Oladayo Popoola

Who is Oladayo Popoola?

Oladayo Popoola is a retired Nigerian Major-General who was Military Governor of Oyo State during the military regime of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, He was then appointed Military Governor of Ogun State during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

Oladayo Popoola was born on February 26, 1944. He completed his secondary education in Ikire, Osun State. He joined the army and moved up steadily through the ranks, becoming deputy defense adviser at the Nigerian High Commission, India, Director at the Staff College, Jaji, and Chief of Administration and Chief of Logistics Army Headquarters. He was appointed Military Governor of Oyo State in January 1984 and Governor of Ogun State in August 1985. He was a member of the Provisional Ruling Council.

Nigeria and Cameroon disputed ownership of the Bakassi Peninsula, thought to hold major oil reserves, with sporadic fighting starting in 1994. In November 1998, Nigeria and Cameroon exchanged prisoners of war. As commander of Nigerian forces in the region, General Oladayo Popoola said the exchange was made in the "spirit of reconciliation in our countries".