By Denrele Adesina
In a society where public service is often equated with power and position and where acts of generosity are frequently tied to political ambition, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu stands tall as a rare breed, one who gives not because he has to, but because he truly wants to.
At a time when he holds no official political office, Hon. Adebutu continues to demonstrate that service to humanity is not a title, it is a calling. His recent donation of a brand new 500KVA transformer to the Erefun community in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government is a testament to this deep-seated commitment. For years, residents of Erefun endured the hardship of an agelong blackout that stifled development, crippled small businesses and dimmed the hopes of residents. Yet, with a single, self-funded act of kindness, Adebutu restored more than just electricity, he rekindled hope.
And this is not an isolated act.
In Oke Aregba, Ward 2 of Abeokuta South Local Government, he also donated another transformer, once again rescuing a community from darkness and inertia. This has become a pattern in his public life, empowering under-served communities without fanfare or political expectations. Across Ogun State, several towns and neighborhoods have benefited from his quiet but impactful interventions, ranging from educational support and healthcare to infrastructural improvements.
But that’s not all.
In Kobiti, Abeokuta North Local Government, he joined hands with the Egba Muslim Community to lay the foundation of a ₦100 million housing project, which will deliver eight units of two-bedroom flats. This project is not just about bricks and mortar. It is part of the broader plan to expand the Egba Central Mosque, a place symbolic of faith, culture and community. Rather than demolishing and displacing residents for expansion, the leadership of the Egba Muslim Council prioritized alternative accommodation, a gesture Adebutu calls “honourable and compassionate.”
“As a proud son of Egbaland and the Lisa Aje of Egba,” Adebutu remarked during the foundation ceremony, “I believe that development must never come at the cost of people’s homes or dignity.” These are not just fine words, they mirror a life of giving and selfless service. Time and again, Hon. Adebutu has demonstrated that true legacy lies in empowering people, not in accumulating titles.
Even more striking is the fact that this generosity and commitment to society have not waned, even after the controversial outcome of the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Ogun State, an election marred by what many described as political abracadabra and electoral manipulation. For someone who invested time, energy and resources into offering the people a better alternative, such a loss could have easily led to withdrawal or bitterness. But not Adebutu!.
Instead, the Lisa Aje Egba has continued to surprise many and prove that he was never in the race for selfish gain or power, but out of a genuine desire to serve. While some have retreated into silence or exile after political setbacks, Adebutu has stepped up even more boldly, showing that service is not seasonal, it is a lifetime mission.
One may ask, what drives a man to give so consistently even when he is not in power? The answer lies in his motto: “Service is my heritage.” To him, leadership is not transactional. It is not about what you gain but what you give. In contrast to many public officeholders who carry out projects funded with taxpayers’ money, often inflated, sometimes abandoned, Adebutu’s projects are personal sacrifices, funded from his pocket and delivered with dignity.
He is not just building infrastructure; he is building trust, community and a culture of responsible leadership. His philanthropy reminds us that the true test of character is what we do when we have nothing to gain.
And this is where we must pause and reflect as a people. Why must we wait for elections or political titles before contributing meaningfully to society? Why should giving back be the exclusive preserve of those in office, or worse, used as bait for votes? Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu’s example is a clarion call for well-meaning Nigerians, especially the privileged and the able, to emulate such gestures.
If every wealthy individual or influential figure committed to just one selfless act in their community, be it a transformer, a borehole, a scholarship, or a health initiative, our collective progress would outpace even the most ambitious government programmes. Development must be driven by a shared sense of responsibility, not politics alone.
If Adebutu can do all this without holding office, imagine what he could achieve with the machinery of government behind him, guided by the same heart of service.
In a political landscape clouded by opportunism, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu’s actions are not just refreshing, they are revolutionary. His giving is not tied to elections or publicity; it is tied to purpose. And this we must appreciate as an Egba daughter. He embodies the Yoruba adage: “Eni to ba se, a mo o; eni to ba fi owo ara e se, a mo o ju.” (One who gives genuinely, especially from their own resources, is most remembered.)
In the end, it takes a good heart, not a political title, to make lasting change. And in Adebutu, the people of Ogun State have found not just a leader, but a servant with a legacy of love and light.
Long may the light he has sparked continue to shine.
Denrele Adesina writes in from Abeokuta in appreciation to the Egba Muslims support
