Oloye Sharafadeen Abiodun, one the most decorated politician in Oyo State clocks 54.
InsideOyo writes about some of the things many may not know about the Ibadan-born politician who has consistently been in politics for 27 years.
Read below:
•He studied law from the University of Ibadan in 1986.
•He attended the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island in 1987.
•He served in Anambra for his youth service and served at A.E Enumah & Associates (Barristers and Solicitors) in 1988.
•He was employed as a Counsel at R.A. Sarumi & Co., Solicitors Advocates & Notary Public, Ibadan between 1988 to 1991.
•At age 28, in 1991, he became the first Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government.
•At age 29, in 1992, he was installed Asiwaju Balogun of Bakatari in Ido Local Government
•In 1992, he was honoured as a Great Ambassador of Kuti Hall, University of Ibadan.
•In 1992, he got the Best Local Government of The Year award.
•He became the Life Grand Patron of Ibadan North Local Government Community Development Council in 1992.
•He bagged an Honourary Superintendent of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC award in 1992.
•He got an Award of Excellence by National Council of Islamic Youth Organizations in Nigeria in 1992.
•At age 33, in April 1996, he was elected to represent Oyo South Senatorial District under the defunct UNCP but was not sworn-in alongside others, due to military incursion.
•Before then, he had served as a member of the 8-man, steering Committee on feasibility of Establishing Ibadan City Development Corporation under the chairmanship of a former governor Victor Omololu Olunloyo in the administration of late Governor Kolapo Olawuyi Ishola in 1992.
•At age 36, in 1999, he became the pioneer State Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He became the State Acting Chairman by September 1999.
•At age 40, in 2003, he was appointed as the Secretary to the State Government(SSG) under the administration of Governor Rashidi Ladoja.
•At age 41, in 2004, he became the Akogun of Ibadanland.
•In 2004, he was the Amir-Ul-Hajj of the Oyo state delegation to the Holy land of Mecca and Medina.
•At age 42, in 2005, he became the pioneer Chief of Staff to Governor Rashidi Ladoja.
• In 2005, at age 42, Alli became the Mogaji of Olofiere family, Mapo Ibadan.
•In 2006, he was elevated to Jagun Balogun (August, 2006).
•In 2010, he was elevated to Ajia Balogun.
• In 2011, he was a member of the ACN Campaign and Strategic Committee.
•At age 48, in 2011, he was appointed Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited.
•Under his watch as chairman, the conglomerate built the Heritage Mall and Cocoa Mall, Ibadan; Enterprises Development Centre, Ado-Ekiti, Aje Shopping Complex (Osogbo under construction), Idi-Ape Shopping Centre, Ibadan. Also, his chairmanship aensured the continuity of awards of scholarships to 200 students of five owners states of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states at 40 students per state.
•In 2012, he became Giwa Adinni of Yemetu Muslim Community & Environs.
•In 2012, he became the Aare Omo Egbe Balogun Olubadan.
•In a keenly contested election in 2013, after completing his term at Odu’a Investment Company Limited, members of his social club in Ibadan – Omo Ajorosun Club elected him as their President.
•In 2013, he became the Oota Balogun of Ibadanland.
•In 2014, he became the Lagunna Balogun Olubadan.
•At present, he is the Asaju Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland.
•In the 2015 election, Alli was the Labour Party deputy governorship candidate in Oyo State.
•Over 100 indigent students from the state have benefited from his scholarship programmes.
•He has consistently offered free legal services to the less privileged and party faithful.
•He has sponsored over 30 pilgrims to the Holy land of Mecca/Medina and Jerusalem.
•He likes reading, playing football and table tennis.
