In the annals of contemporary Nigerian politics, few stories arguably shine as brightly as that of Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin.
Born into a legacy of excellence, resilience, and service, Ogundoyin’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of determination, leadership, and the audacity of a Nigerian youth in governance.
From his humble beginnings in Eruwa in Ibarapa to becoming a towering figure in national politics, his meteoric rise has not only redefined leadership in Oyo State but also across Nigeria.
Born on February 17, 1987, in Eruwa, in Ibarapa, Adebo Ogundoyin’s life began with both privilege and adversity. The son of Chief Adeseun Ayisa Ogundoyin, a successful businessman and philanthropist, Adebo lost his father at the tender age of four. Despite this early loss, he grew under the guidance of a strong-willed mother and an unflinching spirit that propelled him forward.
Adebo’s thirst for knowledge took him through Vale College, one of Nigeria’s prestigious secondary schools. He later pursued a degree in Agronomy at Babcock University, where he equipped himself with the knowledge and skills that would later serve him in both business and public service.
His journey saw him delve into entrepreneurship and entertainment before finally finding his true calling in politics through which he would devote the rest of his life to the service of humanity and the people of Oyo state.
Ogundoyin’s political career is nothing short of remarkable. His foray into politics began in 2017 when he joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Not long after, fate smiled on him just a year later, in 2018, when he contested and won a by-election to represent Ibarapa East State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly.
And just like one with a date with destiny, Ogundoyin at just 31 years old, became the youngest lawmaker in the history of Oyo State and Nigeria at large, an achievement that reinforced the #NotTooYoungToRun Movement.
His political success continued in 2019, securing re-election and, in a historic move, emerged as the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly at just 32 years old—again, the youngest in Oyo and Nigeria.
In 2023, the people of Ibarapa East reaffirmed their confidence in his leadership and political development by granting him a third consecutive term as a state legislator. This landslide victory further cemented his status as a political powerhouse in Oyo State. Anybody may want to mischievously debate this incontrovertible fact.
Going down memory lane, on June 14, 2023, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin made history once again when he was elected Speaker of the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly—unopposed. This unprecedented milestone made him the first Speaker to serve two consecutive terms uninterrupted in Oyo State’s history.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin has no doubt been a political pioneer whose journey has been marked by groundbreaking firsts such as Youngest Lawmaker in Oyo State and Nigeria–At just 31 years old in 2018, Youngest Speaker in Oyo State and Nigeria–Ascending to the position at 32 years old in 2019, First Lawmaker to Win Three Consecutive Elections – Representing Ibarapa East State Constituency in 2018, 2019, and 2023.
Other accomplishments in the cabinet of Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin also include Highest-Ranking Member of the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly–The only lawmaker in Oyo State history to achieve such a feat, First Speaker to Serve Two Consecutive Terms Uninterrupted–A landmark achievement in Oyo State’s political history, Youngest Speaker to Lead the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria–Elected on September 16, 2023, First Opposition Party Member to Lead the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria –A groundbreaking achievement as a PDP member, and First Oyo State Lawmaker to Chair the Conference of Speakers – Shattering barriers and paving the way for future generations.
Adebo Ogundoyin’s outstanding leadership and impact have equally earned him several notable awards and recognitions, including: 2024 Best Performing State Speaker Award – Africa Industrial and Development Conference and Awards, Top 100 Most Influential Powers Behind the State (BTS), Royal African Medal Award– Recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Young People in Africa by the Royal African Young Leadership Forum, Fellow of Personality Development and Customer Relationship Management (IPD-CRM), Nigeria, Senior Fellowship Award–Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management and Politics, Ghana.
Others include Exemplary Leadership and Humanitarian Service Award – Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Award of Excellence–National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Excellent Leadership Award–Federation of Eruwa Students Union (National Secretariat), Outstanding Performance Award – Political Science Students, University of Ibadan, and Prestigious Educational Philosophy Award–Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife amongst several others.
His contributions to good governance, youth inclusion in politics, and quality representation continue to earn him widespread accolades and soaring popularity even beyond the shores of Oyo state and South west region.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin is certainly not just just a politician; he is grown into becoming a visionary leader, mentor, and community builder. His interests extend beyond governance as he maintains a non discriminatory social lifestyle that endears both young and old to him. You can’t help but like him at your first encounter.
At just 38 years old, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin has become an epitome of hope for Nigerian youth in politics representing the typical Yoruba ‘Omoluabi’ ethos. His story is such an inspiration—a tale of rising from the heart of Ibarapa to becoming a national political icon.
His leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to public service have not only redefined governance in Oyo State but have also set a precedent for young leaders across Nigeria. Adebo Ogundoyin is not just a rising star; he is a national hero in the making.
Henry Odeh writes from Ibadan.