Wednesday, July 22, 2026, will remain a remarkable date in the political history of Abeokuta North Local Government as one of its most illustrious sons and former Executive Chairman, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, OFR, made an emotional and historic return to the Council Secretariat exactly twenty-eight years after leaving office as Chairman of the Local Government.
The atmosphere within the Council Secretariat reflected a perfect blend of nostalgia, admiration, and hope as the Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Hon. Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, alongside members of the Executive Council, the Legislative Arm, the Management Team, political appointees, and career officers, rolled out a warm and enthusiastic reception for the distinguished statesman whose remarkable journey from grassroots leadership to international diplomacy has continued to inspire generations of public servants.
Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, who once served with distinction as Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Chairman of Chairmen in Ogun State, and South-West Coordinator of the Conference of Local Government Council Chairmen before rising to become Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development, and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, arrived at the Council Secretariat to a rousing welcome.
The revered elder statesman was received by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, alongside the Vice Chairman, Hon. Tayelolu Egbeyemi, the Secretary to the Local Government, Engr. Mutiat Agbaje, members of the Executive Council, legislators, political office holders, and career officers led by the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), whose presence underscored the significance of the visit.
Following the formal reception at the Chairman’s Office, Hon. Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo personally conducted Ambassador Isola on an extensive inspection tour of numerous completed and ongoing projects executed by the present administration across the Council Secretariat. The inspection covered the comprehensive renovation of the Executive Offices, the Legislative Wing, various Heads of Department offices, and several infrastructural improvements designed to reposition the Council for efficient service delivery and improved staff productivity.
The tour provided the former Chairman with a first-hand opportunity to assess the remarkable transformation taking place within the Council under the current administration, while also reflecting on how far the institution has evolved since his own tenure nearly three decades ago.
The visit later progressed to the Management Chamber, where an interactive session was held in honour of the distinguished guest. The meeting offered an avenue for reflection, appreciation, and meaningful engagement between the elder statesman and the leadership of the Council.
In his welcome address, Hon. Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo expressed profound gratitude to Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola for honouring the Council with what he described as a historic and unprecedented visit. He described the visit as a priceless source of inspiration for both political office holders and career officers, noting that the presence of a leader whose political career began within the same Council symbolised the enduring value of purposeful leadership and visionary governance.
The Council Chairman paid glowing tribute to Ambassador Isola for his unwavering guidance, fatherly support, and invaluable counsel, acknowledging that the respected diplomat has consistently made himself available whenever called upon to provide direction on matters concerning governance and development.
Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo further reaffirmed his commitment to preserving and expanding the progressive legacies established by Ambassador Isola and other distinguished former Chairmen of the Local Government. According to him, his administration remains firmly committed to delivering people-oriented projects and impactful programmes under the OGOO Mantra, with special emphasis on infrastructural renewal, human capital development, vocational empowerment, and institutional reforms aimed at improving the quality of governance.
Showcasing some of the administration’s achievements, the Chairman highlighted various vocational skills acquisition initiatives and developmental projects that have continued to improve the socio-economic fortunes of residents while strengthening the capacity of the Local Government to serve the people more effectively.
Responding, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola expressed deep appreciation for the overwhelming reception accorded him by the Executive Chairman, members of the Executive and Legislative Arms, Management, political appointees, and career officers. He remarked that although he left office twenty-eight years ago, this marked his first official visit back to the Council Secretariat, making the occasion particularly emotional and memorable.
Ambassador Isola explained that the primary purpose of his visit was to personally commend Hon. Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo for the remarkable transformation taking place within the Council. He noted that the projects he inspected reflected visionary leadership, prudent management of public resources, and a genuine commitment to improving the welfare of the people.
According to him, true leadership is measured not merely by occupying public office but by leaving behind visible and sustainable legacies that positively impact the lives of citizens. He observed that the ongoing infrastructural renewal and administrative reforms within the Council demonstrated that the present administration understands the true essence of public service and is determined to build enduring institutions capable of serving future generations.
The elder statesman particularly applauded the Chairman’s commitment to continuity in governance, stressing that every administration should strive to build upon existing foundations rather than discard the achievements of predecessors. He described such continuity as the hallmark of progressive politics and sustainable development.
Addressing career officers, Ambassador Isola urged them to remain loyal, dedicated, and professional in the discharge of their responsibilities. He reminded them that the success of any administration depends not only on elected officials but equally on the commitment and efficiency of the public service. He therefore encouraged them to continue giving their maximum support to the administration of Hon. Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo by discharging their duties with integrity, diligence, and patriotism in order to ensure the successful completion of the administration’s developmental agenda and leave behind a legacy worthy of emulation.
He further advised members of the Legislative Arm and political appointees to sustain the prevailing atmosphere of unity, cooperation, and mutual respect with the Executive Arm, emphasising that political harmony remains indispensable to achieving meaningful development. According to him, governance thrives where there is collaboration rather than confrontation, and where collective interest is placed above personal or political considerations.
Ambassador Isola also encouraged the Council leadership never to lose sight of the people’s expectations, reminding them that public office is fundamentally a sacred trust that demands humility, accountability, transparency, and unwavering commitment to service.
The visit concluded on a note of renewed optimism, mutual appreciation, and strengthened resolve to continue advancing the developmental aspirations of Abeokuta North Local Government. More than a ceremonial homecoming, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola’s return served as a powerful reminder that genuine leadership transcends time, while enduring legacies continue to inspire succeeding generations.