The Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige has been conferred with an Award of Excellence in Good Governance by the Igbo Elerin community in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The presentation done in his office was a highlight of the 9th Igbo Elerin Day celebrations, held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Igbo Elerin Grammar School.
The award was jointly presented by the Baales of Eleruko, Olawatosin Olusegun Oladimeji SEGELU, Onigbaro of Igbaro, Adesunmibo Olulere, Apabiekun, Sunday Akinwumi and Dagbolu, Moses Ogunsakin on behalf of the Igbo Elerin Council of Baales and Forum of Chiefs.
Speaking for the council, Baale Olawatosin Olusegun Oladimeji praised Hon. Ige’s lifelong passion for uplifting others, spanning from his time as a council chairman to his current role as the chairman pension board.
Baale Dagbolu, Moses Ogunsakin further commended Ige for his transparency and “zero tolerance for bribery” in processing retiree gratuities—a process from which Baale Dagbolu himself benefited as a retired primary school teacher in 2019.
The Baales who hinted that they are aware that Hon. Ige is aspiring to represent the Oyo South senatorial district come 2027, assured that they were ready to mobilise the people across the nine local government under the Oyo South and beyond to ensure his victory at the poll if he secure his party’s ticket.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Ige expressed deep gratitude to the council, noting that he attached special significance to it because he did not lobby for it but was bestowed on him by the revered traditional Baales.
“I have received numerous awards, but I attach so much value to this one because I did not lobby for it. On behalf of the entire staff of the board and the retired primary school teachers and local government staff I appreciate the council of Igbo Elerin for this honour.
I have received numerous awards before as you can see that I display here in my office, I attach so much value to this one.
“I am therefore dedicating this award to Governor Seyi Makinde for giving me the platform to contribute to his ‘Omi Tuntun’ administration and for making us proud in Oyo State.” He said.
Ige, an Oyo South senatorial hopeful in the 2027 general elections used the opportunity to extend his appreciation to his leader, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja for his continued guidance and mentorship.
The Permanent Secretary of the board, TPL Akinwale Olufemi Akindele, and the Director of Education and Social Services, Mrs. Adeyemo Rachael joined Hon. Ademola Ige to receive the award.
