-Welcome Barr. Ade Ayeni, Councillor Bello into new administration
Mariam Akinloye
The Joint Community Development Association (JCDA) in Ibesheland, has honoured two former representatives of the community at the Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), in the just concluded administration for their outstanding representation.
They Honoured Barr. Ayeni, former Secretary to the Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, for two consecutive terms (2015 and 2025) and Councillor Matthew Arowolo who served as the councillor representing the area within the same period, with Excellence Awards.
The award ceremony was held at the Excellence Hall of Kith & Kin Educational Schools (KKES) on September 10, 2025.
It was also an opportunity to welcome back Barr. Ayeni who was elected and inaugurated as the Vice Chairman of the council for the 2025/29 administration and Hon.Councillor Bello Yusuf Olalekan, representing Ward C4, Ibeshe in the Igbogbo/Baiyeku 6th Legislative Council.
The Joint CDA Chairman, Alhaji Rasak Ibiyeye, welcoming the honorees, community stakeholders and guests, said that the occasion was organised to let those that represented them in the council know that they served very well.
“I am proud to tell you about the people who represented us in Ibeshe, especially in the last eight years. They have diligently served us. In our own way, the Joint CDA in Ibeshe land is organising this particular occasion to say thank you to them.
“On this occasion, I want to congratulate our newly elected council chairman, Omo’ba Hammed Aroyewun. He has started marvellously. He met a very challenging situation in office on resumption which is flood ravaging the entire Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA. Despite the daunting challenge, he rose to the occasion, and by the special grace of God whenever the rain comes again it will not disturb us,” he said.
Alhaji Ibiyeye also on behalf of the community congratulated and welcomed the new Vice Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA and Councillor representing the ward into the new council administration.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I want to present Barr. Ade Ayeni, the immediate past SLG of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, as the new Vice Chairman, and our newly elected councillor, Hon Olalekan Yusuf. Congratulations on your emergence and I welcome you all to the occasion.”
Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya, the Asiwaju of Ibesheland, in his remarks commended Barr. Ayeni and Councillor Arowolo for their commitment and dedication to the development of Ibeshe. He emphasised their quality representation as good ambassadors.
“When this road was bad, before the dredgers started repairing it, I saw Arowolo on the road with diggers and work men, digging and repairing the road. I stopped by to ask him if he could handle it and what he needed and after listening to him, I promised to see him.
“What really baffled me about him is that he is so committed. He saw what is bad in the community and he is creating a solution to them with his limited resources. That is commitment.
“The same applies to Ade Ayeni, give him work to do, he will always deliver. He is another dedicated and committed young Ibeshe ambassador,” Asiwaju Kaoli added.
The community leader, emphasising how blessed Ibeshe is in terms of representation, also mentioned ot her federal and State officials from Ibeshe that are impacting on the community and the entire division and the state. He commended Rep. Babajimi Benson, representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture & Food Systems.
While charging the new Councillor representing Ibeshe to emulate those being honoured, Asiwaju Kaoli also commended the Joint CDA for recognisng the honorees.
He charged stakeholders especially the land owning families in Ibeshe to make lands available for developmental purposes especially education.
Vice Chairman, Igbobo/Baiyeku LCDA, Barr. Ade Ayeni, who is one of the honorees thanked the Joint CDA for acknowledging his contributions in the last four years and also welcoming him into another administration.
He also thanked political and community leaders and other stakeholders for their support.
While stating that Ibeshe has produced great men and has been a safe abode for many over the years, Barr. Ayeni appealed to the young ones to jettison cultism and other social vices and make themselves useful for the community.
He called for maximum utilisation of human resources that God has provided Ibeshe with.
“After Hon. Gbenga Basanya, who was an Executive Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, I am the next to move closer to the number one position as the present Vice Chairman of the Council. In this ward, we have a member of the House of Representatives, Commissioner, and the Vice chairman. We need to harness our human capital.
“We also have leaders like Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya.
While stressing that the Omo’ba Hammed Aroyewun led Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA administration is ready to deliver on his mandate, Barr. Ayeni, assured stakeholders in Ibeshe that he would maintain a good relationship with his boss so as to facilitate projects and other opportunities for his ward.
He urged stakeholders in Ibeshe to work together to bring development and at the same time, work and partner with the council administration.
The former councillor representing the ward, Councillor Arowolo, also speaking thanked the community for the honour and for entrusting their mandate on him for eight years.
Arowolo who described himself as a living testimony, thanked Rep. Babajimi Benson who stood by him and has been of great and immense assistance to him.
He pledged his support for his successor and his community.
Councillor Yusuf Olalekan, representing Ward C4 (Ibeshe), also thanked the Joint CDA and sought their support.
At the ceremony were Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, Executive Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Rep. Babajimi Benson, representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency represented by Mayor Muyideen Sanwoola, Director – General, iCare Foundation, Ibeshe traditional chiefs among others.
