Opeyemi Bamidele: Adeyeye’s appointment as NPA board chair is reward for loyalty to Tinubu

Opeyemi Bamidele, the senate leader, says the appointment of Adedayo Adeyeye as chairman of the board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is a long-overdue reward for his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu.

Bamidele spoke in Abuja on Thursday night at a reception held in honour of Adeyeye, which drew politicians across party lines, business leaders, and technocrats.

Tinubu had recently appointed Adeyeye, a former minister of works and former senator, to chair the NPA’s board.

Bamidele, who represents Ekiti central, said Adeyeye played a pivotal role in the formation of the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), the early mobilisation platform that campaigned vigorously for Tinubu’s presidential bid.

“If anyone had told me it would take this long for Senator Adeyeye to be appointed, I would have said it’s impossible,” Bamidele said.

“He was among the first to champion this movement and stuck with it through thick and thin. That’s why this moment is not just a personal victory for him—it’s symbolic of loyalty finally being rewarded.”

The senate leader added that the NPA management must work closely with Adeyeye to drive institutional reforms.

“Let me be clear. Senator Adeyeye is not just in office—he is in power. He has earned it. Work with him openly and transparently, and you’ll get the best from him,” he said.

Musiliu Obanikoro, former minister of state for defence and senator, praised Adeyeye’s political commitment and early investment in Tinubu’s ambition.

“You threw yourself into the SWAGA business when it wasn’t popular,” Obanikoro said.

“When Asiwaju was taken with reservations, you criss-crossed the entire south-west for him. The appointment you got is well deserved. I am happy you have been recognised. This is only the beginning.”

Ayo Arise, a former Ekiti north senator, echoed similar sentiments, noting that Adeyeye’s contributions to the Tinubu campaign and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the south-west were both strategic and sacrificial.

“The role Adeyeye played wasn’t just political—it was foundational. He took risks, built alliances, and never wavered,” Arise said.

Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti, said the appointment was a significant honour not just for Adeyeye but for the entire state.

“The president gave this position to Ekiti, and he could not have chosen better,” Oyebanji said.

“Senator Adeyeye is loyal, intelligent, and deeply experienced. From his time as a minister, a senator, and a university council chairman, he brings the right mix of discipline, wisdom, and patriotism.”

The governor also hailed the presence of former governors Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni at the event, saying their support reflects a new spirit of political maturity in Ekiti.

“I am lucky to be surrounded by four former governors who are all backing me,” he said.

“That has never happened in our state’s history. This new unity is the strength behind our progress.”

In his remarks, Adeyeye thanked Tinubu for keeping his promise to reward his loyalty and political commitment.

“He told me not to worry, that he had plans for me. And he kept that promise,” Adeyeye said.

“The president promised a quality board, and he delivered. We are ready to work together as a family and move the port authority forward.”

He expressed full support for Oyebanji ahead of the next governorship election in Ekiti.

“We’re not just supporting you, Mr. Governor. We’re going to win by a landslide,” he said.

“There is no opposition. The former governors, the people—they’re all behind you.”

Adeyeye also assured Abubakar Dantsoho, managing director of the NPA, of a productive working relationship.

“Politics must grow beyond bitterness. The peace we enjoy now is unprecedented, and it must be protected,” he said.

Other politicians in attendance include Umar Tanko Al-Makura, former governor of Nasarawa state, Iyiola Omisore, former deputy governor of Osun, Tunde Ogunshakin, retired assistant inspector-general of police (AIG), Yemi Adaramodu, senate spokesperson, among others.