…..Hon. Afolabi Olumide Adesoji is a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Idanre, and a former chairman of the local government. He is a household name in the politics of Idanre, and a known diehard supporter of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The grassroots mobilizer recently spoke on his role in the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his expectations from the APC administration in Ondo State in the next four years.
Excerpts :
You appear a strong factor in the politics of Idanre, can you briefly relive your political antecedent ?
It is by the grace of God that I have consistently remain very relevant in the politics of Idanre for more than two decades now. I am Hon. Afolabi Olumide Adesoji by name, but popularly known as Folinco. My political journey in Idanre and Ondo State has spanned over two decades now. My foray into politics is really driven by the passion for service.
My first political appointment was
in 2005 as the secretary of Idanre Local Government Area and I remained in this office until 2007. I later served as the local government chairman of Idanre from 2007 to 2009. My focus during this period was on local development.
Later, I was appointed as a Special Assistant to Governor Olusegun Mimiko and served in this office from 2013 to 2015. I also served as a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from 2019 to 2020. This appointments afforded me the advantage of state -level insights in governance.
I also served as the Deputy Director General of the Aiyedatiwa-Adelami Campaign Council during the 2024 gubernatorial election, I am glad to say that I am the deputy of Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye in this role, and we worked very tirelessly to deliver victory to Governor Aiyedatiwa in Idanre Local Government. There is no.doubt that these roles have cemented my influence in Idanre politics, and has also made me a regular advocate for the development of of our local government.
Your support for the victory of Governor Aiyedatiwa in the last election was unusual, what could have informed this?
Sincerely speaking, my support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the November 16, 2024, election was a strategic and principled decision. In my capacity as the Deputy Director General of the campaign in Idanre, I worked very closely with the Director General of the Campaign, Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye, and I saw first hand, the need for continuity and competence. In view of my service during the administration of Governors Mimiko and Akeredolu, I value leadership that delivers stability.
The focus of Aiyedatiwa on infrastructure, security, and rural growth truly aligned with our priorities in Idanre. This is what I have always been championing since my days as the chairman of Idanre Local Government. As an APC loyalist, my support for Governor Aiyedatiwa is to ensure that the vision of our party continues to thrive.
Also, my role during the campaign reflected my belief in the ability of Governor Aiyedatiwa to move Ondo State forward. I am glad that our efforts eventually gave victory to Governor Aiyedatiwa in Idanre.
Where do you see Ondo State in the next four years under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ?
As they saying goes that morning always tell the day. I am confident that Ondo State is in the best hands at the moment. So, in the next four years, I see Ondo State under Governor Aiyedatiwa blossoming into a model of sustainable development.
We can all see the early strides of his administration in road rehabilitation, agriculture, and youth empowerment. I have no doubt that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will be the best governor ever, in the history of Ondo Stare.
The developmental efforts of Aiyedatiwa are in line with my crave for a solid foundation which I echoed as the Deputy Director General of his campaign in Idanre. By 2029, I envision improved rural connectivity, enhanced security, and a thriving economy, in which Idanre will play a key role. I am overly confident that Governor Aiyedatiwa would have brought visible transformation to Ondo State before the end of 2027.
What are the genuine expectations of Idanre people from the government of Governor Aiyedatiwa ?
Thank you for this question. I must be honest that the people of Idanre truly have genuine expectations from Governor Aiyedatiwa’s government. We want road projects in Idanre completed, so that our town will be linked to the urban centers. The people of Idanre are also craving for reliable electricity and potable water.
These needs are truly urgent in the expectations of the good people of Idanre. Also, we equally expect economic growth through farming as well as job creation for our youths.. Additionally, we expect our cultural assets, like Idanre hills, to be leveraged upon for tourism. I am confident that the leadership roles of Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye in the Aiyedatiwa initiatives, will help to fast track the fulfillment of these expectations. This will also go a long way to strengthen the faith of Idanre people in the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa.
How will you describe the current political climate of Idanre ?
I can confidently say that Idanre is now enjoying the best of political togetherness and unity like never before. I will like to give deserved credit to our father and indisputable leader, Chief Pius Akinyelure. Baba has really made things to happen, and a lot easier for us in Idanre. The unity, togetherness and cooperation we have enjoy in Idanre APC cannot be divorced from the factor of Baba Akinyelure.
Similarly, Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye should also be credited for the prevailing good political climate in Idanre. I can boldly say that the political atmosphere in Idanre today is that of hope and strategic alignment. Going by the victory of Governor Aiyedatiwa in Idanre, I can now say without missing words that there is political stability and optimism in Idanre. These are what we leveraged on in the last governorship election to deliver victory for Governor Aiyedatiwa with 9,114 votes.
I must also confess without being immodest, that my roles as the Deputy Director General of Aiyedatiwa campaign in Idanre alongside Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye, as the Director General helped to galvanize support during the governorship election. This combination also reflected the belief of our people in our accountable leadership.
Meanwhile, if Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye would continue to steer the Aiyedatiwa initiatives in our local government, Idanre will definitely prosper and solidify as a top APC controlled local government area in Ondo State. We will however, remain committed and dedicated to the leadership of our great party at the state level; and we will also stay faithful to the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
