Growing political support is mounting for former Ogun West Senator Gbolahan Dada to return to the Senate amid renewed calls from stakeholders and supporters across Ogun West
Senator Gbolahan Dada Returns to Ogun West Political Spotlight Amid Calls for Senate Comeback
Years after leaving the Senate, Gbolahan Dada has once again emerged at the centre of political conversations in Ogun West Senatorial District, with growing calls from supporters and stakeholders urging him to return to the Red Chamber ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The former lawmaker, who represented Ogun West in the Senate under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, from 2015 to 2019, remains one of the most influential political figures in Ogun politics, particularly within Yewa-Awori communities, where his political influence has continued to grow long after his tenure in office.
Often described by admirers as a political knight, Senator Dada stepped back from frontline politics after serving in the National Assembly, but his quiet political presence and enduring grassroots appeal have continued to resonate across Ogun West.
Political observers say the renewed calls for his return are largely driven by memories of what many supporters regard as his impactful and people-oriented representation during his previous term in the Senate.
Born into the royal family of the late Timothy Talabi Dada, the Olota of Ota, Senator Dada combines royal heritage with decades of experience spanning politics, banking, technology and public service.
A senior member of the All Progressives Congress, Dada built a reputation in the Senate through active participation in legislative activities and committee assignments.
During his time in the National Assembly, he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee and was also a member of several strategic committees including Communications, Agriculture and Rural Development, Banking and Finance, as well as Constitutional Review.
His legislative record featured several bills and motions targeted at governance reforms, security, prison decongestion, banking regulations, immigration matters and constitutional amendments.
Among the notable initiatives associated with him were bills seeking stricter firearm regulations, reforms in prison administration, amendments to immigration laws and measures aimed at strengthening banking documentation procedures for corporate accounts.
Senator Dada also drew national attention for motions and petitions addressing public concerns, including the controversial raid by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service on traders at Kayero Market in Sango Ota, pension administration reforms, disruption of interbank clearing systems and repeated attacks linked to herdsmen violence in parts of Ogun State.
Beyond politics, Dada has maintained a distinguished profile in Nigeria’s financial and technology sectors. His career cuts across banking, corporate management and electronic payment systems, having served on the boards of major financial institutions including Savannah Bank, Afribank Nigeria Plc and Afribank International Limited.
He also founded JOE-HAN Network Marketing Limited, a banking technology company known for providing automation and electronic payment solutions within Nigeria’s banking industry.
Over the years, he participated in several national assignments, including membership of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Currency Reform Group and National Payment System Committee. He also served as President of the Association of Automated Payment Clearing System Providers and Vice President of the Association of Cash Managers of Nigeria.
His company reportedly partnered with the National Population Commission during the 2006 national census project, further expanding his footprint beyond politics.
Within professional circles, Senator Dada belongs to numerous local and international bodies including the British Institute of Marketing, Nigerian Institute of Management and Rotary Club. He is also a Fellow of multiple professional institutes in management and marketing.
Political analysts say his blend of legislative experience, business background and longstanding grassroots relationships continue to make him a formidable figure in Ogun West politics.
As political alignments ahead of future elections gradually begin to take shape, conversations around Senator Dada’s possible return to the Senate are already generating interest across Ogun State, especially among supporters who believe his experience and influence could once again play a major role in the representation of Ogun West at the National Assembly.
