Meet Tinubu’s Minister of Transportation, Adegboyega Oyetola

Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola CON is a prominent Nigerian politician who served as the governor of Osun State from 2018 to 2022. He was born on September 29, 1954, in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria.

Early Life and Education: Oyetola’s educational journey began at Ifeoluwa Grammar School, Osogbo, where he completed his secondary education in 1972. He later attended the University of Lagos, where he earned a Bachelor of Science honors degree in Insurance in 1978. Following his university studies, he fulfilled his mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Potiskum, Yobe State, where he also engaged in lecturing at the Staff Training Centre from 1978 to 1979. In 1990, he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos.

Career: Adegboyega Oyetola embarked on a successful career in the insurance sector. He began his professional journey at Leadway Assurance Company Limited in 1980 as an area manager and continued there until 1987. He then moved to Crusader Insurance Company Limited, where he served as the Underwriting Manager from 1987 to 1990. In 1990, he transitioned to Alliance and General Insurance, where he held the position of Technical Controller until 1991.

In 1991, Oyetola took an entrepreneurial leap and founded his own company, Silvertrust Insurance Brokers Limited, where he served as the Managing Director until 2011. His expertise and leadership skills were recognized beyond the insurance sector as he also served as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Paragon Group of Companies from 2005 to 2011. He held the position of Chairman at Ebony Properties Limited and was a Director of Pyramid Securities Limited until 2011.

Adegboyega Oyetola’s professional achievements extend beyond the business realm. He is an Associate Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute in London and Nigeria, and he is also a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).

Political Career: Oyetola’s political journey has been marked by his association with various political parties. He started as a member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and continued his involvement as the party evolved into the Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and eventually the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In July 2018, Oyetola contested for the Osun State gubernatorial seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 2018 gubernatorial election. He emerged victorious, securing the mandate to govern the state. His victory, however, faced legal challenges, including a tribunal declaration that he had not been legally returned. This decision was contested at the Court of Appeal.

Governorship and Public Service: Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola assumed the role of Governor of Osun State in 2018. During his tenure, he focused on various aspects of governance, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and socio-economic development. His leadership style was influenced by his previous experiences in both the private sector and public service.

Legacy: While in office, Governor Oyetola left his mark through policy initiatives, development projects, and efforts to enhance the well-being of the people of Osun State. His legacy continues to shape the state’s trajectory in the years following his governorship.

Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola’s journey from the insurance sector to the political arena underscores his commitment to public service and his dedication to the betterment of his community and nation.