Agboola Ajayi
- Name: Agboola Ajayi
- Birthdate: September 24, 1968
- Birthplace: Kiribo, Ese-Odo LGA, Ondo state
- Occupation: Lawyer, politician
Alfred Agboola Ajayi was born on September 24, 1968, in Kiribo, Ese-Odo local government area of Ondo state, Nigeria. He completed his primary and secondary education in Kiribo and Bolorunduro communities within Ese-Odo. Ajayi later earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree with Second Class Upper Division from Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2010 after attending the Nigerian Law School in Abuja.
Political career
Ajayi's political journey commenced in 1988 when he became the chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Old Apoi Ward 1, a position he held until 1992. His early political roles included serving as Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture (1999–2001) and for Works and Transport (2001–2003) in the Ese-Odo local government area. He was appointed Caretaker Chairman of Ese-Odo LGA in 2003 and subsequently elected as the LGA Chairman in 2004, during which he also served as Treasurer of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ondo State chapter.
National Assembly tenure
In 2007, Ajayi was elected to the House of Representatives, representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency. During his tenure, he chaired the House Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from 2007 to 2010 and was a member of several other committees, including Gas, Habitat, Justice, and Industry.
Deputy governorship
Ajayi served as the Deputy Governor of Ondo state from February 24, 2017, to February 24, 2021, under Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Their partnership, initially strong, later deteriorated due to political disagreements, leading to Ajayi's defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in June 2020
Political realignments and gubernatorial ambitions
After losing the PDP gubernatorial primary in 2020 to Eyitayo Jegede, Ajayi joined the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and became its gubernatorial candidate for the October 2020 election. He later returned to the PDP and, in April 2024, won the party's primary election with 264 votes, securing the PDP ticket for the November 2024 Ondo State governorship election.
Personal life
Ajayi is married and has children. He holds traditional titles, including Otunba Mayeigun of Apoiland and Aare Bobaselu of Ugboland. His interests encompass sports development, travelling, engaging with people, and participating in intellectual discourse.
