YOUNG, HUMBLE, AND USEFUL: THE CROWN FITS ADEBO OGUNDOYIN

By: Comrade Oluwafemi Ogunshola

In a time when Oyo State needs focused, compassionate, and visionary leadership to build upon Governor Seyi Makinde’s strides, one name resonates with hope and proven capacity: Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin. For years, he has shown what it means to lead with intellect, courage, and a genuine heart for people.

As the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin has redefined legislative leadership. His tenure has brought to life laws that improved education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure across the state. Under his speakership, nearly one hundred bills and over one hundred seventy resolutions have been passed, each designed to uplift communities and deepen development. Such legislative productivity is rare, but for Adebo, it is normal because his eyes remain fixed on the future of Oyo.

His Rural Revitalization Initiative has given hundreds of youths access to employment in the Teaching Service Commission, Civil Service, Primary Healthcare, OYTMA, and other agencies. For those previously without income, these jobs brought dignity, hope, and stability. Beyond government jobs, Adebo Ogundoyin’s vocational sponsorships have empowered many young people with skills in tailoring, welding, farming, and crafts, making them self-reliant and productive.

He has also prioritised health and education. Today, two modern school projects are under construction in Temidire Eruwa and Lanlate to provide children with conducive learning environments and brighter futures. A new Primary Health Centre in Ibarapa East, built and equipped under his facilitation, has reduced maternal deaths and saved lives by bringing accessible healthcare closer to rural families.

In his inclusive governance vision, Adebo Ogundoyin is driving a constitutional amendment to increase Oyo State constituencies from thirty two to forty two, ensuring that every local government has a direct voice in the House of Assembly. This bold move will entrench fairness, deeper grassroots representation, and sustainable democracy.

Adebo Ogundoyin’s leadership transcends legislative duties. His Students Legislative Summit in 2024 at the University of Ibadan drew youth leaders, civil society, and policymakers together, encouraging active youth participation in governance. For him, young people are not just leaders of tomorrow but critical partners in shaping today’s policies and actions.

Nationally, his exceptional leadership was recognised when he emerged as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in September 2023, becoming the youngest and first from an opposition party to hold that office. In 2024, he was crowned Best Performing Speaker at the Africa Industrial Development Conference and Awards for his impactful, people-centred approach to governance.

Amid these groundbreaking milestones, his humility remains striking. He listens deeply, engages communities respectfully, and acts with silent strength rather than noise. His synergy with Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration continues to deliver unmatched development across Oyo State.

In February 2023, Adebo Ogundoyin completed the Secretariat of Eruwa Youth Movement, EYM, a dream project for youths in Ibarapa East that began in 2015 but stalled. When approached for intervention, he took over the project from window level to final completion, ensuring a befitting secretariat for the apex youth body. Commissioned during Governor Seyi Makinde’s campaign tour to Eruwa and Lanlate towns, the EYM leadership could not hide their joy. Comrade Kunle Adebola, President of EYM, described it aptly: “The Speaker has written his name in gold for making it possible for us to have a befitting Secretariat. Our dreams have come true. May God elevate his status and grant him his heart desires for identifying with us as a youth.”

This is the mark of a leader who does not discriminate between legislative chambers and dusty village streets. From laws that transform states to projects that uplift youth bodies in forgotten corners, his leadership is consistent, impactful, and deeply felt.

Adebo Ogundoyin is young but wise, bold but compassionate, quiet but powerfully effective. As Oyo 2027 beckons, it is clear that this crown of responsibility sits well upon his head. He is not just ready to lead; he has been leading in ways that matter most.

He embodies the vision, intellect, and humanity Oyo State needs to sustain the legacy of equity, growth, and prosperity. With him, the light will shine brighter, and Oyo’s journey towards inclusive greatness will continue unbroken.