Today, as His Excellency, Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, CON, former Governor of Osun State and Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, marks his 72nd birthday, I join many others in celebrating a man whose approach to leadership left an impression on me and, I believe, on a generation of young people across Osun State.
I have deliberately stayed away from political engagement on my social media platforms lately, largely because of personal and professional developments that have required my attention. But my love for Osun State has never diminished.
I remain deeply interested in the future of our state, and I look forward to a time when more of us will actively participate in governance and contribute our experience towards building a system founded on leadership, accountability, opportunity and governance that genuinely reaches people at the grassroots.
For me, birthdays such as this are also opportunities to reflect on leadership and its impact.
Chief Bisi Akande remains one of the political figures whose contributions to Osun’s democratic history deserve recognition, particularly for those of us from Ila-Orangun, where his legacy continues to command considerable respect. In my own assessment of subsequent progressive administrations in Osun, however, the Oyetola years also demonstrated something important: the value of giving local people a meaningful sense of belonging in their own government.
During his tenure as Governor from 2018 to 2022, Oyetola worked with many sons and daughters of Osun State across different levels of his administration. What mattered to me was not simply where appointees came from, but the connection many of them maintained with their communities.
When people who understand their communities are given responsibility, government has a better opportunity to hear directly from the grassroots.
One aspect of the Oyetola administration that particularly resonated with me was the visibility of younger professionals within the political and administrative system. People such as Engr. Olalekan Badmus, Engr. Remi Omowaiye and several others became examples of a generation that could combine professional experience, public service and grassroots engagement.
That matters because political leadership should not end with the individual occupying the highest office. Good leadership should produce other leaders.
I witnessed part of this personally.
During the Oyetola administration, I had the opportunity to work and interact closely with Engr. Olalekan Badmus. Through that experience, I gained a stronger sense of belonging in the affairs of my state and saw how access, mentorship and encouragement can make younger people believe that there is a place for them in public service.
Years later, that relationship still matters to me.
Today, Engr. Badmus serves as Executive Director, Marine and Operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority, and I still regard him as a mentor from whom I continue to learn. His own journey also demonstrates something important about leadership: when leaders identify, mentor and give opportunities to capable people, the impact can continue long after an administration leaves office.
This, for me, is an important part of Oyetola’s political legacy.
His administration operated during a period of significant fiscal pressures, yet his professional background in finance and management was reflected in the disciplined image his government sought to maintain. Beyond figures and government programmes, however, what remains particularly significant to me is the human capital that emerged around his administration.
Young professionals found opportunities to participate. Artisans and local businesses had opportunities to engage with government. Political appointees built relationships within their communities. And many young people who became involved during that period have remained active in politics, public service, entrepreneurship and community development.
There is an important lesson here for anyone interested in the future of Osun State.
Governance should not merely build roads and institutions; it should build people.
A leader’s legacy should not be measured only by what was commissioned while he was in office, but also by the people he encouraged, the opportunities he created and the next generation of leaders that emerged from his administration.
That is why, on his 72nd birthday, I celebrate His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola not simply as a former Governor of Osun State or as Nigeria’s current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, but as a leader whose political journey has helped nurture people who are themselves mentoring and creating opportunities for others today.
My hope for Osun remains bigger than any individual or political party. I want to see an Osun where competent young people can participate meaningfully in governance; where appointments bring government closer to communities; where professionals, entrepreneurs and artisans have opportunities to contribute; and where leadership deliberately prepares another generation to serve.
As His Excellency marks another year today, I wish him good health, wisdom, strength and many more fruitful years of service to Osun State and Nigeria.
And to those he has mentored over the years, the greatest tribute will always be to continue opening doors for others.
Happy 72nd birthday, His Excellency Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, CON.
Today, I celebrate leadership. I celebrate mentorship. I celebrate grace.
Afeez Akinfola Oyinloye.
