By Reloaded News Desk
Hon. Prince Sikiru Adetona Ayedun, popularly known as ESKAY, has declared his intention to contest for the Ife Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives in the 2027 general election under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Ayedun made his declaration at a town hall meeting in Ile-Ife on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, formally joining the growing list of politicians seeking to represent the constituency at the National Assembly.
His entry into the race brings renewed attention to a political figure whose background cuts across business, public administration, student union activism and cultural development.
A prince from the Giesi Ruling House of Ile-Ife, Ayedun has built a career spanning the maritime and logistics industry, political engagement and public service, including his previous appointment as Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism in Osun State.
Academic and Professional Background
Ayedun began his higher education at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where he graduated in 1992.
He obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration in 1996 and another Master’s degree in Transport Management from Olabisi Onabanjo University in 2002. He is also a chartered member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport Studies.
His professional career took shape in the maritime industry, where he worked with SAPID Agencies Limited, a company involved in shipping, freight forwarding and bonded warehousing. After ten years with the organisation, he rose to become its Managing Director.
His experience in the sector exposed him to business administration, logistics operations, transportation and the commercial processes associated with international trade.
From Student Union Activism to Politics
Ayedun’s involvement in public affairs dates back to his university days.
At the University of Ife, he participated in student union activities, serving on the Student Union Representative Council and as Welfare Officer of the Student Union Government.
His political involvement continued with membership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he served as Secretary of Moore Ward, now within Ife East Local Government Area.
He later served as Information Officer to the first Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly before the military intervention of General Sani Abacha disrupted the democratic process.
In 2010, Ayedun returned to active party politics and sought the House of Representatives ticket under the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), although he did not secure the party’s nomination.
His Appointment as Osun Commissioner
A significant chapter in Ayedun’s public-service career began in August 2011 when he was appointed Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism in Osun State under the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
He served in the position between 2011 and 2014, overseeing a ministry with responsibilities covering cultural affairs, tourism development, religious pilgrimage administration and fire services.
During this period, the state government pursued the preservation and development of important cultural and historical sites, including the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Oke Agbomiregun at Oke-Itase, Opa Oranmiyan Shrine at Arubidi and Oduduwa House in Ile-Ife.
Other tourism initiatives included the development of Olumirin Waterfalls at Erin-Ijesa, promotion of cultural festivals and improvements to pilgrimage administration.
The ministry also undertook initiatives involving staff development and improvements to fire-fighting facilities across the state.
His period in office coincided with the Aregbesola administration’s wider efforts to position tourism and cultural heritage as instruments of economic development, employment generation and revenue growth.
ESKAY and the 2027 Ambition
The name ESKAY has become the defining identity of Ayedun’s current political ambition.
He has attached five values to the name: Empathy, Steadfastness, Kindness, Accountability and Yielding to Unity.
His aspiration is to represent the people of Ife Central, Ife North, Ife South and Ife East at the House of Representatives.
At his declaration, Ayedun presented his intention to pursue a development-oriented approach to representation, with attention to education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic opportunities, agriculture and the preservation of Ile-Ife’s cultural heritage.
He also emphasised the importance of accessible representation and regular engagement between elected representatives and their constituents.
His entry into the contest places his professional background, previous government experience and political aspirations before the electorate as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to develop.
A New Chapter in His Political Journey
From student union activism to party politics, business leadership and service in the Osun State Executive Council, Ayedun’s journey has taken him through different aspects of public and professional life.
His 2027 ambition represents another attempt to translate that experience into elective public office, this time at the federal legislative level.
As the race for Ife Federal Constituency develops, his background and record of public service will form part of the information available to voters as they assess the candidates seeking their mandate.
For Sikiru Adetona Ayedun, popularly known as ESKAY, the journey to the National Assembly has officially begun.
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