The man to watch…

By Adesola Yaqub

POLITICS and Oyo State political space is becoming interesting by the day. Aspirants across the five regions of Ibadan, Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun, Oyo and Ogbomoso have started to become visible.  Several organised groups have intensified their voices, championing this regional aspiration with remarkable consistency and clarity. Their message is no longer a distant echo; it is now drawing the attention of key influencers—both within Oyo State and at the federal level. As the conversation gains momentum, many are watching closely, eager to see how the long-envisioned goal of power rotation will be transformed from a passionate demand into an undeniable reality. Every aspirant emerging today carries a story of service. But beyond these individual narratives, citizens naturally hold silent convictions about who is best suited to lead Oyo State into its next chapter. For many of us, one name stands out—Engr. Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan. And for good reason.

Olaniyan’s story is the story of possibility. Born in Igboho, Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, his early childhood was spent in Ghana before his family returned home during the expulsion era. His beginnings were humble; at a time his mates moved into grammar school, financial constraints held him back. Rather than languish in frustration, young Remi joined bricklayers as a help-boy—carrying mortar, fetching water and lifting blocks at construction sites. Through determination and honest labour, he saved enough to enroll in modern school, the foundational post-primary education of Oke-Ogun in those days. His journey from a construction site helpboy to a civil engineering graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) remains one of the most inspiring stories in Oyo State’s leadership class. After graduation, Olaniyan served diligently in the Oyo State Civil Service—rising through ONADEP (later OYSADEP), the Ministry of Works and eventually becoming Managing Director of the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OSROMA). His almost three decades of career spread placed him at the heart of Oyo’s infrastructure development—roads, dams, buildings, and agricultural projects—while working under twelve successive governors (military and civilian). He retired with honour as a Permanent Secretary, enriched with a rare understanding of governance from the inside out.

Politics later became an extension of his commitment to public service, culminating in his election as Deputy Governor of Oyo State. The circumstances around his impeachment remain largely political, not criminal, and even he maintains—with consistency and calm conviction—that he committed no offence. Those who witnessed the events know the story. What matters most today is this: Engr. Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan is one of the most experienced, well-grounded and widely acceptable leaders in Oyo State. His footprints stretch across every zone. His engineering career took him to communities, roads and terrains that many politicians have never seen or heard of. He understands the challenges of the state—not from reports but from lived experience. And he understands the solutions.

Beyond competence, Olaniyan embodies values that build societies. A devoted yet moderate Muslim, he upholds religious tolerance and remains a bridge of peace among diverse faiths.  His philanthropy knows no boundaries, offering scholarships, medical support and employment opportunities to people across religious and ethnic lines. His business operations reflect fairness and inclusiveness; what matters is merit not identity. Olaniyan is a man shaped by conscience—honest, principled, truthful, allergic to cheating and guided deeply by the fear of God. His generosity is legendary. In his own words: “It is God who gives and God who takes. Where are we carrying the money to?”  This is not rhetoric; it is his lifestyle. Politically, he remains one of the most trusted and beloved figures in Oke-Ogun and beyond. Even after impeachment, his constituency still returned overwhelming support through votes for his choice—proof of a genuine bond between the leader and his people.  Against all the propaganda, Olaniyan has never lost support of his constituency to vote for his party or candidates of choice.  A trusted name. A proven technocrat. A bridge-builder. A visionary defined by hard work, humility and service. Supporting Olaniyan for governor in 2027 is not merely a political choice, it is a vote for capacity, competence, character, commitment, inclusiveness, peace, development and a future where every citizen counts. He understands Oyo State because he has served Oyo State. And he is ready, once again, to rebuild, restore and reposition it as a home for all. Engr. Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan is indeed the man to watch.

•Yaqub (Tásoólò), a graduate of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), writes in via [email protected]

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