Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has returned to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, just a day after resigning from his position in the Federal Executive Council.
His arrival on Wednesday drew attention from residents and supporters, especially after videos circulated on social media showing him taking an unusual step—directing traffic on a busy road in the city.
In the videos, Adelabu, dressed in blue traditional attire, was seen standing in the middle of a congested road, helping to control movement of vehicles. He also greeted motorists and onlookers who gathered to catch a glimpse of him.
The scene reportedly happened shortly after he arrived at the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, where a crowd of supporters had gathered in anticipation of his homecoming.
The former minister’s return comes less than 24 hours after he formally resigned his position as Minister of Power in the administration of President Bola Tinubu. His resignation letter, submitted on Tuesday, stated that he was stepping down to pursue his ambition of becoming governor of Oyo State.
Although the resignation is expected to take full effect on April 30, 2026, Adelabu’s early return to Ibadan has already sparked political discussions about his next move and readiness for the governorship race.
Oyo State, located in south-west Nigeria, has a long history of competitive politics, with major political figures often emerging from Ibadan, the state capital. Governorship elections in the state are usually closely contested, involving strong campaigns and grassroots mobilisation.
Adelabu, who previously served as a deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria before joining politics, has been active in national politics for several years. His time as Minister of Power placed him at the centre of one of Nigeria’s most challenging sectors, with the country continuing to face issues of electricity supply and infrastructure gaps.
Speaking briefly to journalists during a media interaction upon his arrival, Adelabu reflected on his experience in office.
“I have seen, and I have conquered,” he said. “I believe I have tried my best and contributed my best to national development and overseen one of the key sectors in Nigeria.”
His statement was seen by many as a summary of his time in office, where he was involved in efforts to improve electricity generation and distribution across the country. The power sector remains one of Nigeria’s most sensitive areas, with frequent complaints about unstable supply affecting homes, businesses, and industries.
Despite various reforms and investments over the years, Nigeria’s electricity supply has remained inconsistent, making it a key issue in national development discussions.
Adelabu’s resignation and return to Oyo State suggest that he is now fully focused on local politics. His governorship ambition is expected to add more competition to the political landscape in the state ahead of the next election cycle.
The sight of him directing traffic in Ibadan has also generated mixed reactions among residents and social media users. While some described it as a humble gesture and a way of connecting with the people, others viewed it as a political statement meant to boost his public image ahead of his campaign.
Supporters who welcomed him at the airport expressed excitement over his return, saying they were ready to support his political journey. However, his entry into the governorship race is expected to intensify political activity in Oyo State, where several other aspirants are also likely to emerge.
Adelabu’s resignation marks the end of his tenure in the federal cabinet but opens a new chapter in his political career. Analysts say his experience at the national level could be an advantage as he seeks to transition to state leadership.
For now, attention remains on how quickly his campaign structure will take shape and how other political actors in the state will respond to his ambition.
As preparations gradually build toward the next election cycle, Oyo State is expected to witness increased political movement, alliances, and consultations among key stakeholders.
Adelabu’s return has therefore not only marked a personal political shift but also signalled the beginning of early positioning for the state’s top political office.