Prince Solagbade Amodeni, a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and two-time Commissioner in Ondo State, recently turned 70. In this interview, he reflects on his humble beginnings, business journey, political career, and his belief that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership deserves continuity for Nigeria’s stability.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 7, 1955, in Ipesi Akoko, Ondo State, Amodeni hails from the Oke Dofin royal family. His father, Oba Peter Odu Amodeni, was the late Olupesi of Ipesi Akoko.
He recalls a modest upbringing, beginning his education at St. Philip’s Primary School, Shagamu, while serving as a houseboy to Reverend M. R. Alabi — an experience that, he says, instilled discipline and humility.

Amodeni admits academics never appealed to him. “If there was a record for failure, I broke it,” he said, recalling how he barely passed his exams but discovered his passion for business early. “While in school, I sold and rented second-hand clothes to classmates for disco parties. That was my first taste of entrepreneurship.”

He later earned an HND from Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, though he says it was more to satisfy his parents than for personal advancement.

Rise in Business

By his mid-twenties, Amodeni had built a thriving enterprise, Sonicom Nigeria Limited, handling major contracts across Ondo, Ekiti, and Edo states.
“I became one of the first young men in the old Ondo State to own a brand-new Mercedes-Benz,” he said. “Hard work and integrity made business easier back then. You could succeed on merit.”

His firm handled several landmark projects, including facilities for the Federal Polytechnic, Akure, Wema Bank, and the Nigerian Army.

Political Journey

Amodeni ventured into politics during the Baba Adekunle Ajasin era, initially seeking business patronage before embracing public service. His first breakthrough came from a contract to build a health clinic in Imoru, Ose LGA — a project he said transformed his life.

He later served as Chairman of Akoko Southeast Local Government, where he implemented a poverty alleviation programme that earned him the Best Local Government Chairman in Nigeria award from President Olusegun Obasanjo.

A founding member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and a NADECO activist, Amodeni also served as Commissioner under Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, describing both tenures as rewarding but distinct.

“I always speak truth to power,” he said. “Whenever I see a government derailing, I step aside. Governance is about service, not self-interest.”

On Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

Amodeni strongly supports President Tinubu’s policies, describing them as “painful but necessary.”

“Tinubu inherited a battered economy. Removing fuel subsidy was bitter at first but will yield long-term benefits,” he said. “We’re already seeing signs of stability. Inflation is easing, and revenues are improving.”

He praised Tinubu’s emphasis on infrastructure, skill acquisition, and entrepreneurship, adding that the use of concrete for road construction is a lasting innovation.

Call for Continuity

Amodeni insists Tinubu deserves a second term.

“Yes, without hesitation. His second term is in Nigeria’s national interest. Continuity will ensure stability,” he declared.

He also called for local government autonomy and a broader federal cabinet, arguing that Nigeria’s size requires more capable hands in governance.

On Opposition and 2027

Amodeni urged opposition leaders like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to adopt constructive criticism rather than constant antagonism.

“Tinubu is not their enemy but their rival. Mature opposition strengthens democracy; blind criticism weakens it,” he noted.

He dismissed fears of a one-party state, predicting that political balance would return naturally after Tinubu’s tenure.

Vision for Nigeria

Looking ahead, the elder statesman remains optimistic.

“Nigeria will rise again if our judiciary stands firm and we amend our constitution to reflect modern realities. Despite our diversity, I believe in one Nigeria—anchored on unity, justice, and fairness.”