Hon. Olalekan Bello’s political journey reflects a steady progression from student activism to grassroots political leadership, underscoring years of active involvement in public service and community development.
A former student leader in the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Bello served in several leadership capacities before becoming the Oyo State Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he played a prominent role in youth mobilisation, party organisation and grassroots engagement.
He is now seeking to lead Egbeda Local Government on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
An accountant, business administrator and certified project manager, Bello possesses a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA), and professional certification in Project Management.
He believes his academic and professional background has equipped him with the administrative, financial and leadership skills required for effective local government administration.
Throughout his political career, Bello has consistently advocated greater youth participation in governance and democratic processes, maintaining that young people should be given opportunities to contribute meaningfully to leadership and development.
Speaking during his declaration of interest for the Egbeda Local Government chairmanship, Bello said his decision to contest was informed by persistent appeals from community leaders, party stakeholders and residents who encouraged him to offer himself for service.
He said his aspiration is driven by a desire to consolidate development in Egbeda Local Government through inclusive governance, prudent management of public resources and stronger collaboration between the council administration and the people.
Bello also advocated reducing financial barriers to political participation, arguing that leadership positions should be determined by competence, integrity, capacity and commitment to public service rather than financial strength.
He acknowledged Governor Seyi Makinde for creating opportunities for young people to participate actively in governance, saying the administration’s youth-friendly policies have inspired many young politicians to aspire to leadership positions across the state.
According to Bello, his years of political engagement, coupled with the opportunities provided under Governor Makinde’s administration, have strengthened his conviction that local government remains the closest and most impactful tier of government.
The chairmanship aspirant also commended the administration of the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, describing his tenure as one marked by visible developmental projects and improved service delivery.
He noted that Sanda’s administration has recorded significant achievements in security through the construction of a Police Division and an Amotekun office, while also investing in education with the construction of new classroom blocks and the renovation of existing ones.
Bello further applauded the provision of potable water, road construction and rehabilitation projects, as well as other infrastructure initiatives executed across the local government.
Bello pledged to build on these achievements if elected chairman in 2027, assuring residents that his administration would sustain ongoing developmental projects while introducing new initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
“I am committed to consolidating the achievements recorded by the administration of Hon. Sikiru Sanda. Rather than abandon ongoing progress, my administration will build on the solid foundation already laid by ensuring greater development, improved service delivery and people-oriented governance across Egbeda Local Government,” he said.
He identified community engagement, youth and women empowerment, education, enterprise development, infrastructure and improved service delivery as key priorities of his administration if given the mandate.
Bello’s political profile has continued to attract commendation from party stakeholders. During his earlier declaration, the then Chairman of the PDP in Egbeda Local Government, Chief Ebenezer Alawe, described him as a committed grassroots politician, an experienced democracy advocate and a dedicated public servant.
Other stakeholders have similarly cited Bello’s consistency in advocating youth inclusion in governance, describing him as one of the emerging political leaders with the experience and grassroots connection required for effective local government administration.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the local government elections, Bello remains one of the aspirants presenting his vision and experience to party members and residents, seeking their support to lead Egbeda Local Government.
His political evolution from student leadership through party administration and grassroots mobilisation reflects years of engagement with governance, stakeholder management and public service, experiences he believes have prepared him for the responsibilities of local government leadership.
With increasing youth participation in politics across Oyo State, Bello’s aspiration represents a growing movement of younger leaders seeking to deepen grassroots development through democratic leadership.
He maintains that, if entrusted with the mandate, he will build on the achievements of the current administration while introducing innovative policies that will further accelerate the development of Egbeda Local Government.
