Here we go again, as 2027 approaches, the question on every political lip in Oyo State is simple yet profound: Who will wear Governor Seyi Makinde’s big shoes? In a state where leadership legacies shape political destinies, and where uncertainty still clouds the political season, one name has begun to rise above the din, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, better known as Odidiomo. With his rare blend of grassroots appeal, international professional pedigree, and growing influence within the PDP, Odidiomo is increasingly being tipped as the fresh, tech-savvy lawmaker who could carry forward the “GSM legacy” and chart a bold new chapter for Oyo State.
Odidiomo was born into the Akuru family at Agbeni. A man rooted in Ibadan politics and traditions. He is the son of Alhaji Lateef Olajide and Mrs. Funmilayo Olajide, and today represents Ibadan North-West/South-West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Yes, beyond politics, he is a trained bioinformatician with advanced knowledge in human genomics and over 25 years of professional experience working with Fortune 50 companies in the United States. His career in technology saw him lead in deploying high-performance computing, scalable architectures, cloud migration strategies, and cybersecurity solutions expertise that continues to design his political philosophy on governance and development.
In addition to his professional exploits abroad, Odidiomo is the CEO of Bentley Energy Nigeria Limited, an oil and gas firm with wide-ranging business interests. His entrepreneurial success reflects his ability to pass through both local and global economic landscapes, an attribute many consider consequential in driving sustainable growth in Oyo State.
His journey into politics has been defined by grassroots connection and developmental focus. Since his election into the House of Representatives, he has championed causes that reflect both his professional background and his constituency’s immediate needs. As Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, he has pushed for Nigeria’s digital expansion, cybersecurity resilience, and tech-driven governance.
His contributions are not limited to legislative duties. He has facilitated infrastructural projects, from boreholes to solar-powered streetlights, as well as youth empowerment schemes and education support programs. One of his flagship interventions is a digital literacy and data protection training program that has empowered over 600 youths in his constituency. He also spearheaded the establishment of IT centers that train thousands in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing initiatives that mirror his belief in technology as the foundation of Nigeria’s 21st-century development.
Even more, his philanthropy is equally visible. From purchasing JAMB forms for underprivileged students to supporting local candidates with ₦10 million donations during the last local government elections, Odidiomo has maintained a reputation as a leader of the people. His style, inclusiveness, and personal humility have earned him grassroots loyalty in Ibadan and beyond, even if he doesn’t look like it.
Interestingly, Odidiomo’s influence is no longer confined to Oyo State. He has represented Nigeria in various international fora, advocating for stronger global collaborations in technology and development. He was even part of the Nigerian delegation to the U.S.–Nigeria Technology Dialogue in Washington, D.C., alongside the Minister of Communications, where he lobbied for deeper partnerships in tech innovation and investment.
His tenure in the House has also been attributed by strategic achievements. He was instrumental in securing the hosting of Gitex, a global technology fair, in Nigeria, and facilitated a $2.09 million grant to expand Nigeria’s fiber optic backbone by 90,000 kilometers. On security, he has been vocal in pushing for improved funding for the Nigeria Police and financial intelligence units, stressing the need for ICT-driven reforms to combat financial crimes and money laundering.
Now in today realistic moment, Odidiomo’s greatest strength lies in his obvious blend of international expertise, business leadership, and political service. Unlike many career politicians, he brings a global outlook into local governance, positioning him as a bridge between advanced economies and Oyo’s developmental aspirations. His popular philanthropic style and grassroots accessibility also make him a popular figure, particularly among youths and artisans in Ibadan.
However, his relative newness to the almighty power structures of Oyo politics could be a challenge. Unlike seasoned gladiators who have spent decades building political machinery, Odidiomo’s rise has been swift, raising questions about how effectively he can consolidate across rival blocs. His technocratic outlook, while modern, may need to be balanced with traditional political engagement to win broad-based acceptance.
So what he must do to become Governor? for Odidiomo to emerge as Makinde’s successor, several steps are crucial: first, he needs to strengthen alliance with Governor Seyi Makinde. Position himself as the continuity candidate capable of safeguarding and expanding GSM’s legacy. While working on that he must also expand grassroots network. Beyond Ibadan, he must build deeper alliances across Oke-Ogun, Oyo, Ibarapa, and Ogbomoso to avoid being seen as Ibadan-centric.
Also, Odidiomo must broaden his policy agenda.While technology is his forte, he must articulate bold plans for agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and security, issues that identify with ordinary voters. He also needs to engage traditional and religious leaders. In Oyo politics, cultural endorsement still carries weight. Early outreach will be key. Reach to mobilize youth and women. While his tech-driven initiatives already resonate with young people, but structured engagement through town halls, social media, and empowerment programs could give him a decisive edge.
Now with his impressive track record, Odidiomo is already being whispered as one of the most credible contenders for 2027. His Ibadan roots place him at the heart of the state’s largest voting bloc, while his international experience gives him a unique selling point in an era of globalized governance. If he can consolidate his grassroots base, “befriend” Governor Makinde, and expand his influence beyond Ibadan, he could very well emerge as the frontrunner for the PDP ticket.
Yet, politics in Oyo remains unpredictable. Timing, alliances, and the ability to manage rival ambitions will ultimately determine his fate. What is clear, however, is that Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Odidiomo, has entered the conversation as one of the brightest prospects to lead Oyo State into its post-Makinde future.
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