The community of Lagelu Local Government Area in Oyo State on Tuesday erupted in celebration as Oloye Saheed Akinade Fijabi, a distinguished Ibadan chieftain and former House of Representatives member, commissioned the ultra-modern Prof. Kamil K. Oloso Motor Park. The landmark project, a shining symbol of progress under the Omituntun Governance System, marks yet another milestone in Lagelu’s journey toward transformative development.
The commissioning ceremony, attended by a constellation of dignitaries, was a testament to the unity and shared vision driving Oyo State’s grassroots revolution. Among those present were the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Demola Ojo; House of Representatives member, Hon. Akinmoyede Olafisoye; Oyo State House of Assembly member, Hon. Akintunde Emmanuel; Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senior Chief Ismael Akinade Fijabi; the esteemed Prof. Kamil K. Oloso himself; Elder Oribayo Okeyode; Elder Kehinde Fabunmi; Oyo ALGON chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; Akinyele Local Government chairman, Hon. Wole Akinleye; and Ibadan North Local Government chairman, Hon. Seun Olufade, alongside a host of traditional rulers, community leaders, and enthusiastic residents.
The Prof. Kamil K. Oloso Motor Park, named in honor of the revered Islamic scholar and community icon, is more than a transportation hub—it is a beacon of innovation, economic empowerment, and communal pride.
Strategically located in Lagelu, the facility features state-of-the-art amenities, including spacious parking bays, solar-powered lighting, a modern ticketing office, restrooms, a comfortable waiting lounge, and dedicated spaces for local traders. Designed to enhance connectivity and commerce, the motor park is poised to transform the local economy by streamlining transportation and creating opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs.
In his keynote address, Lagelu Local Government chairman, Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen, hailed the project as a cornerstone of the Omituntun Governance System, championed by Oyo State Governor, His Excellency Seyi Makinde.
“This transport park, alongside our transformative road projects, modern schools nurturing our children, healthcare facilities saving lives, and vibrant markets empowering our traders, stands as undeniable evidence that the Omituntun model is a masterstroke of development,” Kamorudeen declared. He praised Governor Makinde for redefining local government functionality, arguing that local governments’ achievements under the Omituntun system surpass the promises of local government autonomy.
“What more could autonomy offer that we are not already witnessing? The roads we now ply with ease, the infrastructure uplifting our communities, and this very park empowering our transport sector—all these are the fruits of a governor who empowers local governments with vision, resources, and accountability,” he added.
Kamorudeen also extended heartfelt gratitude to Balogun Seye Famojuro for his significant contributions, which were instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. “This motor park is a collective triumph, made possible by leaders who believe in the power of collaboration,” he noted.
The ceremony was punctuated by glowing tributes to Governor Makinde’s transformative leadership. Oyo ALGON chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, expressed no surprise at the quality of work delivered by Chairman Kamorudeen, stating, “Lagelu’s chairman is simply following the exemplary leadership of Governor Makinde and the inspiring figures around him. This motor park is a reflection of the high standards set by our governor.”
Hon. Akintunde Emmanuel, representing Lagelu in the Oyo State House of Assembly, echoed these sentiments, lauding the rapid development sweeping across Oyo State. “Governor Makinde’s commitment to grassroots progress is unmatched. Projects like this motor park are proof of his dedication to improving lives,” he said.
House of Representatives member, Hon. Akinmoyede Olafisoye, commended the decision to name the facility after Prof. Kamil K. Oloso, a man whose contributions to education, faith, and community service have left an indelible mark. “This honor is well-deserved. Prof. Oloso is a living legend, and this motor park will inspire future generations to emulate his selflessness,” Olafisoye remarked.
Delivering the commissioning address, Oloye Akinade Fijabi extolled Governor Makinde’s unparalleled contributions to local government development. “Never in the history of Oyo State have local governments functioned with such efficiency and impact,” Fijabi declared. “It is a matter of great pride to commission this magnificent project, executed by the Lagelu Local Government under the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde.”
On a personal note, Fijabi reaffirmed his unwavering support for the governor, aligning himself with Makinde’s developmental agenda. “I am fully with His Excellency, not just as a leader but as a partner in progress. This motor park is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for the common good,” he said. Fijabi also expressed pride in honoring Prof. Oloso, whose legacy of service continues to inspire the community.
Prof. Kamil K. Oloso, visibly moved by the honor, expressed deep gratitude. His presence at the event added a profound sense of significance, as attendees celebrated both the project and the man it commemorates.
The motor park is expected to have far-reaching economic and social impacts. By providing a modern, organized transportation hub, it will reduce travel costs, enhance safety, and boost commerce. Local traders, particularly women, welcomed the dedicated market spaces, which promise to increase their visibility and sales. “This park will change our lives for the better,” said Iya Kango, a local vendor. “We now have a proper place to do business, and our customers will feel more comfortable.”
The commissioning ceremony was a vibrant showcase of Yoruba culture, with performances by traditional drummers, dancers, and praise singers. The presence of high-ranking traditional leaders, including the Ekefa Olubadan, underscored the project’s cultural and communal significance.
The Prof. Kamil K. Oloso Motor Park stands as a monument to the power of visionary leadership and community-driven development. As Lagelu embraces this new chapter, the project serves as a reminder of what is possible when leaders prioritize impact, innovation, and the grassroots.
