By Olajide Hamzat
I was inspired not simply because of his oratory prowess or intellectual depth. Though, I had met some thoughtful leaders in the past. Still, none has the same infectious aura and contagious charisma as the man about to walk us through the curves and contours of his personal and professional exploits.
Standing strongly in front of young movers and shakers in the state, this legal juggernaut told me and others of his position and perspectives on politics, policy and governance — and the various behind the scene interventions he has made to advance democracy, assist governments to tackle knotty challenges both at the national and sub-national levels. Vast in the history, geography, and peculiarities of our state, this man has an unbridled passion for the growth and development of Oyo State beyond the cities!
Accomplished in all spheres, he was damn inspirational in the real sense of it. Like others, I listened to the story of his life with rapt attention. That moment gave me the rare opportunity to poke into the inner recesses of his mind while picking up clues on the things he kept to himself. In other words, I listened to what he said out loud and what he silently uttered. Particularly, his story reminded us of the timeless fact that success in many instances has nothing to do with background. That if you can dream it, you can achieve it. And here, on that glorious day, we saw a man who rose from a humble beginning to have the world under his feet.
Despite the limited time, Amofin Beulah Adeoye walked us through a side of his life that is not generally in the public eye. He told us about the struggle he faced early on and how he weathered the storm with grace and equanimity. As he walked us through those moments that shaped his choices and decisions, I became enthralled and inspired. Enthralled because I found myself in his story. I saw myself in his words and couldn’t be more lifted in spirit and soul. I found his story relatable and quite believable. Stories, when shared with grace, passion, and love, have a powerful effect on the people. And inspiring leaders have mastered the art of storytelling. On that day, we all attested to the fact that Amofin Beulah Adeoye was an excellent and exceptional storyteller.
In a way, Amofin’s uncanny ability to tell his story had this connecting power with the people in a way that promotes and fosters unity and diversity. When a leader is adept at weaving story into conversation, the chances that they will build an enduring army of loyal supporters is unmistakable. While telling us his story, we discovered that starting humbly isn’t a problem; not being willing and ready to move past that humble beginning is. Amofin Beulah was able to climb the ladder of success because of the three ‘C’s: Character, Competence, and Capacity.
As a student across all levels of education, Amofin was an academic standout. Whether at the International School, Ibadan or the University of Ibadan, the story of his academic excellence illuminates long before and decades after. In the corporate world, notorious for chewing people up while spitting them out with mirthful abandon, Amofin Beulah Adeoye not only excelled but left an indelible imprint that will continue to stand the test of time.
It is easy to look up to the incredibly inspiring story of Amofin Beulah Adeoye. For once, you can relate to his background and consider dreams and aspirations quite possible. He was able to achieve his dream, nothing stops you from achieving yours.
Olajide Hamzat writes about the various prospect and potential of Oyo state while projecting Amofin Beulah Adeoye as a solution provider, problem solver and creative, adaptive and innovative leader and thinker with compassion and empathy.
