Early this year, a graphic giving details to the outstanding but only a fraction of the humanitarian efforts of Honourable Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire, accompanied by a cascade of awards and recognitions, swept through the nooks and crannies of Ibadan Southwest and Northwest Federal Constituency. This visual object, which subsequently went viral across Oyo State and even reached a global audience, carried the unambiguous headline, “Man of the Year.” It was a designation birthed by the overwhelming testimonies from the good people of Ibadan Southwest and Northwest Federal Constituency, who, without equivocation, proclaimed Bibire as their quintessential man of the year.
The annual practice of bestowing the “Man of the Year” title has long been a tradition at the dawn of each year, where individuals or institutions spotlight those whose achievements throughout the preceding year remain unmatched. While different organizations have their subjective criteria for choosing their honorees, there is an underlying consensus that this title is reserved for individuals who, through diligence, altruism, and excellence, distinguish themselves from the crowd, particularly in their service to humanity and commendable contributions to societal advancement. It is akin to the celebrated Ballon d’Or in football, awarded annually to the one player whose performance stands head and shoulders above the rest.
In Bibire’s case, however, the accolade did not emanate from any organizational boardroom or structured voting process. Rather, it was conferred organically by the people—an authentic and untainted recognition of his sterling contributions. This overwhelming endorsement stemmed from his numerous life-altering initiatives that have left indelible marks on the lives of countless residents of Ibadan Southwest and Northwest Federal Constituency. Remarkably, Bibire has achieved all these without holding any political office, a feat that continues to leave many in awe.
A netizen from the constituency who commented on the graphic said, “It is mind-boggling how someone without the resources of a political office could achieve so much. It forces one to ask, if he can do this as a private citizen, what heights could he reach if entrusted with the machinery of governance?”
The legitimacy of this grassroots-bestowed honour lies not only in the visible results of Bibire’s interventions but also in the consistency and selflessness with which he has pursued these efforts. For over five years, he has been unbending in his resolve to improve the lives of the people from all vertical and horizontal lines of life. This unswerving commitment is a further proof to his genuine passion for service, untainted by the trappings of political expediency or the superficial allure of power.
Unlike many who embark on such humanitarian drives only in the twilight of an electoral cycle to curry favour with the electorate, Bibire’s efforts have been steady, deliberate, and devoid of political undertones. His actions have a place in the hearts of the populace as they serve as a reflection of his firm desire to better the society, not as a means to an end, but as an end in itself.
It is worth stating that the widespread and uncontrollable clamour for Bibire to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives in 2027 is not merely a reaction to his humanitarian accomplishments; it is a collective resolve born out of the conviction that someone who has delivered so much without formal authority will undoubtedly surpass expectations when equipped with the tools of governance. This belief is shared even among those who initially harboured skepticism about his intentions, as they now come to terms with the authenticity and sustainability of his efforts.
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Interestingly, some constituents hold the view that the current representative, Honourable Stanley Adedeji Odidi-Omo, has laid a solid foundation, and Bibire is uniquely positioned, best suited and intellectually equipped to build upon this groundwork. They argue that his ascension would ensure continuity while raising the bar in service delivery and infrastructural development, in alignment with the timeless principle that governance is a continuum.
Another segment of the populace appreciates Bibire’s singular focus since 2019 on the Federal House of Representatives seat. Unlike others who frequently change political ambitions in pursuit of relevance, Bibire’s steadfastness, they maintained, places due weight to his clarity of purpose and strategic planning. This focus has convinced many that he has conducted thorough research and developed a comprehensive blueprint to address the unique needs of the constituency.
It is absolutely expected that, as the 2027 elections approach, various individuals will declare their interest in the House of Representatives seat. However, it may be an uphill task for any of them to sway the electorate, who appear resolute in their decision that Bibire is the right man for the job. The popular slogan “Bibire Lokan” is an enough envelope of the collective positions that he is the next successor of the incumbent. And the beauty of this is that this momentum is gaining traction across party lines.
Indeed, Even among opposition party loyalists, there is a growing consensus that, when it comes to the 2027 green ballot, party affiliations will be set aside in favour of competence, and a proven track record of service. This rare phenomenon gives validity to the depth of Bibire’s impact and the universal nature of his appeal.
As the 2027 election draws closer and the political atmosphere intensifies, it is evident that the clamour for Bibire are not mere echoes of populist sentiment but a crescendo of informed and intentional advocacy. The people of Ibadan Southwest and Northwest Federal Constituency are not merely yearning for change; they are demanding a continuation and amplification of the kind of leadership that Bibire embodies—a leadership defined by integrity, service, and an unyielding commitment to the betterment of the polity.
If the momentum behind his candidacy is anything to go by, Honourable Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire’s emergence as the man of the year in 2024 might just be the prelude to his ascension as the representative in Abuja come 2027. And should this vision materialize, it would not merely signify the triumph of a selfless man who has lost himself in the service of others, but the vindication of a people’s faith in authentic and people-driven leadership.
Senator Reformed, a journalist, writes from Ibadan.
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