Abayomi Sheba : Bright Hope For A Prosperous Ondo State
It is indisputable that governance in Ondo State has never in her 47 years of existence been this rudderless, hijacked by self seeking cabal and depressingly run like a personal estate of a family. This is the very first time in the history of the Sunshine State that no particular person could be said to be in charge of her governance from the state level to the local government level.
This sad reality of halted governance under the APC led administration in Ondo State has undoubtedly impressed the need for an alternative political salvation on the people. The longsuffering people of the Sunshine State can only at this time realistically turn to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to begin to right the many wrongs in the state from February 2025.
Any cursory look within the fold of Ondo State PDP will readily reveal no other person than Hon. Abayomi Sheba as the best prepared and best equipped to fly the party’s gubernatorial ticket in 2024 and restore good governance in the Sunshine State. As things stand today, choice of the Ode-Irele born politician has become clearly consensual amongst leaders of the umbrella party.
Sheba is undeniably a standout PDP governorship aspirant due to his many parts of impressive track records, requisite experience and convincing ability to lead. He has over time proven his love for the people of Ondo by giving his all to better their lots and improve their economic welfare. He is also known to have always strongly and passionately champion the interests of the good people of Ondo State.
As a former Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, this appointment made Sheba the very first southerner to have held this prestigious position in the
26-year history of the commission.
He took charge as the helmsman of the Commission from February 2018 to August 2019.
It is most encouraging that Sheba left impressive blueprint as chairman of Federal Character Commission and this transformative impact has
continues to guide policy and decision-making in the commission till date. In addition, transformative imprints of Sheba as the Chairman of Federal Character Commission can still be felt till date in Nigerian federal ministries, parastatals, agencies, departments, and commissions.
The visionary Sheba had earlier represented Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency of Ondo State from 1999 to 2003. During his tenure, he served as the House Committee Chairman on Poverty Alleviation and Community Development for a period of four years. He took maximum advantage of this opportunity to make outstanding contributions to the drafting of Nigeria’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP). As part of his determination to eradicate poverty in Nigeria, Sheba led a delegation to China where he understudied poverty reduction and sustainable development mechanisms.
He also took advantage of of his position as the House Committee Chairman on Poverty Alleviation and Community Development to champion humanitarian causes and empowerment of the younger generation. Sheba is also known for his unrepentant commitment to the development of his constituency and constituents while he served as a federal legislator. It is to Abayomi’s credit that Olowo/Irele/Ajagba/Agadagba road was reconstructed in 2003. More so, he is also reputed for his dogged commitment to continually see to the economic growth and transformation of Ondo State.
The legal practitioner had likewise, earlier served Ondo State and Nigeria in various capacities. He was appointed in 2008 by President Umaru Musa Yar’adua as a Federal Commissioner to represent Ondo State on the Board of Federal Character Commission in Abuja.
He performed exceptionally well in this capacity and this again earned him another appointment as the Head of the strategic Operational Committee of Environment and Petroleum Resources. Before this appointment, Abayomi Sheba had earlier represented Ondo State as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Nigeria Wire and Cable Plc. He had likewise earlier served as the Head of the Ondo State Government Liaison Office in Abuja and also as a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Olusegun Agagu.
This epitome of outstanding leadership is a Senior Partner at Harwood Solicitors, a Law firm with offices in Abuja and Lagos. Sheba is also an alumnus of the University of Ilorin, Obafemi Awolowo University, Adekunle Ajasin University, the National Open University, and the Nigerian Law School; where he obtained several qualifications.
He has thus far obtained B.A (Hons), LLB (Hons), BL, LLM, MPA, and M.SC in Peace Studies and Conflicts Resolutions. The insatiable thirst of Sheba for higher academic attainment has made him to return to academics classroom where he is currently pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D program in Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.
The seasoned politician and public administrator is an ardent respecter of family values. This marital disposition informs the fact that Abayomi Sheba is happily married with responsible children. He is also a grassroots politician who loves to play badminton, ping-pong and lawn tennis.
The highly innovative Abayomi Sheba represents the very best that Ondo State can parade at this time for economic revitalization, institutional efficiency, independence and leadership rebirth. He is a man who has cautiously dedicated his life to the progress and prosperity of the Sunshine State. He is also determined to enthrone legacies of effective governance, accountability and transparency if elected governor of the Sunshine State.
A whole lot have apparently gone wrong with governance in Ondo State. Mediocrity has taken the place of merit, just as proxies have regretably taken the places of elected officials. All of these abnormalities can readily be reversed if the good people of Ondo State would appreciate the outstanding track records, competence and leadership qualities of Hon. Abayomi Sheba. He is the brightest and greatest beacon of hope for a new, better and functioning Ondo State come year 2024.
