- By Ade Adetunji
In the political landscape of Ekiti State, where many come and go with the tide, there stands a colossus whose loyalty has never been for sale Dr. Tai Oguntayo, Esq., fondly called Akogun. If you are searching for a man with unconditional love for his people, a democrat with uncommon candour, and a party man whose belief in party loyalty and supremacy is total, look no further.
From the early days of *Alliance for Democracy (AD)* when the foundation of this Fourth Republic was being laid, Akogun Tai Oguntayo was already in the trenches. Not as a bystander, but as a builder. Not as a commentator, but as a combatant for good governance. While others were calculating gains, he was calculating impact.
The Akogun Oba of Ipole-Iloro in Ekiti West Local Govt is a self-made man who broke all barriers to rise to stardom. Just as he rose through the ranks in politics as a Supervisor in the Local Govt to Secretary to the Local Govt, Special Assistant to the Governor, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Special Adviser to the Speaker House of Assembly and Technical Advisor to the Governor of Ekiti State, so also he rose educationally to the zenith of his academic career. From Higher National Diploma (HND) holder to Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in journalism, Master of Communication Arts (MCA), Bachelor of Law (LLB), Master of Law (LLM) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Laws. What else can one say of a man who combines politicking with accumulation of knowledge and at the same, an entrepreneur per excellence!
Tell me any progressive government in Ekiti State since 1999 and I will show you the fingerprints of this gentleman. From Supervisor for Health where he cut his teeth in grassroots administration, to every strategic level of governance in the state. Dr. Oguntayo has been present right from the onset. He is a living archive of Ekiti politics. A man who understands the past, engages the present, and is shaping the future.
Before the titles, before the political appointments, Akogun was first a great journalist and a fearless publisher. With his pen, he fought injustice. With his publications, he gave voice to the voiceless. He didn’t just report history; he made history. Even in politics, he brought the discipline of the newsroom, facts over fiction, truth over propaganda, service over self.
For Dr. Tai, the party is supreme. He doesn’t play anti-party. He doesn’t romance opposition in the night and claim progressive in the day. His loyalty is 100% and unconditional.
He tells you the truth when you need it, not when you want it. He is bold to praise and brave to correct. That is rare in today’s politics. Bridge Across Generations: From the old AD warhorses to the new media youths of today, Akogun connects all. He mentors without pride and learns without ego. Positions never changed him. From Supervisory Councillor to every other office he has held, the man remained accessible, humble, and people driven.
Dr. Tai Oguntayo, Esq, may your oil never run dry. The wisdom that has sustained you from AD till today will carry you to greater national relevance.
May Ekiti State never lack your counsel. May Nigeria find you worthy of higher service.
As you have used your pen to build others, may many pens rise to write your success story.
The Akogun title you bear is not chieftaincy alone it is destiny. You are indeed the General of progressive ideology in Ekiti.
Sir, you are not just a politician; you are a movement. Not just a lawyer; you are a legal mind with a political heart. Not just a publisher; you are a builder of men and institutions.
Ekiti is blessed to have you. The progressives are stronger because of you. Journalism is prouder because you dignified it.
Keep soaring, Akogun. Keep speaking, the Oracle of Truth. Keep serving, the Man of Unconditional Love.
Your best chapters are still ahead.
- Written by Hon. (Chief) Ade Adetunji Olowojegure, Ijana Street, Okemesi-Ekiti.
