By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Comrade Olayiwola Sulyman, popularly known as Opomulero, has commended the former lawmaker representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye, for his maturity and openness in handling public criticism during his time in office.
The outspoken opposition figure made the remarks while reacting to an article published by KosofePost titled “The Feedback Fallacy: Unpacking Why Politicians View Feedback as an Attack.”
According to Opomulero, many politicians perceive criticism as hostility while in power, only to embrace it after leaving office. He observed that political figures often become silent critics once they are no longer in authority, urging a shift in mindset toward constructive feedback.
“I cannot but agree more with the writer. Politicians and their cronies detest criticism, but once they leave power, they want you to intensify your criticism against new officeholders. In fact, they become silent critics and whistleblowers with another identity,” he said.
Opomulero singled out Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye as one of the few representatives in Kosofe who demonstrated responsiveness to the people’s concerns, despite facing criticism. He explained that Agunsoye’s eventual openness to feedback distinguished him from other public officeholders.
“One representative that has stood the test of criticism and passed is Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye. I was a frontline critic of ROT, yet I observed that he hearkened to the voice of the people more than any other representative. Though in the beginning he fought against criticism, alongside his data boys—who are now loyalists of Mayoress and Hon. Kafilat Ogbara—he still stands tall among those who have represented Kosofe,” he noted.
He, however, lamented that the opposition had failed to play a similar watchdog role under the current representative, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, accusing them of allowing complacency to take root. “Today, no Rep sits on a hotter seat in Kosofe than ROT. However, the opposition has given Kafilat Ogbara a free ride to do whatever she likes without putting her on the hot seat,” he concluded.
The article, “The Feedback Fallacy,” also attracted broad reactions from political observers and community leaders who praised its message about constructive criticism in governance.
Hon. Gbemi Ketiku, author of the original piece, was lauded for promoting dialogue and intellectual engagement in political discourse. Oloye Salami Oluwaseun described the essay as a courageous and timely intervention, urging leaders to see criticism as a developmental tool rather than a personal attack. “Criticism shouldn’t be seen as hostility. It is a feedback mechanism that helps public officeholders understand the citizens they govern,” Salami said.
Similarly, Adeniyi Adefemi, known as Royal, condemned the tendency of some politicians to attack critics instead of learning from them. He remarked that Ketiku’s message should help reshape political reasoning and encourage tolerance in public life. “Unfortunately, some unstable characters attack the messenger and even the dead rather than learn,” he added.
Also lending his voice, Taiwo Lasisi, President of the Ta’awun Humanitarian Forum, Lagos, described the article as sensible, correctional, and cautionary. He emphasized the importance of self-reflection, humility, and accountability among public leaders, stressing that the willingness to listen, adjust, and act on feedback remains the true test of leadership.
“May we all take heed and be responsible for our actions,” Lasisi concluded.