From banking halls to the ballot
Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji is not new to power, but the August 2026 governorship race in Osun State marks his boldest step yet. On December 13, 2025, the immediate past managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority emerged as the All Progressives Congress(APC) governorship candidate, positioning himself as the party’s standard bearer and the principal challenger to Ademola Adeleke, the incumbent governor.
At a party primary held at Imperial Hall in Osogbo, 1,660 delegates drawn from Osun’s 30 local government areas and 332 wards affirmed Oyebamiji as the APC consensus candidate. The exercise, presided over by Monday Okpebholo, Edo State governor and chairman of the APC primary election committee, ended with a unanimous voice vote. There was no contest, only confirmation.
By the time the gavel fell, Oyebamiji had formally entered the centre of Osun’s political future.
Read also:Osun 2026: Adeleke confident of defeating APC’s Oyebamiji
The acceptance and the message
Accepting the nomination, Oyebamiji struck a tone of gratitude and resolve. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola, party elders, and grassroots members.
More importantly, he framed the election as a choice.
According to him, Osun stands at a crossroads between wastefulness and greatness. His promise was simple and direct: productivity, people-first governance, and prosperity.
“I will foster productivity and people-oriented projects, thereby putting the people first,” he said, assuring party members that he was ready for the task ahead.
Read also: Osun 2026: Oyebamiji accepts APC ticket, vows to tackle poverty, revive health sector
Who is Bola Oyebamiji
Oyebamiji brings a long career in finance and public administration into the race. Born in Ikire, Irewole local government area of Osun State, he attended A D C Primary School, Oke Ada and Ayedaade Grammar School, Ikire. He holds an OND and HND in banking and finance from The Polytechnic Ibadan, a master’s degree in public administration from Lagos State University and an MBA from the University of Ado Ekiti. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a member of several professional bodies in economics and risk management.
His working life began in 1987 at Wema Bank Plc, where he gained experience in international banking. Over the next two decades, he rose through senior roles at Trans International Bank, Spring Bank and Enterprise Bank, gaining exposure to corporate finance, retail banking and the maritime sector.
That background shaped his entry into public service.
From boardroom to government house
In 2012, under Rauf Aregbesola, Oyebamiji was appointed Managing Director of the Osun State Investment Company. Under his leadership, the company was recapitalised and reborn as Omoluabi Holdings Limited.
His performance earned him appointment as commissioner for finance, a role he would hold twice, under both Aregbesola and later Gboyega Oyetola. Across those years, Oyebamiji became known within government circles as a steady hand.
Read also: Osun APC youths, leaders rally behind Oyebamiji, NIWA Boss ahead 2026
He briefly tested the political waters in 2018 as a gubernatorial aspirant but stepped aside. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he returned to federal service as special adviser in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy before becoming managing director and chief executive of the National Inland Waterways Authority.
In that role, he was part of Nigeria’s delegation to the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, where discussions included maritime cooperation and Atlantic partnerships with the United States.
Oyebamiji at various times received a series of awards including the Most Outstanding Commissioner of the Year Award (2019 and 2020 Fiscal year); Outstanding Deposit Performance Award in 2007 (Spring Bank); Excellent Performance Award in 2007 (Spring Bank); Outstanding Branch Performance and Most Profitable Manager of the Year in 2004 (Trans International Bank); Half-year Award for Outstanding Performance in 2001 ( Trans International Bank); and End of the Year Commendation in 1999 (Trans International Bank).
The political test ahead
Married to Sekinah Bola Oyebamiji and a practising Muslim, he presents himself as a bridge between technocracy and grassroots politics.
Now, Oyebamiji faces his most demanding assignment. The Osun governorship election will pit his record in finance and administration against the populist appeal of Adeleke. Whether that balance will convince voters remains the central question of the coming campaign.
