Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju is not just a legislator; she is a movement, a symbol of resilience, and a voice for the underrepresented. Her rise to prominence as the first female Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly is more than a personal achievement—it is a statement, a disruption of the status quo, and a bold declaration that women belong at the highest levels of governance.
From the moment she assumed office in June 2023, Olagbaju has embodied a new kind of leadership—one that fuses strength with empathy, tradition with innovation, and vision with action. Her election was not by chance; it was a reflection of her credibility, her deep-rooted connection with the people, and her unshakable commitment to service. This recognition transcended state politics when, in November 2023, she was elected Chairperson of the Conference of Nigerian Female Parliamentarians (CONFEPA), an honor that solidified her influence beyond Ekiti, positioning her as a national advocate for women in leadership.
Her mission is clear: to dismantle the barriers that have kept women on the sidelines of governance for too long. She has remained a firm advocate for the 35% affirmative action policy, pushing for stronger female representation in political offices. Her voice echoes in legislative chambers and policy discussions, demanding reforms that will protect the rights of women and the girl-child. She does not speak for the sake of rhetoric; she speaks with purpose, ensuring that her words translate into action.
Beyond advocacy, her legislative approach is rooted in fairness, justice, and inclusivity. She is a firm believer in policies that create opportunities for marginalized groups, particularly women and children. Her legislative contributions focus on empowering the vulnerable, addressing gender disparities, and strengthening governance structures that promote equality. Every bill she supports, every debate she engages in, and every policy she champions is driven by a singular purpose—to create a system where leadership is defined by competence, not gender.
Her presence in the Ekiti political space has redefined what leadership should be. In an era where politics often feels distant from the people, she has remained accessible, a leader who listens, understands, and acts. Her commitment extends beyond the legislative chambers into the communities, where she engages directly with the people, ensuring that governance is not just about policies on paper but real-life impact.
Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju is more than a politician; she is a force of change. In breaking the barriers that once seemed unshakable, she is not only paving the way for other women but also proving that leadership is not about gender—it is about vision, integrity, and the courage to challenge the norm. Her journey is far from over, but already, she has left an indelible mark on Ekiti’s history and Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
