Oyo and Ogun at 50: Major General Oladayo Popoola Honoured Separately by Both States

As Oyo and Ogun States celebrates their 50th anniversaries individually, meet the only man to be celebrated by the two states separately. 

His name is Major General Oladayo Popoola. 

Early life and background

Oladayo Popoola was born on 26 February 1944, in Isale Ora, Ogbomoso, in what is now Oyo State. 

His early education included secondary schooling at Aiyedaade Grammar School, Ikire (then in old Western Region). 

He joined the Nigerian Army. Over time he rose steadily through the ranks. 

Military career and training

Popoola’s military training and early career included a stint as instructor at the Nigerian Military Training College, Zaria (between 1971 and 1975). 

In 1974 he attended the Battalion Support Weapons Course in India; in 1976 he had on-the-job training at the Royal Army Records Office, Stanmore, England. 

Between 1977 and 1978 he trained at the Army Command and Staff College (ACSC), a preparation that led to his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. 

Later in his career he served in high-level army administrative positions: he became Director of Personnel Services (Adjutant-General’s Office), Director of Manpower Planning, Director of Legal Services, Chief of Administration, Chief of Logistics, and eventually General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 82 Mechanized Division (Enugu). 

Education in law

While serving in the army, Popoola studied law part-time at the University of Lagos (LL.B). 

He attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Bar, becoming a qualified Barrister-at-Law. 

Role as Military Governor

In January 1984, under the regime of Muhammadu Buhari, Popoola (then Lieutenant Colonel) was posted to his home region and became Military Governor of the old Oyo State. 

His term in Oyo State lasted until August 1985. 

During his governorship, one of his notable initiatives was establishing the BCOS transmission station in Gambari, Ogbomoso (now Ajilete FM). This was significant for communication and media within the region. 

The period of his governorship came after a military coup (on 31 December 1983) that overthrew the civilian administration — the coup that brought Buhari to power and disrupted the Second Republic. 

After the overthrow of Buhari in August 1985 and the rise of Ibrahim Babangida, Popoola was redeployed — in August 1985 he became Military Governor of Ogun State. 

He served as Governor of Ogun State until 1986. 

While in Ogun State, he introduced a “Village Square Meeting” programme — aimed at bringing governance closer to the people: senior officials and civil servants were encouraged to visit rural communities and villages, gather feedback and relay the sentiments to the governor for action. 

This approach was seen as a form of “populist” governance under a military administration — a rare effort to bridge civil–military governance with grassroots engagement. 

Later Military Service, Peacekeeping and Administrative Roles

After his governorship, Popoola continued his army career. In 1990 he attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos. 

In 1993 he became Director of Personnel Services, then shortly after Director of Legal Services at Army Headquarters. 

In 1994 he was Chief of Administration; from 1997 to 1998 he was Chief of Logistics. 

Later, he became General Officer Commanding the 82 Division (Enugu). 

He also served as a member of the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC), the highest policy and administrative body of the military government. 

Post-Military Life and Civic Engagement

In March 1999, after the transition back to civilian rule (the start of the Fourth Republic in Nigeria), Popoola voluntarily retired from the army after 32 years of service — a notable choice since many former military governors and administrators were compulsorily retired. 

He went into private enterprise: by 2004 he was working as Managing Director of a printing company, Daybis Printing Press, based in Ibadan. 

He also remained engaged in social and community issues. In 1999 he chaired the Presidential Committee on Development Options for the Niger Delta. The committee recommended increased infrastructural spending for the Niger Delta and the establishment of a Niger Delta Consultative Council (NDCC). 

Beyond that, Popoola is regarded as a community leader and philanthropist in his hometown — continuing to be a role model through his commitment to service, humility, and civic responsibility. 

Legacy and Recognition

In 2024, he turned 80 years old. At his birthday thanksgiving service, the sitting Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde praised him for his integrity, principled leadership, and enduring contributions to the state and nation. 

The governor noted Popoola’s role in helping to resolve a contentious issue about the ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) between Oyo and Osun States — highlighting that Popoola stood firmly and helped assert Oyo State’s claim. 

Popoola’s life reflects a blend of military professionalism, administrative governance, legal education, and post-service civic engagement. His example stands out especially as a former military governor who avoided the pitfalls often associated with military rule, instead emphasizing service, modesty, and community development. 

Key Traits and Significance

Professionalism & discipline: Popoola’s steady rise through the army ranks, his training (both domestically and abroad), and his roles in high-level administrative positions demonstrate military competence and dedication.

Adaptability: Transitioning from purely military roles to quasi-political governance (as Military Governor) — managing civil bureaucracy, state education systems, and local governance challenges — he adapted to very different responsibilities.

Commitment to development and communication: Initiatives like establishing a broadcast station (BCOS / Ajilete FM) in Oyo State reflect a recognition of the importance of communication and information access. 

Civic-mindedness and humility: After military service, he chose a low-profile path — private business and community leadership — rather than pursue political office. His voluntary retirement (unlike many ex-military governors) attests to this. 

Legacy in education and peace-building: Through his committee work on the Niger Delta, his support for infrastructure and consultative governance offers an example of bridging military experience with national development and reconciliation.