By Asaye Bankole
The Osun State Commissioner for Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, Dr Anthony Olabiyi Odunlade, is among prominent personalities selected for recognition at the 2026 Southwest Legends Lecture and Awards organised by D Chronicle Media Ventures.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to hold on October 22, 2026, at the Olusegun Aganga Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The event, themed “Legends of Service: The Southwest Blueprint for Nation Building,” will feature a public lecture, presentation of awards and the unveiling of a special publication celebrating the 2026 Southwest Legends.
Odunlade, a public administrator, political leader and governance professional, has held several positions spanning public administration, education, youth development, sports, social protection and intergovernmental relations.
He currently serves as Osun State Commissioner for Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, a position he assumed in July 2023.
In that capacity, he has been involved in political stakeholder engagement, intergovernmental coordination, civic sensitisation and initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation among political and governmental institutions.
Before his current appointment, Odunlade served as Commissioner for Social Protection, Sports and Special Needs in the Osun State Government and previously worked as Special Adviser on Youth, Sports and Special Needs.
His public-sector career also includes service as Secretary to Ife Central Local Government, General Manager of Administration and SERVICOM at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and member of the Board of Management of the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin-Kudu, Jigawa State.
An academic and education administrator, Odunlade previously served as Head of the Department of Modern Languages at the College of Education, Ila-Orangun, and lectured at the institution for several years.
He holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as well as postgraduate qualifications in public administration.
He also studied French at the University of Ife and undertook further academic and professional programmes in France and Senegal.
Beyond government, Odunlade has been involved in youth empowerment, entrepreneurship development, sports administration and community initiatives.
He is also the founder and chairman of Ife Cradle Football Club, Ile-Ife.
His professional career has earned him several honours, including the National Certificate of Honour as the Best NYSC Corps Member in Bendel State in 1984, a French Government Scholarship to the Université de Poitiers, France, and more recent recognitions for public administration and community service.
The 2026 Southwest Legends event will feature Professor Ambrose Ayelari, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, as Guest Speaker, while Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, former President-General of the Maritime Workers Union, will serve as Chairman.
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour.
The programme is scheduled to commence at 1 p.m. on October 22 and will bring together public officials, academics, political leaders, professionals and other stakeholders to examine the role of service and leadership in advancing development across the Southwest.
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