A youth parliamentarian, Hon. Olamilekan Hammed Adekunle, has emerged as the unopposed candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Oyo State House of Assembly seat representing Akinyele Constituency II ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adekunle, popularly known in Nollywood and youth circles for his works as a professional videographer and Director of Photography in the Yoruba movie industry, was returned unopposed during the party’s primary held yesterday in Akinyele local government.
Speaking shortly after his emergence, Adekunle expressed appreciation to party leaders at the LGA, across wards, delegates and supporters for the confidence reposed in him.
He promised to deploy his experience as a youth parliamentarian to provide qualitative representation, champion youth inclusion, education and empowerment if elected into office.
According to him, politics should not be left in the hands of older generations alone, stressing that young people with ideas, vibrancy, energy and grassroots appeal must also be given opportunities to serve.
“I am deeply honoured by this unanimous endorsement. This is not just about me, it is about a new generation of leadership that understands the struggles of the people, especially youths, students and artisans at the grassroots,” he said.
He added, “My focus will be on education support, youth empowerment, creative industry development and community-driven legislation that will positively affect our people in Akinyele Constituency II.”
Adekunle noted that his political journey began in 2013 under the Accord party, where he participated actively in grassroots mobilisation and youth advocacy.
The ADC candidate was among the 10 youths selected to represent Oyo State at the maiden National Youth Conference held in Abuja in 2021, a development he described as a major turning point in his leadership experience.
Currently serving as a member of the second assembly of the Oyo State Youth Parliament, Adekunle has also been involved in several community development initiatives within his constituency.
During his first term as a youth parliamentarian, he distributed about 5,000 notebooks to selected primary schools across Akinyele Constituency II as part of efforts aimed at supporting basic education and encouraging learning among pupils in rural communities.
Some party stakeholders who spoke after the primary described Adekunle as a bridge between politics, youth advocacy and the creative industry.
A party chieftain in the constituency said the decision to adopt him unopposed was based on his grassroots connection and commitment to youth development.
“Olamilekan represents the future many young people have been yearning for in politics.
“His popularity has grown considerably largely because has remained accessible to the people and has consistently shown passion for grassroots engagement and youths mobilization even before seeking elective office,” the party leader stated.
Beyond politics, Adekunle has built a career in the entertainment industry as a Director of Photography and mentor to other young and aspiring filmmakers within the Yoruba movie sector.
He is widely known for mentoring young creatives interested in videography, movie production and cinematography, while also serving as a career coach to youths seeking opportunities in the creative economy.
Party supporters have equally expressed optimism that his candidacy would attract greater youth participation in the political and electoral processes ahead of the 2027 elections in Oyo State.
