Hon. Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Ramata Agberemi Dabo, popularly known as RAD, has steadily carved a place for herself among Oyo State’s most influential female political figures, building a reputation founded on grassroots mobilisation, humanitarian service, women empowerment and unwavering loyalty to Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
Over the years, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters has demonstrated that political relevance is earned not only through elective office but also through consistent service, organisational capacity and an enduring commitment to community development.
Those qualities have now culminated in her nomination as Director of the Women’s Wing of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections, a recognition many political observers describe as a fitting reward for years of dedication to grassroots politics and party development.
Before becoming a familiar face in Oyo State politics, Hon RAD spent a significant part of her professional career in the diaspora, where she distinguished herself as a humanitarian leader committed to improving the lives of vulnerable African immigrants.
Her work focused on helping them secure legal documentation, healthcare services, employment opportunities and decent accommodation, experiences that deepened her passion for service and strengthened her belief that leadership should always improve the lives of ordinary people.
Her political consciousness, however, began much earlier during her student years when she actively participated in student politics, laying the foundation for what has become a remarkable journey in public service and grassroots mobilisation.
Determined to contribute to the development of her home state, Dabo formally joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and supported the election of his principal, Governor Seyi.
Within a short period, she became one of the party’s most active grassroots mobilisers, particularly among women and young people, earning a reputation for commitment, discipline and organisational excellence.
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, she aspired to represent the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Although she did not secure the party’s ticket, she remained committed to the success of the party, choosing to continue mobilising support for Governor Seyi Makinde and the PDP rather than allowing personal ambition to overshadow the collective interest.
Her unwavering loyalty and grassroots influence soon attracted wider recognition.
Governor Seyi Makinde nominated her to represent Oyo State on the National PDP Campaign Council during the 2023 general elections, entrusting her with responsibilities that further demonstrated his confidence in her ability to mobilise support and strengthen the party’s structures.
Following the elections, Hon RAD was appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, a strategic office that places her at the intersection of government, local councils and traditional institutions.
In that role, she has continued to work closely with stakeholders across the state, supporting policies that strengthen grassroots governance, foster harmonious relationships with traditional rulers and deepen collaboration between the state government and local authorities.
Away from the government, Hon RAD has remained passionate about humanitarian service and community development.
She is the founder and convener of the SHE is a Legend initiative, an advocacy platform dedicated to promoting women’s inclusion in governance, mentoring young women and empowering future female leaders.
Through her humanitarian organisation, she has championed several community development initiatives, including youth awareness campaigns against drug abuse and programmes designed to improve the welfare of women, young people and other vulnerable members of society.
Her commitment to humanitarian service has earned her several recognitions, including the PERA Humanitarian Amazon of the Year Award in December 2023 for her outstanding contributions to humanity.
Beyond politics and philanthropy, Dabo is equally respected for promoting Yoruba culture and traditional institutions.
She holds the prestigious traditional titles of Yeye Bobatolu of Ejesi in Ile Ife and Yeye Mayegun of Igbaro Land, honours that reflect her contributions to community development and cultural preservation.
Colleagues and political associates often describe her as a woman whose elegance is complemented by competence, whose integrity inspires confidence and whose loyalty has remained unwavering through both political victories and disappointments.
Hon RAD continued to mobilise support for Governor Makinde and the party across Oyo State, placing collective progress above personal ambition.
That consistency, political maturity and dedication have now earned her another major opportunity to serve.
As part of preparations for the 2027 general elections, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), named Hon. Ramata Agberemi Dabo as Director-General of the Women’s Wing of the Oyo State Governorship Campaign Council.
The appointment, announced by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, is expected to be formalised during the inauguration of the campaign council.
When inaugurated, Hon RAD will coordinate women’s mobilisation and engagement across Oyo State, playing a strategic role in strengthening the party’s grassroots campaign structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
For many, the appointment is a reflection of years of capacity, integrity, loyalty and sterling performance in public service and grassroots politics.
As Oyo State prepares for another important political chapter, Hon. Ramata Agberemi Dabo, RAD, continues to demonstrate that enduring leadership is not defined by titles alone but by consistency, compassion, resilience and an unwavering commitment to serving people, empowering women and strengthening democratic participation at the grassroots.
She expressed her profound gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde and Otunba Seye Famojuro for the opportunity given to her to serve the state.
