SHABA: FROM GRASSROOTS POLITICS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP — THE STORY OF HON.MUSIBAU ADESINA SANUSI
Hon. Alhaji Musibau Adesina Sanusi, popularly known as SHABA, is a grassroots politician, entrepreneur, community leader and former Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State whose public career has been closely associated with community mobilisation, political participation and grassroots development.
Born into the family of Alhaji and Alhaja Salawu Sanusi, popularly known as Shabati 9, Hon. Sanusi hails from the Idi-Aro/Madina-Elekuro axis of Ibadan and Aba-Ogo in Ona-Ara Local Government.
His background, according to his profile, has been shaped by education, entrepreneurship, community engagement and years of participation in grassroots politics.
Educational Background
Hon. Sanusi commenced his formal education at Christ Church Mapo School 4, Ibadan, where he studied between 1976 and 1983.
He later attended Aperin Oniyere Commercial Grammar School, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate. He also attended Methodist Grammar School, Elekuro, Ibadan, before proceeding to Kanmi Alo Interlink Polytechnic, Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, where he studied Business Administration and Management.
His educational background in business administration subsequently complemented his entrepreneurial activities and involvement in community and political affairs.
Entrepreneurship and Community Service
Beyond politics, SHABA has built a profile as a businessman and entrepreneur. He established private ventures including DE Mercy Ventures and Mobolaji Rentals & Ice Block Depot.
His public profile also highlights philanthropy and community service, with emphasis on supporting individuals and initiatives within his immediate community.
A Political Journey Rooted in the Grassroots
Hon. Sanusi's active political journey dates back to 1998, when he joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Over the years, he participated in party organisation, grassroots mobilisation and political campaigns. His progression within the party structure reportedly saw him serve as Ward 5 Youth Leader before becoming Ona-Ara Local Government Youth Leader.
He was involved in political mobilisation during the 2011 presidential election, the political activities surrounding the 2015 election cycle, and the Atiku 2019 campaign in Ona-Ara.
He also participated in the political movement that preceded the emergence of Engr. Seyi Makinde as Governor of Oyo State.
From Caretaker Chairman to Elected Executive Chairman
His political career later translated into public office when he was appointed Caretaker Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government in 2019.
He subsequently contested and emerged as the elected Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government, serving until 2024.
During his tenure, his administration was associated with interventions covering areas such as security, education, environmental sanitation, markets, rural development and community infrastructure.
Among the projects highlighted in his profile was the commissioning in April 2024 of an Operation Burst security post, alongside other community-oriented projects, including school sanitation facilities and a motorised borehole.
These interventions reflected an approach that placed emphasis on community-level infrastructure and services.
National Recognition
In 2023, while serving as Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government, Hon. Musibau Adesina Sanusi received a Roots Watch Magazine Merit Award in Abuja, where he was recognised as the best-performing local government chairman in Nigeria, according to the profile of the former chairman.
The award was presented at the National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, and was described as recognition of his contributions to grassroots development and public service.
A Leadership Philosophy Focused on the Grassroots
A recurring theme in SHABA's public profile is his emphasis on grassroots engagement and community development.
His political and community activities have largely been built around the idea that public leadership should produce tangible benefits for residents, particularly at the local level.
From political mobilisation to local government administration, his career has combined party organisation, entrepreneurship, community service and public office.
Beyond Public Office
Although his tenure as Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government ended in 2024, Hon. Musibau Adesina Sanusi remains involved in the political and socio-economic affairs of the area.
His activities continue to connect him with the Ona-Ara community and the wider Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, where he is identified with grassroots political participation, community leadership and philanthropy.
Married and blessed with children, SHABA's profile represents a combination of politics, business, community engagement and public service, with a political journey spanning more than two decades.
Profile at a Glance
Hon. Musibau Adesina Sanusi (SHABA)
Profession: Politician, Entrepreneur and Community Leader
Former Position: Executive Chairman, Ona-Ara Local Government
Political Party: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Political Experience: Since 1998
Education: Business Administration and Management
Entrepreneurial Ventures: DE Mercy Ventures; Mobolaji Rentals & Ice Block Depot
Areas of Focus: Grassroots mobilisation, community development, security, education and infrastructure
Hon. Musibau Adesina Sanusi (SHABA) remains a notable figure in the political and community landscape of Ona-Ara, with a career that has moved from grassroots party organisation to local government leadership and community development.
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