Ogun Political Icon, Bayo Dayo Celebrates 80 In Grand Style

Ijebu Igbo-born political icon and elder statesman, Engr. Adebayo Dayo, was recently celebrated in grand style as he marked his 80th birthday. The milestone event attracted notable political figures and dignitaries from across Ogun State and beyond, highlighting the celebrant’s immense contributions to politics and community development.

The colourful celebration began with a thanksgiving service at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Japara, Ijebu Igbo, followed by a lavish reception at the Omo Ilu Event Centre, Ijebu-Igbo. The occasion was graced by the crème de la crème of society, reinforcing the celebrant’s revered status in both political and social circles.

Prominent personalities present included the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi; Senator Lekan Mustapha; Hon. Adekunle Akinlade (Triple A); and several traditional rulers led by the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, Oba Lawrence Adebajo. Others in attendance were Hon. Atinuke Bello, Prince Segun Adesegun, Otunba Adewale Oshinubi, Chief (Mrs.) Ibilola Solaja (Jumlad), Chief Kolapo Ogunjobi, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Hon. Jenriyi Osinowo and Hon. Kehinde Ayodeji Bello, among others.

In his sermon, Rt. Rev. Dr. Godwin Akinwande Odubena described the celebrant as a man of unwavering faith and divine grace. He noted the rarity of someone who had held such extensive political positions living to witness the age of 80 with strength and honour. He prayed for God's continued protection and blessings upon Chief Dayo and his family.

Born on Monday, June 25, 1945, Chief Samuel Adebayo Dayo hails from a lineage deeply rooted in the early Christian history of Ijebu Igbo. His paternal grandfather, Pa Justus Dayo, was among the first converts at St. John’s Anglican Church in 1896, while his maternal grandfather, Pa Emmanuel Oduyemi, helped introduce Christianity to Japara around 1901.

Chief Dayo began his education in Ijebu Igbo and later moved to Lagos in 1965, where he completed his GCE and bookkeeping examinations. He worked with the National Sports Council, Metal Box Company, and Nigeria Acceptances Ltd (now NAL Merchant Bank), before travelling to England in 1973. There, he studied Automobile Engineering at South Bristol Technical College, obtaining a diploma and qualifying as a motor engineer in 1976.

Returning to Nigeria in 1978, he established Sam Adebayo Motor Company, which began operations in 1979. The company handled motor repairs, accident assessments for insurance companies, and vehicle imports. Chief Dayo's foray into politics began in 1987 when he was elected unopposed as a councilor. He later served as a local government caretaker chairman from 2003 to 2004, during which several infrastructure projects were executed under his watch.

Over the years, Chief Dayo held several political offices, including Local Government Chairman, Senatorial Chairman, and Chairman of the PDP in Ogun State from 2012 to 2020. He also served on the boards of major federal parastatals, including the Nigerian Railway Corporation. Beyond politics, he was appointed the Olori Ode (Head of Hunters) of Ijebuland in 2013 and remains active in social and religious circles.

The Issues TV Show reports that Chief Adebayo Dayo’s 80th birthday was not only a celebration of longevity but a reflection of a life well-lived in service to community, faith, and country. His legacy, built on dedication, resilience, and leadership, remains an inspiration to emerging political figures and the youth of Ogun State.

As he steps further into the twilight of his years, Chief Dayo’s story serves as a beacon of what can be achieved through integrity, hard work, and selfless service. His contributions to public life and the development of Ijebu Igbo and Ogun State at large are sure to endure for generations to come.

- Oluseun ODUNEYE.