In every generation, there are individuals whose life journey reflects resilience, enterprise, leadership and an unwavering commitment to service. Engr. Muftau Ope Salawu, FNSE, the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, belongs to this category.
A compassionate and kind-hearted son of Ile Alapa, Isale Ora, Ita Alasa, in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, Salawu is an accomplished engineer, entrepreneur, administrator and philanthropist whose career spans the private and public sectors.
The Babalaje of Ogbomosoland and Giwa Adini of Oyo State has also earned respect from professional, traditional and religious institutions through his contributions to humanity and community development.
His decision to seek elective office is rooted in a conviction that governance should be driven by competence, integrity and practical experience rather than politics alone.
Humble Beginnings
Born in Bida, Niger State, Engineer Muftau Ope Salawu was raised by entrepreneurial parents whose values of hard work, honesty and compassion shaped his outlook on life.
Reflecting on his upbringing, he once said:
“My parents were very kind and entrepreneurial. They gave us the best they could, and we are largely responsible for what we become in life.”
Those early lessons in diligence and self-reliance became the foundation upon which he built his educational, professional and leadership journey.
Educational Foundation
Salawu began his primary education in Bida before his family relocated to Osogbo, where he continued at St. Clare’s Nursery and Primary School.
He later returned to Niger State for his secondary education at Government College, Bida, before proceeding to the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, where he studied Civil Engineering.
His quest for knowledge did not end there. He furthered his education at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA). He also attended executive leadership programmes at Harvard University, equipping himself with global perspectives on leadership, governance and organisational management.
Leadership Began as a Student
Leadership came naturally to Salawu from an early age.
While studying at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, he was elected President of the National Association of Civil Engineering Students, a position that gave him his first practical experience in advocacy, negotiation and organisational leadership.
Those formative years would later prepare him for greater responsibilities in engineering, business and public administration.
Distinguished Engineering Career
Engineer Muftau Ope Salawu, FNSE, is a highly respected engineering professional and the Chief Executive Officer of Opinior Engineering Company Limited, an indigenous engineering firm with interests in construction and infrastructure development.
Over the years, he has supervised major engineering projects while creating employment opportunities and mentoring young professionals within the industry.
His contributions to engineering have earned him recognition as a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), in addition to memberships and fellowships in several other professional bodies.
His professional philosophy has always been centred on excellence, innovation and delivering lasting value.
Public Service Across Political Divides
One remarkable aspect of Salawu’s career is his ability to serve effectively across different political administrations, earning respect for competence rather than partisanship.
He served as Special Adviser on Works during the administration of the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, contributing to infrastructure planning and execution in Oyo State.
Following the change in government, Governor Seyi Makinde appointed him Director-General of the Oyo State Project Monitoring Agency, where he was responsible for monitoring and evaluating government infrastructure projects to ensure quality delivery and value for public resources.
His appointments under administrations led by different political parties underscore the confidence successive governments placed in his professional competence and administrative ability.
Why Politics?
Many people have asked why a successful businessman and engineer would choose to venture into politics, often described as a difficult and sometimes “dirty” game.
Salawu’s response reflects his philosophy of responsible citizenship.
“Politics may be a dirty game, but politicians make decisions that affect our lives. They make laws that can destroy businesses or create opportunities. Sometimes policies are made not because leaders are wicked, but because they do not understand what business owners go through.”
Drawing from decades in business, he argues that government policies on taxation, infrastructure and regulation should be shaped by people who understand the realities faced by entrepreneurs.
He believes professionals and business leaders should actively participate in governance instead of leaving public affairs solely in the hands of career politicians.
“We should not fold our arms while others make decisions that affect every aspect of our lives. Politics may be described as dirty, but you do not have to become dirty because you are involved.”
Political Journey
Engineer Muftau Ope Salawu joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 and remained active in the party for several years.
In 2022, he joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before later emerging as the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State.
Throughout his political journey, he has consistently advocated people-centred governance, economic development, quality education and infrastructure renewal.
Commitment to Education
Having benefited from public education, Salawu remains passionate about restoring confidence in Nigeria’s school system.
He often recalls his own educational journey to emphasise the need for investment in public schools.
“I attended public primary school. Today, many parents no longer want to send their children there. That is an indication that we must rebuild our educational system.”
He believes quality education remains one of the most effective tools for reducing poverty and creating sustainable development.
Traditional and Religious Honours
Engineer Salawu’s commitment to community service has earned him numerous traditional and religious recognitions.
On December 8, 2019, the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogbomosoland and Environs turbaned him as the Saraki Adini in recognition of his support for Islam and humanitarian causes.
In January 2020, the Etsu Nupe Kingdom, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, conferred on him the prestigious title of Wazirin Jari Nupe (Daudu).
On May 27, 2021, he was installed as the Babalaje of Ogbomosoland, an honour witnessed by distinguished personalities, including Senator Ayoade Adeseun.
His growing profile received further recognition in July 2022 when he was turbaned as the Giwa Adini of Oyo State.
These honours reflect the recognition of his leadership, generosity, commitment to faith and contributions to the development of communities.
Philanthropy Without Boundaries
Beyond engineering and politics, Engineer Salawu has consistently invested in people.
For many years, he has sponsored scholarships for indigent students, funded vocational and skills acquisition programmes, supported business start-ups for young entrepreneurs and assisted vulnerable families across Ogbomosoland.
His interventions have empowered hundreds of young people with education, vocational skills and opportunities for self-reliance.
Importantly, these charitable activities long predate his current political ambition, reinforcing his reputation as a compassionate community builder committed to improving lives.
Vision for Oyo State
As the Allied Peoples Movement’s deputy governorship candidate, Engineer Muftau Ope Salawu envisions an Oyo State where governance is driven by competence, transparency and accountability.
He advocates policies that support businesses, improve infrastructure, strengthen public education, expand youth empowerment and create an enabling environment for investment and job creation.
He believes government should be managed with the same discipline, efficiency and measurable results expected in successful private enterprises.
A Life Dedicated to Service
From his childhood in Bida to his ancestral roots in Ile Alapa, Isale Ora, Ita Alasa, Ogbomoso North, from engineering boardrooms to government service, and from philanthropy to politics, Engineer Muftau Ope Salawu’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to leadership and service.
As an engineer, entrepreneur, public administrator, philanthropist, Babalaje of Ogbomosoland and Giwa Adini of Oyo State, his story is one of preparation, experience and purpose—qualities he believes are essential for building a more prosperous and inclusive Oyo State.
