On the occasion of the birthday of Barr. Akeem Adedeji Agbaje, lawyer, grassroots politician, and one of the most talked-about names in Oyo State’s political landscape, our correspondent sat down with one of his closest political associates, Hon. James Adeleke, former Chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area. What followed was a warm, candid, and deeply revealing conversation about the man behind the politics, his rare character, and what his admirers believe should be his next calling.

Question: Hon. James Adeleke, today is the birthday of Barr. Akeem Agbaje. What does this day mean to you personally?

‎Hon James Adeleke: It means a great deal, and I say that without any hesitation. You know, there are people you meet in life whose influence reshapes your thinking, strengthens your resolve, and reminds you why you chose the path of public service in the first place. Barr. Akeem Agbaje is that person for me. Today is not just his birthday,  it is a day I take to reflect on how much of what I have become politically and personally is tied to this remarkable man. I thank God for his life. I truly do.

‎Question: How would you describe your relationship with him? Is it strictly political?

Hon James Adeleke; Strictly political? No, it goes far beyond that. He is my leader, my mentor, my confidant, and my principal. But more than all of those titles, he is a brother, a man I can call at any hour of the day or night, and he will listen. In politics, that kind of relationship is rare. Many people surround themselves with associates who only show up when the sun is shining. Barr. Agbaje is not that kind of man, and he does not attract that kind of loyalty. The people around him are there because he has genuinely invested in them, in their lives, their growth, and their families. That is who he is. I have been privileged to be part of his inner circle, and it is something I do not take lightly.

‎Question: What qualities stand out most about him as a person and as a public figure?

‎Hon James Adeleke: Where do I begin? First, he is exceptionally intelligent. As a lawyer, he has a sharp, analytical mind that sees through issues quickly. But beyond his intellect, what has always struck me is his humility. Here is a man with tremendous legal pedigree, deep political connections, and a growing profile across Oyo State, and yet he sits with the ordinary man, the market woman, the bricklayer, with the same ease he sits with senators and party leaders. He does not just talk about the people; he actually lives and breathes for the people. That is not something you can fake. You either have it or you do not, and he has it in abundance. He is compassionate, principled, and deeply committed to the development of Oyo State. These are not qualities manufactured for the camera, they are his natural constitution.

‎Question: Let us shift to the broader political picture. There is increasing conversation about the APC Oyo governorship race. Where does Barr. Agbaje stand in all of this?

‎Hon James Adeleke: I will be very direct. If the APC in Oyo State is serious about returning to power, if we are serious about rebuilding the party and delivering real governance to the people of this state, then the conversation must begin and end with Barr. Akeem Adedeji Agbaje. He is not just an aspirant, he is the answer. He is the unifying force that this party desperately needs at this moment in its history. Our party has experienced its share of fractures, internal tensions, and missed opportunities. What we need now is someone who can bring the various tendencies, the different blocs, the grassroots structures, and the leadership councils into one common cause. And that person is Barr. Akeem Agbaje.

‎Question: Why do you believe he specifically has the capacity to unite the party?

Hon James Adeleke: Because he has done it already, not in theory, but in practice. Wherever he goes, he does not come as a divisive figure. He listens before he speaks. He builds consensus. He respects seniority while also elevating the young and the voiceless. The elders in the party respect him. The youth are energized by him. Women find in him a champion who takes their concerns seriously. That is a rare combination in today’s politics. I challenge anyone to point to a single community in Oyo State where Barr. Agbaje’s name does not resonate positively. You cannot find one, because he has cultivated relationships across the entire state not for political theatre, but because he genuinely cares about every geopolitical zone, every senatorial district, every ward. He is, without question, our best chance.