Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, a distinguished Nigerian politician, served as the Governor of Osun State from 2018 to 2022. Born September 29, 1954, in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area, Osun State, Oyetola is a respected figure in Nigerian politics and public service.
Oyetola’s educational path began at Ifeoluwa Grammar School, Osogbo, completing his secondary education in 1972. He pursued higher education at the University of Lagos, graduating with a Bachelor of Science honors in Insurance in 1978. Oyetola’s commitment to service led him to fulfill his one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) obligations in Potiskum, Yobe State, where he also lectured at the Staff Training Centre from 1978 to 1979. Continuing his educational journey, he earned an MBA from the University of Lagos in 1990.
A successful career in the insurance sector followed, with Oyetola starting as an Area Manager at Leadway Assurance Company Limited in 1980. He served there until 1987 before joining Crusader Insurance Company Limited as the Underwriting Manager. Oyetola’s professional trajectory continued at Alliance and General Insurance, where he held the position of Technical Controller from 1990 to 1991.
In 1991, Oyetola showcased his entrepreneurial talents by establishing Silvertrust Insurance Brokers Limited, serving as Managing Director until 2011. His leadership and business acumen were recognized in various roles, including Executive Vice Chairman of the Paragon Group of Companies from 2005 to 2011, Chairman of Ebony Properties Limited, and Director of Pyramid Securities Limited until 2011.
Adegboyega Oyetola’s accomplishments also extend to professional affiliations as an Associate Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute in London and Nigeria and a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).
Oyetola’s political journey started with the Alliance for Democracy (AD), continuing as the party transitioned into the Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and finally, the All Progressives Congress (APC). His dedication to public service saw him contesting the Osun State gubernatorial election in September 2018 as the APC candidate. Despite facing legal challenges, Oyetola emerged victorious, assuming the Governor of Osun State role in 2018.
Governor Oyetola’s tenure focused on key governance aspects like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and socio-economic development, drawing on his experiences from the private sector and public service. His policy initiatives, development projects, and efforts to improve the lives of the people of Osun State left a lasting impact.
Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola’s transition from the insurance industry to the political arena demonstrates his dedication to public service and community betterment. He was appointed as the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, further solidifying his role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
