Major General Oladayo Popoola’s journey is one of dedication to service, marked by notable achievements and a profound impact on his community. Born on February 26, 1944 to late Pa Lawuyi Popoola of Ile-Aipon Isale Ora, Ogbomoso and Mama Oyegbenle Popoola from Ile Fedegbo, Isale Afon, Ogbomoso, Popoola’s upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility and leadership.
After completing his secondary education in Ikire, Osun State, he embarked on a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army. Rising steadily through the ranks, Popoola served in various key roles, including Deputy Defense Adviser in India and Director at the Staff College in Jaji, demonstrating his exceptional leadership and administrative capabilities.
During the military regimes of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari and General Ibrahim Babangida, General Popoola assumed the mantle of the military governor of Oyo ((January 1984 – August 1985) and Ogun (August 1985 – 1986) States, respectively.
His tenure was marked by proactive governance and significant contributions to the development of both states. Notably, he established the BCOS transmission station in Gambari, Ogbomoso (now Ajilete FM), during his time as Governor of Oyo State in the 1980s. This initiative revolutionized the media landscape of the region and underscored General Popoola’s commitment to progress and communication within his community.
General Oladayo Popoola’s exemplary service extended beyond his domestic duties, earning him accolades and promotions on the international stage. He played a crucial role in diplomatic efforts, facilitating the resolution of the Bakassi Peninsula dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon and promoting peace and reconciliation between the two nations. He also served as the General Officer Commanding the 82 Mechanized Division in Enugu.
His outstanding leadership and performance as an ECOMOG (Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group) Commander gained national recognition, ultimately leading to his promotion to the rank of Major General. In this capacity, Popoola demonstrated exceptional strategic acumen and diplomatic finesse, contributing significantly to regional stability and peacekeeping efforts. Major General Popoola’s commendable service as an ECOMOG Commander further underscores his distinguished military career and commitment to international cooperation and security.
Major General Popoola’s dedication to service extended beyond military administration to include advocacy for social responsibility and education. He served as Chair of the 22-member presidential committee on Development Options for the Niger Delta in 1999, advocating for increased funding and infrastructure development in the region. Concurrently, Popoola pursued further education, undertaking a part-time law degree at the University of Lagos and subsequently becoming a Barrister-at-Law after attending the Nigerian Law School in 1992. His commitment to lifelong learning enriched his perspective and complemented his military and administrative expertise.
Upon voluntarily retiring from the army at the advent of the Nigerian Fourth Republic, Popoola embraced a new chapter as the managing director of Daybis Printing Press in Ibadan. Leveraging his leadership skills and military background, he steered the company towards success, establishing Daybis as a leader in the printing industry with its state-of-the-art equipment and diverse offerings.
Major General Popoola’s commitment to community development extended to his hometown of Ogbomoso, where he stands as the current head of the Ogbomoso Community Foundation (OCF), an indigenous association. Under his leadership, the association has recorded significant strides in community development, embodying Popoola’s dedication to the welfare and progress of his people. Additionally, he serves as an elder statesman to political leaders in Ogbomoso, providing guidance and unwavering support, including his backing of former Governor of Oyo State, the late Governor Adebayo Alao Akala.
He maintains a deep-seated passion for the advancement of his state. In addition to his dedication to progress, he actively advocates for the eradication of internet fraud, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo,” urging the parents of those involved to take decisive action. While he continued to extend his support to solving insecuirty challenges in Southwest region.
The life of Major General Oladayo Popoola epitomizes dedication, leadership, and a commitment to community advancement. His contributions to the military, diplomatic efforts, education, and community development continue to inspire and resonate, leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian history and the welfare of his people. While shunning the spotlight, Popoola’s legacy endures, making him a revered figure in both national and local spheres. Through his selfless service and unwavering dedication, Popoola continues to shape the future of his community and the nation at large.