By Apostle Asimiyu Muhideen Abiodun
Barrister Nurudeen Temilolu Ashamu, the current Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Oyo State, has engraved his name himself in the political landscape of the state through dedication, grassroots engagement, and an strong commitment to youth empowerment.
His journey into active politics can be traced back to 2011, when his mother, Alhaja Monsurat Olajumoke Sunmonu, made history as the first female Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly. During this period, Barrister Ashamu played a supportive yet significant role behind the scenes, contributing to the administration and political activities that surrounded his mother’s historic leadership. This early exposure to governance and public service helped to shape his understanding of politics as a platform for service rather than personal gains.
By 2015, when Senator Sunmonu contested for the Oyo Central Senatorial seat, Barrister Ashamu had already emerged as a vibrant mobilizer within the political structure. He took charge of the youth wing of the campaign committee, coordinating young supporters across the eleven local government areas in Oyo Central Senatorial District. While his mother moved tirelessly from one community to another seeking support, Ashamu equally traversed the district from Ogbomoso to Oyo down to Ibadan, engaging youths, mobilizing volunteers, and building relationships at the grassroots.
This level of engagement made him stand out. Unlike many political figures whose children remain distant from the realities of grassroots politics, Barrister Ashamu was physically present in communities, interacting with good people and sharing the same campaign spaces with them. His hands-on approach earned him recognition and respect among party supporters and community stakeholders alike. Interestingly, the style of grassroots involvement that many observers now attribute to emerging political actors was already being demonstrated by Ashamu as far back as 2015 and again in 2019. His approach reflected a belief that politics should be people-centered and participatory, particularly for the younger generation.
Another remarkable aspect of Barrister Ashamu’s political engagement is his loyalty to those he met during the campaign trail. Rather than abandoning supporters after elections, he maintained relationships with them. It is widely observed that a large percentage of the youths he engaged during those campaigns remain connected to him today, a testament to the trust and mutual respect built over the years. Through his influence and commitment to youth development, many young people have benefited from opportunities within the Oyo State Government. From recruitment into MDAs of the government such as TESCOM, appointments as Education Officers, placements within the Ministry of Health, and other political or administrative opportunities, several youths have found pathways to meaningful engagement through his support.
Beyond personal networks, Barrister Ashamu continues to demonstrate a philosophy that politics should create opportunities and uplift people. Even as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, he is known for constantly seeking ways to connect capable young individuals to opportunities that can improve their lives and strengthen the system. In an era where politics is often criticized for being self-serving, Barrister Nurudeen Ashamu represents a different model—one that values loyalty, grassroots engagement, and the empowerment of young people. His journey reflects a belief that political leadership should not only win elections but also build a system where dedication and commitment are rewarded.
