The birthday celebration of Hon. Abiodun Awoleye, a two term former federal lawmaker and respected political figure in Oyo State, turned into a convergence of goodwill messages, political reflections, and prayers on Wednesday, with leaders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) describing him as a humble politician and dependable grassroots mobilizer.
Speaking during the event held at his Bashorun residence, in Ibadan on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day anniversary celebration, Hon. Awoleye expressed absolute confidence in the leadership qualities of Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde.
He stressed that the governor has the capacity to restructure the PDP at the national level as he did in the state and lead the party towards reclaiming the presidency in future elections.
“Governor Makinde has shown uncommon political will and administrative strength. I strongly believe he has what it takes to reposition our great party and ensure we take back power at the national level,” Awoleye declared.
Awoleye’s remarks reinforces Governor Makinde’s own declaration at the just-concluded PDP State Congress in Ibadan, where the governor emphasized that the era of violent, parallel congresses was over in the party.
Makinde had said: “We have shown that internal democracy can thrive in our party. The PDP in Oyo State has moved from rancour and violence of the past to unity, peace, and transparency. This is the model we are presenting to Nigeria: that the PDP can work and that our country can work again.”
Awoleye explained that his submission to the leadership of Makinde as his political leader stemmed from his conviction in the governor’s commitment to raising future leaders from among followers.
He explained that part of the political lessons and crisis management skills learned from the governor helped and guided his activities as the then Caretaker chairman of PDP in Ogun state which culminated into the installation of a substantive party excos at all levels.
Awoleye described Makinde as a man of few words with many actions that produce remarkable results. He added that the scheduled national congress in Ibadan was informed by the trust and confidence in Makinde’s track record of providing solutions to critical challenges within the party.
“Even the late Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, once remarked at a function that he was amazed how governor Makinde has managed governance seamlessly without owing workers for a single month,” Awoleye re recalled.
He attributed prompt and uninterrupted payments of workers salary, gratuity, and pensions by Makinde as a catalyst for the socio-economic stability and steady economic growth in the state, calling the governor a genius whose approach to governance amid nationwide economic challenges should be understudied for national rebirth.
He described Makinde as a man with a deep sense of creative mind for problem solving and expressed his admiration for his crisis management skills, calling on party faithful to continue to remember the governor in their personal day to day prayers.
In their separate remarks, various speakers at Awoleye’s birthday celebration noted that the former lawmaker’s confidence in Makinde’s ability to restructure the party aligns with the governor’s promise of a more cohesive, disciplined, and forward-looking PDP capable of leading Nigeria back to economic recovery and national stability.
The Ibadan North PDP Chairman, Ademiyiwa Mustapha, who led both the local government and ward executives to the celebration, described Awoleye as a peaceful person with impressive political pedigree.
He urged members of the party to remain steadfast, maintain genuine intentions towards one another, and work together in unity for the overall progress of the PDP.
In his final remarks, Hon. Awoleye revealed that he shares the same birthday with Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, former First Lady of the state, while his own wife shares same birthday with the new Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa I.
He described this coincidence as a source of personal joy and connection to Ibadan’s royal and political heritage.
Also speaking, a party elder, Pastor Gbenro, described the occasion as a “tripartite celebration” since it coincided with Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.
He recalled Awoleye’s role as the caretaker chairman who helped install the PDP in Ogun State, describing it as “a pride for Ibadan North.”
“Hon. Awoleye remains one of the most grounded politicians with vast experience in politics and governance.
“He is humble, accessible, and a blessing to this generation,” Gbenro said, offering prayers for the celebrant and his family.
Other speakers at the event praised Awoleye’s political journey and character. A fellow party chieftain described him as “a straightforward person and dependable grassroots mobilizer that many young politicians look up to as a role model.”
The PDP Youth Leader in Ibadan North noted that he had never regretted looking up to Awoleye, calling him “a foremost politician with exceptional humility.”
Party members however, expressed optimism about the PDP’s future both in Ibadan North, Oyo State and Nigeria come 2027.
