Renowned Ex-Council Chiarman, Niyi Adeagbo clocks 49, recounts early-year struggles
Towards A Golden Jubilee. Hon Niyi Adeagbo Former Council Boss
You have been so quiet. Tell us what you’ve been up to, or should I just start by saying, “Happy Birthday!”?
Thank you very much! First of all, I am deeply grateful to Almighty Allah for how far He has brought me. I’ve been around, doing my little things here and there. Honestly, I feel like I’m growing up, and at this stage of my life, I don’t think I need to be everywhere. These days, I focus on things that are truly important to me. So yes, I’ve been around, doing a bit of everything that matters at this time. I hope that answers your question—unless, offcourse, you want to be more specific.
I actually want to know what you’ve been up to politically, but we’ll get there. Looking back, how do you feel you’ve changed over the years? Is there anything you’ve learned about yourself in these 49 years?
It’s been a serious 49 years of lessons, moving from one classroom to another, figuratively speaking. Life itself is all about history. Looking back, I feel like I’ve lived multiple lives in these almost five decades. So many experiences—life lessons, history-making moments, immature and unnecessary battles, achievements, successes, failures, and so on.
What I’ve learned now, more than ever before, is to trust less, avoid disappointment, and cultivate tolerance. There are no perfect human beings—we all have our shortcomings. I’ve become more focused on personal growth, development, family, balanced energy, and happiness. Those are the things that truly matter to me now.
How do you usually feel at the beginning of a new year of life? Do you make resolutions or set goals on your birthday?
Since my university days, I’ve always been a goal-setter. Every year, I carry things in my mind that I want to achieve as I move from one year to the next. I hate missing opportunities simply because I didn’t have a good plan.
As I grew older, I developed the habit of keeping a yearly diary where I articulate my plans, dreams, expectations, and possibilities. I strongly believe in planning and setting goals. Offcourse, that doesn’t mean that everything will turn out exactly as planned or that all goals will be achieved. But having a plan gives me direction and a reference point to review regularly. That’s been my way since I was much younger.
What’s your favorite birthday memory from when you were a child?
Birthday memory ke! You’ll be surprised to know that I didn’t even know what a birthday meant until I was 13 years old—but that’s a story for another day.
Over the years, I’ve always enjoyed socializing on my birthdays. Spending time with family and friends, sharing drinks, and hanging out have been the best birthday memories for me. Nothing more, nothing less.
How do you feel about surprises? Do you enjoy surprise birthday parties or prefer to plan your own celebrations?
Surprises are always sweet and memorable, but I’ve never had a surprise birthday party before. I’ve always planned my birthdays myself, or at most, planned with family and friends.
That said, I think I’m now at the stage in life where I can be surprised with a birthday party—especially since I’m growing older and my children are growing so fast. Who knows? It could happen soon!
How do you feel about birthdays as you get older? Do they still excite you, or are they more of a reflection point now?
As I approach my Golden Jubilee, it’s truly a mix of both. On one hand, I’m excited; on the other, I find myself in deep, sober reflection. It’s been a journey—a long, eventful journey—and this milestone naturally brings a blend of emotions.
Let us dive into politics. It’s been a while since you left office as the LG Chairman of Itesiwaju. Looking back, what has changed? Any reflections?
Well, the only constant thing in life is change, and there is a time for everything. I had my time, and I did my best within the capacity and opportunities I had. My primary focus was to put smiles on the faces of my people and serve them purposefully.
For me, politics at its core is about service, and I made sure my word was my bond throughout our administration. I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to make an impact.
What are your thoughts on Oyo State, particularly regarding Local Government administration?
As life must continue, so must governance, irrespective of changes in parties or leadership. No human being is perfect, and neither is any government. The key is for every administration to strive to do its best to positively impact the lives of the people, which is the essence of governance in the first place.
There are areas where the current administration has done well and areas where they may have fallen short. As opposition, our role is to offer constructive criticism and propose the best alternatives for anything we deem unacceptable. At the end of the day, Oyo State belongs to all of us, and its progress is a collective responsibility.
What is your stance on the economy of this nation? Or are you one of those unaffected by the impact of the hardship?
Like I said earlier, just as Oyo State belongs to all of us, so does the nation. No one is immune to the negative or positive impacts of the economy at any point in time.
We must all continue to believe in our nation and remain ready to contribute positively in any capacity we can toward its success. Every successful nation in the world has its own history of challenges. What truly matters is the ability to rise above those obstacles. I believe we shall overcome.
What is your political vision for the future? Are you considering contesting in the near future?
Tomorrow is in the hands of Almighty Allah, our Creator, who alone knows what the future holds. Personally, I do not have any immediate aspirations or plans. However, as a people, we a grand vision and ambition, our eyes are on a goal. That said, I am deeply passionate about our people. If ever given the opportunity to serve them or contribute my intellectual capacity for the betterment of my state or nation, I would be more than willing to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to that service.”
What are your thoughts on the 2027 Governorship election in Oyo State?
My thoughts! Well, 2027 is still a long way off. May God, in His infinite mercy, spare our lives and protect us all to see beyond 2027.
For now, I think all major players are busy addressing national and state issues. We should give them space to focus and avoid unnecessary distractions. Can’t you see the sign outside? It’s “Men at Work!”
What are your birthday wishes?
At this moment, my wish is to forgive and be forgiven. I sincerely seek forgiveness from anyone I may have wronged, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Likewise, I extend forgiveness to those who may have wronged me, understanding that we all act according to our level of awareness and knowledge at different times.
