Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola GAIC.
Life often gives us opportunities to encounter individuals whose brilliance, commitment, and integrity leave lasting impressions on us. For me, one of such remarkable personalities is Dr. Gbolagade Adekunle Oyedele—a name that has become synonymous with excellence in administration, policy formulation, and service to humanity. Today, as he bows out of active civil service, it is not only appropriate but also imperative to pause, reflect, and celebrate this outstanding gentleman whose legacy of hard work, humility, and passion will continue to resonate for years to come.
My path first crossed with Dr. Oyedele during a session of Ibadan Liberal Minds convened by the ever-distinguished Chief Adeyemi Soladoye. That gathering, which was centered on intellectual engagement and developmental discourse, became the backdrop against which I first witnessed Dr. Oyedele’s uncommon brilliance. While many spoke eloquently that day, Dr. Oyedele stood out—not merely for the fluency of his speech, but for the depth of his insight and the clarity of his thought process. He articulated complex policy issues with such ease that one could immediately recognize his mastery of governance and administration. From that moment, it was clear to me that this was no ordinary administrator, but a man with a deep reservoir of knowledge, a mind shaped by discipline, and a heart fueled by a passion for community development.
That initial encounter was only the beginning. Our collaboration intensified when we worked together in drafting the blueprint for the Ibadan Development Program. The outcome of that collective effort was the celebrated Ibadan Road Map 2030, a long-term strategic plan designed to transform Ibadanland into a thriving and modern city while retaining its unique cultural heritage. During those sessions, Dr. Oyedele distinguished himself as a master of detail and a custodian of vision. He had the rare ability to combine theoretical frameworks with practical realities, ensuring that our proposals were not only intellectually sound but also feasible in execution.Beyond his intellectual acumen, what struck me most was his approach to leadership. Dr. Oyedele did not dominate conversations with arrogance, neither did he dismiss contrary opinions. Rather, he listened with patience, weighed arguments with objectivity, and often found a middle ground that united divergent views. His humility was as profound as his intelligence. This balance—between brilliance and modesty—is what makes him such an effective administrator.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving alongside him in various committees under the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII). On each of those occasions, his character shone brightly. Whether we were deliberating on policy matters, cultural preservation, or infrastructural development, Dr. Oyedele’s presence always added depth to the process. He has consistently proven to be diligent, meticulous, and humane. His colleagues respect him, not because of his titles, but because of the values he embodies—discipline, loyalty, and an unwavering dedication to the common good.Dr. Oyedele’s contributions are not limited to intellectual blueprints or committee work. He is also a man of action. His career in the Oyo State Civil Service, culminating in his role as Permanent Secretary, General Administration, Governor’s Office, is a testament to decades of consistent excellence. In a system often plagued by inefficiency and bureaucracy, Dr. Oyedele stood out as a beacon of competence and integrity. His tenure was marked by policies that strengthened institutional structures, enhanced transparency, and ensured effective service delivery. He treated public service not as a career to enrich oneself, but as a calling to impact society positively.One cannot celebrate Dr. Oyedele without emphasizing his passion for Ibadanland. He is, at heart, a son of Ibadan who never loses sight of his roots. Every developmental project concerning Ibadanland ignites a special fire in him. He approaches such initiatives with a sense of duty and urgency, recognizing that the progress of his homeland is intertwined with the prosperity of the entire Oyo State. In meetings, one can see his eyes light up when discussions tilt toward Ibadan’s growth—whether it be in infrastructure, education, health, or cultural renaissance. His patriotism is both inspiring and contagious, encouraging younger professionals to think beyond self-interest and contribute to the collective advancement of their community.
To describe him as a “policy developer expert” is not an exaggeration; it is a fitting acknowledgment of his craft. Policy formulation requires not just intelligence, but also foresight, pragmatism, and empathy for the people such policies are meant to serve. Dr. Oyedele embodies all these qualities. He is a conscientious gatekeeper, ensuring that policies do not merely decorate official documents but translate into tangible benefits for the populace. His track record bears witness to his ability to balance vision with implementation.But beyond his professional accolades, Dr. Oyedele is also known for his personal virtues. He is approachable, kind-hearted, and always willing to mentor others. Many younger colleagues and associates have benefitted from his guidance, and he has never failed to create an atmosphere where ideas are nurtured and talents are encouraged. He embodies the rare combination of being both a teacher and a servant-leader.
As he takes his final bow from active civil service, one cannot help but reflect on the impact of his journey. Retirement, though marking the end of an official chapter, is not the end of relevance. For a man of his caliber, it is merely the beginning of another phase—one that will perhaps offer him even greater opportunities to channel his wisdom and passion into service for humanity. His departure from government service does not mean an end to his influence; rather, it heralds a new era where his experience can be harnessed more broadly by communities, institutions, and future leaders.
To the younger generation, Dr. Oyedele’s life stands as a shining example of what it means to live with purpose. His story teaches that greatness is not found in titles or positions, but in the consistency of character and the sincerity of service. To his colleagues, his retirement is a reminder that true leadership leaves footprints—footprints that endure long after the leader has stepped aside. And to Ibadanland, his legacy is a gift that will continue to inspire development long after this moment.
On a personal note, I consider it an honor to have known and worked closely with such a man. Every encounter with him has been a lesson in diligence, humility, and patriotism. His brilliance is undeniable, but it is his humanity that truly endears him to those who know him.
As Dr. Gbolagade Adekunle Oyedele bows out of the Oyo State Civil Service, I join countless others in celebrating him. May his retirement be filled with joy, peace, and continued relevance. May his wisdom remain a guiding light for future generations. And may his passion for Ibadanland and humanity at large continue to bear fruit in ways beyond what we can yet imagine.
Indeed, we celebrate not just a retiring civil servant, but a legacy of excellence, service, and humanity.
Congratulations, Dr. Oyedele, on a career well-lived and a service well-rendered. The story of Oyo State and Ibadanland cannot be told without the mention of your name. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors, knowing that you will continue to be a blessing wherever your journey leads.
