Prince Kolade Oladigbolu enters 2027 race for Oyo constituency

In a bold move for the 2027 elections under the banner of the People’s Democratic Party, Prince Kolade Afeez Siyanbola Oladigbolu has announced his intention to run for the House of Representatives to represent Oyo Federal Constituency.

Drawing upon his multifaceted experience in business, philanthropy and public service, Prince Oladigbolu emphasised that his candidature is grounded in a commitment to youth empowerment, community infrastructure and economic inclusion.

“Every thriving society stands on the shoulders of its young people. My goal is to open new pathways for employment, innovation and leadership so that the youth of Oyo can shape the future with confidence,” Oladigbolu declared.

“Our vision is to transform every investment into a story of progress. What we build should not end with us; it should become an inheritance of pride and stability for generations to come,” he affirmed.

“We will engage our people directly in the process of growth. From artisans to engineers, every project will create hands-on opportunities for skill acquisition, productivity and sustainable livelihoods within our constituency,” he added.

Prince Oladigbolu, who said he embodies a rare blend of heritage and enterprise, hails from the distinguished Ladigbolu royal family of Oyo. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation in business with interests spanning real estate development, maritime logistics and energy.

He noted that his experience in managing large-scale projects and coordinating diverse teams has shaped his understanding of sustainable development and effective leadership. “Those experiences have prepared me to bring fresh thinking, accountability and tangible progress to the people of Oyo,” he stated.

He has also been recognised for entrepreneurial and social impact across Nigeria, having received the Africa Young Entrepreneur Award in 2025 for his combination of business growth and community service.

In his announcement, Prince Oladigbolu outlined the central pillars of his campaign, placing strong emphasis on people-centred development and inclusive governance.

On youth empowerment, Oladigbolu said his priority is to equip young people with the tools to shape their own future. “We have an energetic generation in Oyo, full of ideas and potential. My mission is to create real avenues for them to turn those ideas into enterprise, innovation and leadership,” he declared.

Speaking on infrastructure and community development, he explained that his private-sector experience has taught him the value of strategic planning and sustainability. “We must build communities that work, with roads, schools and essential services that reflect the dignity of our people,” he said.

On local economic participation, Oladigbolu stressed the importance of community ownership in every development process. “Our people should not stand by while others build for them. We will ensure that local hands, local knowledge and local businesses drive every project in Oyo,” he stated.

He further highlighted cultural integration and heritage as a foundation for meaningful progress. “Modern growth must never erase who we are. Development should strengthen our identity, not dilute it. A true home reflects both dignity and heritage,” he said.

Prince Oladigbolu said his decision to run stems from a deep conviction that leadership must bridge the gap between tradition and progress.

“Our people deserve leaders who understand where we are coming from and where we must go. My background gives me that balance, respect for heritage and a commitment to modern governance that works,” he stated.

He explained that his royal lineage, business experience and years of community engagement have prepared him to deliver measurable results, not mere promises. “Public office is not a retirement plan; it is a responsibility to build systems that truly serve the people,” he remarked.

Addressing the challenge of youth unemployment and social exclusion, Oladigbolu said his campaign is centred on empowerment and long-term development.

“I am not in this race for short-term applause. I am here to build structures that will outlive us all, institutions that make life better for the next generation,” he affirmed.

Looking ahead, he noted that the task before leaders is to translate private-sector efficiency into public service delivery. “What I have learnt in business is that vision without execution is empty. In government, we must apply that same discipline to ensure that projects are not just started but completed,” he said.

He concluded with a reflection on what defines true success in leadership: “It is not the number of projects you commission that matters, but the number of lives that truly change for the better. That is the legacy I seek to build for the people of Oyo.”