By Ajao Stephen
Engr. Muftau Open Salawu has built a reputation in Ogbomosoland as a public servant whose leadership style is defined by humility, competence and an unwavering commitment to community development. While many measure success by wealth and influence, his admirers say his greatest strengths lie in his character, integrity, industry, faith and consistent service to humanity.
A civil engineer, entrepreneur and administrator, Open Salawu’s rise in public life has been shaped by steady accomplishments rather than public display. After years of academic and professional advancement, he returned to his ancestral home without fanfare, choosing instead to reconnect with his people through purposeful service and community engagement.
Rather than seeking prominence through affluence or political grandstanding, he became actively involved in community development initiatives, religious activities and programmes aimed at advancing the welfare of Ogbomosoland. These efforts, according to supporters, have earned him widespread respect and acceptance across the ancient city.
His foray into partisan politics reflected the same philosophy. Instead of relying on financial influence or political theatrics, he built relationships through hard work, loyalty and service, gradually earning the confidence of political leaders and grassroots supporters alike.
Supporters often point to the commendation reportedly given to him by the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, who described him as “my son in whom I am well pleased.”
According to those close to the palace, the monarch regards Open Salawu as a distinguished palace chief, an effective administrator, a dependable son of Ogbomosoland and one of the notable personalities to emerge in the city in recent years. His supporters believe these accolades reflect years of dedicated service, humility and commitment to the development of the community.
Beyond the traditional institution, Open Salawu has also attracted the support of political stakeholders, community leaders, professionals, artisans, market women and other interest groups across Ogbomosoland. Many of his supporters have identified him as a suitable deputy governorship candidate to run alongside the Allied Peoples’ Movement Party (APM) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Hon. Bimbo Adekambi.
Professional Career
Born on May 10, 1973, into the Alapa Ruling House of Isale Ora, Ita Alasa in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Engr. Muftau Open Salawu is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (FNICE).
He obtained a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and later attended executive programmes on Leading Complex Capital Projects at Harvard University, Boston, USA, as well as Leading Change for Organisational Transformation at the London Business School, United Kingdom.
His professional career began with D’Alberto & Giampoli before he joined the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in 1998. During his service at the agency, he participated in the upgrading of several rural healthcare centres across the Federal Capital Territory into full-fledged hospitals and contributed to the construction of more than 2,000 resettlement housing units.
He subsequently worked with Engr. G.O. Akinjo of Etteh Aro and Partners before serving as Facilities Manager at Thomas Adewumi International College in Kwara State.
In 2006, he founded Opinior Engineering Company Limited. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a notable engineering and real estate firm, delivering over 1,000 housing units across 11 estates in different parts of Nigeria over the past two decades.
Public Service
Open Salawu’s experience in public administration spans different political administrations.
In 2019, following consultations within the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, he stepped down from his political aspiration and was subsequently appointed Special Adviser on Works and Transport during the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Following his move to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Seyi Makinde appointed him Executive Assistant on Project Monitoring. On May 9, 2024, after the establishment of the Oyo State Project Performance Monitoring Agency, he was appointed the pioneer Chairman of the agency.
Traditional and Religious Recognition
Beyond his professional and public service achievements, Engr. Open Salawu holds several traditional and religious titles, including Babalaje of Ogbomosoland, Giwa Adini of Oyo State and Waziri Jari Nupe.
Married with children, he is widely regarded by his supporters as a leader whose approach to governance and public service is anchored on humility, competence and selfless service. To many in Ogbomosoland, his life reflects the belief that lasting success is measured not by material possessions alone, but by integrity, commitment to the common good and the positive impact one leaves on society.
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