Former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Olart Group, Otunba Olumide Olugbenga Araoyinbo, says loyalty, patience and service have remained the guiding principles of his political journey despite experiencing electoral setbacks.
In this exclusive interview with Event Diary Lifestyle, the former lawmaker speaks on his decision not to contest any elective office in 2027, why he has remained with the All Progressives Congress (APC) despite political disappointments, his experience strengthening internal democracy, leadership at the Ondo State Chamber of Commerce, investments in the hospitality sector, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Many people expected you to contest another elective position after serving in the Ondo State House of Assembly. Why have you decided not to run in 2027?
Everybody knows that I contested in 2019 against the current Minister of Interior. After the contest, I supported him. In 2023, when he sought another term, he consulted me and, considering the views of stakeholders, I also supported him.
When he was later appointed Minister, I believed it was an opportunity for me to contest. I obtained the nomination form and participated in the process. Although things did not go the way I expected, I accepted the outcome.
Today, I can see that many of those representing our federal constituency and senatorial district still have the support of the people and are interested in returning. After assessing the political situation, I decided to step back and allow the process to continue. Politics requires patience.
Since joining the APC, you have never defected to another political party despite electoral setbacks. Why?
I don't believe politics should be driven by personal ambition alone. Jumping from one political party to another simply because you didn't secure a ticket does not portray good political leadership.
Politics is about service. You don't have to hold an elective office before you can make meaningful contributions to society. I am also a businessman with other engagements, so politics is not a do-or-die affair for me. If you lose today, another opportunity may come tomorrow.
You recently served as Chairman of the APC Appeal Committee for the Bauchi State governorship and House of Assembly primaries. What was the experience like?
It was a rewarding experience. It wasn't my first assignment of that nature. Back in 2011, while I was in the PDP, I served as Chairman of an Appeal Screening Committee for National Assembly elections in Maiduguri.
In Bauchi, we received only a few petitions because many issues had already been resolved before the primaries. Overall, it was a peaceful process and another opportunity to contribute to strengthening internal democracy within a political party.
You were elected President of the Ondo State Chamber of Commerce. Looking back, how would you assess your tenure?
I believe my tenure was successful. We repositioned the chamber by encouraging greater participation from the business community and organising seminars that connected entrepreneurs with financial institutions, particularly on access to funding for small and medium-sized enterprises.
We also secured a new office for the chamber after losing our previous headquarters. My goal was to change the narrative and make the chamber more relevant to the economic development of Ondo State.
Why did you decide to serve only one term as President?
Leadership is about creating opportunities for others. I believed it was important to allow other people to contribute their own ideas and leadership style.
Today, I serve as the First Deputy President of the Ondo State Chamber of Commerce and also as the National Vice President of NACCIMA. Service continues in different capacities.
Beyond politics, you are also an entrepreneur. Why did you choose to invest in the hospitality sector in Ondo State?
Ondo State is my home, and I believe in investing where I come from. Although I have hospitality investments in other places, including Lagos, I wanted to introduce apartment-style hospitality to Akure because that is where the industry is heading globally.
Business has been challenging because the state's economy is still developing, but I remain optimistic. With the right policies and an enabling environment, Ondo State has enormous economic potential.
Finally, if you were not involved in politics, business or the chamber movement, who would Otunba Olumide Araoyinbo be?
I would simply be a builder of people. Mentoring, developing and empowering others has always been my passion. That was one of the reasons I came into public service in the first place.
My greatest fulfilment comes from helping people discover opportunities, develop their potential and succeed in life. For me, building people is a legacy that outlives any political office.