After listening to the Executive Governor of Oyo State’s speech yesterday, one cannot but reflect on the growing gap between rhetoric and results in governance. It has become increasingly evident that leadership must be grounded in vision, competence, and economic understanding — not just political convenience or populist appeal. As the saying goes, “you cannot give what you do not have.” In leadership, what one lacks in vision and capacity ultimately reflects in the quality of governance delivered to the people.
The political atmosphere in Oyo a few years back produced a leadership outcome that many now view as a product of expedient alliances rather than structured merit. The coalition that brought the current administration into power — involving the likes of Senator Lanlehin and others — was hailed as a masterstroke then, but history is beginning to question its long-term value to the state’s development. It was a pact built more on political negotiation than on a shared developmental ideology, and the consequences are now evident in the state’s policy direction and economic outlook.
Public concerns have continued to trail the management of state resources and the transparency surrounding government expenditure. For instance, the reported billions expended on various “renovations” have raised legitimate questions about fiscal prudence and priorities. These concerns are not borne out of malice but of a collective desire to ensure that Oyo State’s resources translate into visible, people-centered progress.
In contrast, Oyo has produced personalities whose leadership footprints extend beyond politics — individuals who have combined technical expertise with visionary governance. The late Senator Abiola Ajimobi of blessed memory remains one of such examples: a leader who rose from a verifiable corporate background in the oil industry to establish a strong governance identity rooted in discipline and innovation. His record remains on public platforms, reflecting a clear trajectory of growth and professional integrity.
Today, Oyo State is fortunate to have another son of similar pedigree — Chief Adebayo Adelabu (Penkelemesi) — whose profile exemplifies verifiable competence, intellectual depth, and proven capacity for economic transformation.
Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s youngest-ever Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, stands as a beacon of excellence, integrity, and tested leadership. His career is a blend of merit, brilliance, and hard work — attributes cultivated through years of service in globally respected institutions rather than through political patronage.
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At the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chief Adelabu managed the Financial System Stability Directorate (FSS), overseeing the entire Nigerian banking sector. His tenure was characterized by strategic leadership, fiscal discipline, and institutional reforms that strengthened financial stability — qualities that reflect deep economic understanding and governance experience.
Before his appointment at the CBN, he served as Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of First Bank of Nigeria, one of the nation’s most reputable financial institutions. There, he was responsible for financial operations, strategic planning, and fiscal oversight. Earlier, at Wema Bank Plc, he held the position of Executive Director, demonstrating mastery in corporate finance and governance.
His professional journey began at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the world’s leading audit and advisory firms, where he built a strong foundation in financial systems, auditing, and economic strategy — competencies that remain vital for sustainable public administration.
Academically, Chief Adelabu’s distinction speaks for itself: a First-Class Graduate of Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), and an alumnus of executive programs at Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford.
Thus, the contrast between what we currently have and what is possible under a visionary and economically grounded leadership is clear. Oyo State deserves a leader whose experience goes beyond political rhetoric — someone with a track record of measurable results, both in public service and the private sector.
Chief Adebayo Adelabu represents that alternative — a leader with proven economic management skills, institutional knowledge, and the intellectual breadth to transform Oyo into a model of innovation and financial sustainability. His profile is not a matter of projection or political embellishment; it is verifiable, transparent, and nationally respected.
Oyo’s future will not be built on sentiments or populism but on strategic leadership rooted in accountability, professionalism, and performance. That is why, in the face of political theatrics and empty promises, Chief Adebayo Adelabu remains Oyo’s best hope for translating political rhetoric into economic reality.
