The Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State celebrated a remarkable milestone on Thursday, August 7, 2025, as the Council Chairman, Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji marked his one-year anniversary in office. The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including the wife of the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ajibola Lawal, and the Director-General of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande. During the celebration, Olatunji’s administration was commended for its grassroots development initiatives, which have significantly transformed the local government area. Mrs. Lawal praised Olatunji’s leadership, describing it as a shining example of purposeful governance and pragmatic leadership. Dr. Akande also lauded Olatunji’s visionary leadership, noting that his achievements in just one year are monumental.
At the historic occasion, the Council chairman made cash disbursements to LG and ward party excos as well as members, traditional and religious leaders including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), League of Imams amd Alfas, widows, National Council for Women Society (NCWS), Oluyole Youth Council, Traders and artisans, LG pensioners, and people living with physical disabilities among others.
Mrs Lawal further commended Olatunji’s numerous achievements across infrastructure, education, health, security, economy, and social welfare which have significantly transformed Oluyole LG.
The deputy governor’s wife however, urged residents to continue supporting Olatunji’s administration, adding that the Council’s developmental strides within one year are a testament to what visionary leadership can achieve.
Also, in recognition of the agricultural needs of various local communities at the grassroots towards the actualization of food security in the state, the Director-General of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande, also distributed farm inputs to local farmers.
Dr Akande in his remarks, stressed the state government’s commitment to food security and rural development and urged farmers in the Council to continue to align with the vision of governor Seyi Makinde.
Dr. Akande emphasized that the farm inputs distributed would boost productivity and income for local farmers, aligning with the state’s agribusiness expansion agenda.
He thereafter described Olatunji as a “mini Seyi Makinde”, with his visionary leadership and approach to governance at the grassroots. He also rallied support for the Olatunji led administration calling his one year administration “a monumental achievements”.
Olatunji’s one-year scorecard features a blend of completed and ongoing projects touching virtually every sector of the local economy.
On infrastructure, Olatunji’s scorecard includes reconstruction of Grade A Customary Court, Idi-Ayunre; construction of a culvert at Ago; rehabilitation of the damaged Fatsu/Ayegun Olomi Road; and securing a hectare of land from the Federal Government for Oluyole LG.
On security, the Council chairman’s achievements includes reconstruction of Amotekun bases in Ayegun and Olani Egbeda Tuba Road; demolition of criminal hideouts; security architecture overhaul to curb kidnapping along the Oyo/Ogun border; and establishment of a fossil base in Idi-Ayunre.
Olatunji’d economic development initiative includes the establishment of the Omituntun 2 Irewole Oke Market with 600 shops; refurbishment of grounded Council equipment; and hosting of the Council’s first-ever Security and Economic Summit.
Free medical outreach, including cataract surgeries; provision of mosquito nets; medical support during the cholera outbreak; and demolition of structures blocking waterways to prevent flooding were part of his grassroots healthcare delivery.
Olatunji has delivered on free, quality,and accessible education as well as youth empowerment to include free holiday coaching for students, distribution of exercise books, over 500 youths trained in partnership with a private firm, scholarships for over 200 indigenes, and inauguration of the first NYSC LG Committee.
Others include, perimeter fencing for the Eid praying ground, financial assistance to community security projects, eviction of street beggars who constitute security treath, restoration of electricity to 10 communities, and enhanced zoning for safety in Oluyole were also part of his delivered promises on grassroots community development among others.
In his remarks at the colourful event, Hon. Olatunji dedicated his landmark achievements to Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he described as his political father, leader, mentor, and benefactor stressing that the opportunity given him to serve his people has enabled him consolidate on the achievements of the state government in effectively replicating same at the grassroots.
He also attributed his one year achievements to collective efforts of his management team at the Council, headed by Alhaja Qudirat Noibi, the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), traditional and religious leaders, and residents, assuring that his second year in office would witness even more people-centered projects and programs.
Highlights of the commemoration was the surprised presentation of brand new Toyota Corolla to the Leader of the Oluyole LG Legislative House, Hon. Taofeeq Azeez and donation of a new 18 seater bus to the LG chapter of NULGE (Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees).
Earlier in his remarks, former House of Reps member, Honorable Busari Olayemi who also served as former Director of Oyo State Liaison Office in Abuja and Lagos, described Olatunji as a great asset to the PDP family stressing his long term relationship with the Council boss.
He commended the people of Oluyole LG for their consistent support for the Council boss while maintaining that Olatunji has remained what he described as ‘a phenomenal’ politician with impressive track record as well as unflinching integrity and soaring popularity.
Also, in his remarks, the head of all the traditional leaders in Oluyole and member of the Olubadan in-Council, His Royal Majesty, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, described Olatunji as his godson, who he has immense respect for. He noted that even though Olatunji is young in age, his track record, political consistency, and leadership has earned him his place as the overall leader in Oluyole otherwise called “Asiwaju Oluyole”.
He disclosed that only very few individuals have the kind of immense influence Olatunji has on him. He revealed that Olatunji’s performance in the last one year was not only remarkable but unprecedented in the history of the LG and challenged anyone with contrary views to come forward.
While commending Olatunji’s exceptional humility and respect for not only his elders but the traditional institution, Oba Ajibade used the occasion to call on Oluyole resident to continue to support the Council boss and spur him to greater political heights in order to bring more developments to the LG.
He however issued a word of caution to land grabbers and their backers to desist as there will be no room to condone any of such acts warning that whoever was found culpable of including or enabling such nefarious behavior will be severely dealt with within the ambient of the law, while also maintaining that beaded chiefs and compound heads (Mogajis) would not be spared if found involved in such act.
