President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the progressive political ideals of late former Oyo State Governor, Lamidi Adesina, describing his belief in public service, social justice and accountability as an enduring legacy for political leaders and future generations.

Tinubu made the remarks through the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, who represented him at the third Lam Adesina Annual Lecture Series held at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

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The President said the late governor demonstrated that strong political convictions could go hand in hand with humility, commitment to the people and a determination to improve society.

He commended the Lam Adesina Foundation and organisers of the lecture for keeping the former governor’s ideas alive through discussions involving political leaders, academics and other stakeholders on Nigeria’s democratic development.

The lecture, titled ‘Shaping the Future of Oyo State: The Nexus Between History, Progressive Politics and Development’, was delivered by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ahmed Raji.

Raji examined the historical development of progressive politics, its influence on contemporary governance and the lessons Oyo State could draw from previous administrations.

He urged the state to study Lagos State’s development experience, particularly its approach to economic self-reliance, sustainability and institutional stability.

The legal practitioner also highlighted the influence of the progressive philosophy associated with late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the governance model linked to Tinubu’s years in Lagos, describing them as useful reference points for Oyo State’s development.

Discussions at the event also examined Lam Adesina’s record as governor, particularly his contributions to education and healthcare.

His administration’s reported establishment of more than 1,200 secondary schools featured prominently in the discussions, with participants considering how the state’s educational achievements could be preserved and improved.

In his tribute, Tinubu recalled that Lam Adesina developed his political convictions through his experiences as a teacher and columnist with the Nigerian Tribune before becoming deeply involved in partisan politics.

The President said the former governor used his professional and public engagements to promote progressive ideas before gaining the opportunity to implement them through political office.

According to Tinubu, Lam Adesina viewed public office as a responsibility to expand opportunities and improve the living conditions of ordinary citizens.

He identified one of the late governor’s lasting lessons as his ability to maintain firm political beliefs while remaining connected to the people he served.

Tinubu also said Lam Adesina understood social justice as more than a political slogan, noting that it involved equal access to education, better living conditions and the right of citizens to participate in decisions affecting their lives.

He stressed that public office should be treated as a trust, with leaders expected to remain accountable to the people and use their positions to advance the common good.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Hon. Dapo Lam Adesina thanked the President for his continued support and commitment to the political philosophy associated with his late father.

He said those who inherited the late governor’s political ideals had a responsibility to sustain them through active participation in public affairs.

Dapo Lam Adesina also declared the family’s commitment to supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid and the emergence of APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

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The annual lecture provided an opportunity to revisit Lam Adesina’s political contributions and examine how his ideas on education, social justice and accountable leadership could inform governance in Oyo State and beyond.