Olakunle Vows Quality Representation for Ibadan South-West Constituency in 2027
Akinsete Olakunle, the Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Housing and Urban Development, has declared his intention to contest for the Ibadan South-West Constituency II seat in the upcoming general election, emphasizing the critical role of the legislative arm in shaping policies that directly impact citizens. According to him, effective representation demands a profound understanding of the needs and challenges faced by constituents, and serving as a lawmaker would provide a vital platform to advocate for policies addressing real community concerns while ensuring their proper implementation.
Key Priorities and Governance Approach
If elected, Olakunle has assured residents that his focus will be on delivering quality representation and promoting inclusive development. He has identified his key priorities as youth and women empowerment, strong community engagement, support for small and local businesses, and responsive, people-focused governance. He pledged a commitment to service, accountability, and practical solutions, promising to leverage his combined experience in entertainment, entrepreneurship, and public administration to drive impact, empowerment, and sustainable development.
Olakunle, who previously worked as a comedian before entering public service, highlighted that his journey into entrepreneurship was motivated by a desire to create meaningful impact rather than merely generate income. He noted that entrepreneurship is fundamentally about empowering young people and equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed independently. Even during his years in entertainment, he was dedicated to doing things differently and making a significant contribution to society, with the discipline required in comedy—such as timing, audience engagement, and personal branding—providing a solid foundation for his transition into business and public administration.
Contributions to Housing and Urban Development
Reflecting on his appointment as Special Adviser, Olakunle expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the role as a significant responsibility and an avenue to contribute to the state's development. He highlighted the organization of the first Oyo State Real Estate Conference as a key initiative of his office, which brought together policymakers, industry professionals, and stakeholders to discuss best practices and future directions for the sector. This conference has since evolved into an annual platform for dialogue and collaboration within the state's real estate industry.
Olakunle credited Governor Makinde's governance style, which relies on data, logic, and evidence-based planning, for shaping his own approach to leadership and decision-making. He emphasized that adopting a data-driven methodology has enhanced his ability to navigate complex challenges and make informed decisions that benefit citizens. On efforts to improve housing access, he revealed that the Oyo State Housing Corporation has secured approval to develop approximately 2,500 housing units across the state through public-private partnerships, with the project already underway and progressing steadily. Discussions are ongoing with the Federal Mortgage Bank to make these units more accessible to residents, particularly low and middle-income earners.
Empowerment Initiatives and Sustainable Impact
Olakunle stressed that his empowerment initiatives are designed to create sustainable opportunities rather than offer short-term assistance, focusing on providing resources that align with individuals' skills and economic realities. He cited the distribution of free examination forms for the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as one of the most impactful interventions he has undertaken, aiming to support educational advancement and long-term community development.
