whose constitutional rights have been violated.

According to the statement, Gbolarumi believes that justice should never become the exclusive preserve of the wealthy, while poverty should never translate into a life sentence for those unable to secure competent legal representation.

The Ojoge-Daniels further observed that Gbolarumi’s vision extends far beyond securing the release of deserving inmates. Rather, his long-term objective is to facilitate their rehabilitation, vocational training, economic empowerment and productive reintegration into society so that they become contributors to economic development instead of returning to cycles of poverty and criminality.

Quoting the timeless Aristotelian maxim that “poverty is the parent of crime and revolution,” they stated that Gbolarumi’s approach reflects an understanding that genuine security begins with human dignity, economic opportunity and social justice.
They explained that under his governance philosophy, sustainable security must be built upon:

meaningful employment opportunities for youths;

comprehensive welfare programmes for vulnerable citizens;

vocational skills acquisition and enterprise development;

rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-offenders;

access to justice for the poor;

protection of fundamental human rights; and

payment of living wages capable of sustaining decent standards of living.

The statement emphasized that no society has ever permanently defeated insecurity solely through the acquisition of sophisticated military hardware, drones or increased stockpiles of arms and ammunition. According to the Ojoge-Daniels, while effective security architecture remains indispensable, lasting peace can only be achieved when poverty is substantially reduced, unemployment is aggressively tackled, and every law-abiding citizen is afforded a realistic opportunity to earn a dignified livelihood.

“As human rights advocates and legal practitioners, we commend Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi for advancing a governance philosophy that recognises security not merely as the absence of crime but as the presence of justice, opportunity, hope and human dignity,” the statement read.

The couple further noted that the proposed collaboration with the JAFETO-E Human Rights Initiative represents only a modest beginning—a practical demonstration of what can be achieved when political leadership is driven by compassion and a genuine commitment to social justice.

They expressed optimism that if faithfully implemented, Gbolarumi’s people-centred agenda would contribute significantly to reducing crime, strengthening public confidence in government institutions, expanding access to justice, and promoting sustainable peace throughout Oyo State.

The Ojoge-Daniels concluded by warmly congratulating Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi on his Certificate of Return and prayed that Almighty God would grant him wisdom, sound health, courage and divine guidance as he continues his journey of public service.

They further expressed the hope that his vision of combating insecurity through poverty eradication, human capital development, rehabilitation and inclusive economic growth would continue to inspire constructive public discourse and contribute meaningfully to the future development of Oyo State.