Every time debates dwell on Nigeria as a country where political leadership is still largely dominated by older generation and their claims of having full grasp of what it takes to create a leadership balance for a thriving society while transitioning from the old order to the new one, mixed feelings immediately engulf the mind.
The accomplishments of Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, readily offer a compelling argument for why Nigeria, and indeed Oyo State, must start looking more intentionally in the direction of the younger generation for transformative leadership.
This perspective gained yet another validation on Thursday when Ogundoyin was honoured with an Outstanding Leadership Award by the Ibadan Royal Highnesses and the Council of Baales of Ibadanland.
The prestigious honour was presented during a courtesy visit to the Speaker’s office at the Assembly Complex in Ibadan, in recognition of his visionary leadership and the wave of innovation he has brought into legislative governance.
Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin represents a new breed of Nigerian politicians, young, vibrant, focused, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.
For his consistency, selflessness, courage and dedication to public service, Ogundoyin has been able to stand before national and world leaders and addressing issues peculiar to the Nigerian youths as affecting the global community while providing bold pathways to surmounting the challenges.
Rising into office in 2019 following a by-election in Ibarapa East State Constituency after the passing of his father, the late philanthropist Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin, the then 32-year-old lawmaker quickly became a symbol of youth inclusion in Nigerian governance.
He was elected Speaker in the 9th Assembly and re-elected in 2023, making him the only Speaker in the state’s history to enjoy a second term in succession.
In a very significant national feat, he was also elected as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, a position that reflects not just the confidence his colleagues across the nation have in him, but also the respect he commands for his intellect, diplomacy, and vision.
Since assuming the speakership, Ogundoyin has overseen far-reaching reforms in legislative practice and governance in Oyo State. His leadership has championed transparency, responsiveness, and developmental legislation.
Under his watch, the Oyo state Assembly has passed over 100 critical bills that touch on areas such as security, youth empowerment, education reform, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
His has consistently emphasised on legislative independence, digital innovation, and citizen engagement has modernized the House’s approach to governance. Plenary sessions are now more accessible to the public, committee engagements are more robust, and constituency outreach is increasingly prioritized.
The latest honour from the traditional rulers of Ibadanland is not merely ceremonial, it is deeply symbolic. According to the Oniladuntan of Laduntan, Oba Adebowale Kamorundeen Adeyemi JP, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, the Speaker has brought “innovation, dignity, and excellence to legislative governance in Oyo State and beyond.”
“We are proud that our son is making the entire Yoruba land and indeed Nigeria proud through exceptional leadership. His passion for youth inclusion, institutional reform, and responsive lawmaking is worthy of emulation,” the monarch stated.
This recognition by custodians of culture and tradition signals a growing consensus that age is no longer the sole determinant of political wisdom or leadership quality. It is competence, integrity, and vision that now define the new metrics of leadership, and Ogundoyin exemplifies these qualities.
The story of Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin offers compelling lessons for the future of politics in Nigeria. As a youth himself, Ogundoyin understands firsthand the challenges facing young Nigerians. His leadership offers a more accurate representation of the demographic majority in Nigeria; over 60% of whom are under the age of 35.
Youthful leaders are more likely to embrace technology, new governance models, and fresh thinking indicative of qualities urgently needed to reposition Nigeria’s political and economic systems for the 21st century.
Young leaders are less entrenched in the old, patronage-driven systems and are more likely to advocate for structural and policy reforms that benefit the larger population.
Leaders like Ogundoyin come with a long runway ahead. This allows for consistent visioning and implementation of long-term policies that outlive electoral cycles just as being exemplified by the current governor of Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
It is worthy of note that in his response to the recognition by the traditional rulers, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin expressed deep appreciation while dedicating the honour to the people of Oyo State, his colleagues, and all who believe in youth leadership, not attempting to claim personal glory.
“This award means so much to me, especially coming from our revered Royal Fathers and Baales of Ibadanland. I dedicate it to the people of Oyo State, my colleagues at the Assembly, and all who believe in the strength of youth leadership. I promise not to relent,” he said.
The Speaker reiterated his commitment to “advancing democratic ideals, legislative excellence, and promoting development across Oyo State.”
This commitment is not just rhetoric, it is evident in his actions, his alliances, and his results. From empowering youths in his Eruwa hometown to Ibarapa, and across the state to advancing gender-sensitive legislation, his work continues to inspire many who now believe that they can also rise to the peak of their aspirations.
The honour bestowed on Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin by the traditional rulers of Ibadan has now become a reaffirmation of his credibility, influence, and impact but beyond the man, it speaks volumes about the necessity of embracing the potential within Nigeria’s youth population.
If Oyo State, and indeed Nigeria, is to truly realize its dreams of economic advancement, democratic stability, and national renewal, it must be courageous enough to give room for the youth to lead, not in tokenistic roles, but in critical positions of governance.
Adebo Ogundoyin is no doubt a proof that when young people are given the opportunity, they do not just perform, they excel. The time to invest in youth leadership is now. And Oyo, with its proud legacy of pioneering progress, must once again lead the charge as the “ajisebi Oyo laari, Oyo o ni sebi baba enikan.”