BARR. KAYODE TAIWO SAMSON, LL.M BAGS DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION
In a grand ceremony held at the Ondo State Development and Property Corporation, (OSDPC) Ijapo Estate, Akure, on Saturday, September 7, 2025, Barrister Kayode Taiwo Samson, LL.M, the Chairman of Akure East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Oda, was honored with the Distinguished Leadership Award in Local Government Administration by The Democrat News Magazine. This recognition celebrates his unwavering commitment to grassroots development and his exemplary service in local governance.
A proud son of Akure South Local Government Area, Barr. Samson hails from the prestigious Famotua Royal Family of the Elemuletu/Odapetu dynasty. He was born to Late Jeremiah David Kayode and the revered Mrs. Oni Kayode (née Ibosil), fondly known as the Great Sasere of Odopetu. His life journey, spanning over five decades, reflects deep dedication to education, public service, and community upliftment.
His educational path began at St. Michael Catholic Primary School in Akure, continued through St. Thomas Aquinas College and African Church Comprehensive High School in Ikerre-Ekiti, before obtaining his O’Level from Akure Secondary Commercial School. He proceeded to the then Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti, where he earned a Bachelor of Education degree in English and Literary Studies. Driven by a passion for knowledge and communication, he pursued a Diploma in Journalism and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Akure Campus.
He later turned his attention to law, earning an LLB from the University of Ado-Ekiti and qualifying as a barrister from the Nigerian Law School. His legal education culminated in a Master of Laws (LL.M) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. As a student, he was an active unionist and leader in various student organizations, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the Joint Campus Council, advocating for student welfare and good governance.
Barr. Samson began his professional career as a teacher at City College, Akure, where he mentored future professionals across fields. He later transitioned into journalism, working with Owena Press Limited, publishers of The Hope Newspaper, serving as a proofreader, sub-editor, and reporter under the mentorship of respected editors like Mr. Kayode Oni, Olawunmi Agayi, and Ademola Adetula.
Over the years, he has earned a sterling reputation as a human rights advocate, linguist, journalist, legal practitioner, public relations expert, and seasoned politician. His unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and public accountability has made him a dynamic grassroots leader and a respected voice in local governance.
His political journey began with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) between 1990 and 1993. He served as Councillor for Lisa Ward 1 from 1997 to 1998 under the National Centre Party of Nigeria (NCPN), and again from 1999 to 2002 under the Alliance for Democracy (AD), rising to become Leader of the Council during the Adefarati-led administration. He was later elected Chairman of the Conference of Local Government Council Leaders in Ondo State and served as Public Relations Officer for the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state.
Currently, he serves as the Secretary of APC Akure South, holds several committee roles at the state level within the party, and is the pioneer Chairman of Akure East LCDA, Oda. He is also the Secretary of Akure Solidarity Movement and an active member of the Afenifere socio-cultural group. His service has earned him appointments as Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State between 2002–2003 and again from 2008–2012. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Labour Party in Akure South from 2012 to 2013 and was a member of the APC State Campaign Committee for the 2014 elections. Since 2018, he has served as State Welfare Officer for the Buhari/Osinbajo Continuity Group.
Throughout his political career, he has contested several elections at various levels, winning some and losing others. However, his impact is undeniable. Among his many achievements is the construction of the first and only maternity health centre in Lisa Ward 5, Esure Community. He has spearheaded the construction of bridges, culverts, and drainage systems, and played a key role in establishing a new primary school in Ologede, along Oda Road in Akure. His vision is rooted in justice, fairness, and godliness—ensuring support for petty traders through market stalls and soft loans, promoting the welfare of traditional rulers, and driving transparent local governance.
For these achievements and his role in the success of the 2024 governorship election that brought Hon. (D) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to power, Barrister Kayode Taiwo Samson has been recognized with this prestigious award. He stands proudly among other distinguished recipients including Hon. Prince Olusegun Omojuwa (Ondo State Man of the Year), Dr. (Mrs.) Fadekemi Jogbodo (Ondo State Woman of the Year), Evang. Oluwasola Ajayi David, Prince Matthew Adegoke, Hon. (Deacon) Mayokun Akinmoladun, Mr. Oluwafemi Ajayi Michael, Hon. Ronke Aramide Akerele, Hon. David Ajobiewe, Hon. Adewale Akinrinlola and Legacy Elite Club of Akure.
This recognition by The Democrat News Magazine is a well-deserved tribute to a man whose life work continues to inspire transformational leadership and unwavering dedication to the people.