Kunle Adelabu
An elder statesman and the former Secretary to the Lagos State Government, His Eminence, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun, has commended the Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Omoba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, for showing a good sense of history in the spread of projects marking his first 100 days in office as the executive chairman of the council.
Asiwaju Bashorun, who is an authority in the development of local government administration in the country acknowledged the importance of the chairman’s project spread, stating that Igbogbo/Baiyeku as a council area was first initiated in 1955 with Igbogbo, Baiyeku and Ibeshe as major component units. He added that Ipakodo turned down the request to join the political arrangement.
He also appreciated the chairman for sustaining the drive towards educational development in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA with continuation of infrastructural development in Methodist Primary School, Igbogbo.
“I want to appreciate the chairman in the name(s) of all the past and present students of Methodist Primary School, Igbogbo, particularly those of us that brought this school from where the Methodist Church, Igbogbo is located at present (adjacent the Adeboruwa Palace) and situated it here in 1949.
“When it was brought here in 1949 it terminated in Standard Two and when we completed the Standard Two and wanted to be promoted to Standard Three in 1950, we were taken to Ita-Elewa in Ikorodu. But let’s appreciate everyone that has contributed to this school’s existence since then.
“This one – storey structure was built by Hon. Babajimi Benson (pointing at the building) and today, the incumbent Chairman has called in here to commission this additional building and we thank him for that. We are grateful that we passed through this school including yourself (Omoba Hammed Aroyewun).
“I think that somebody has properly educated and enlightened the chairman on the history of Igbogbo/Baiyeku. What he has done today, is like going back to 1955, when Igbogbo/Baiyeku was created. These are the three towns that agreed to form Igbogbo/Baiyeku council area – Baiyeku, Igbogbo and Ibeshe, there were others that we invited. Baiyeku has subsumed Oreta and Offin that are also aligned. It was Baiyeku that was at the forefront at that time. Ibeshe was the only one that identified with us while Ipakodo refused to go with us.
“Today (Thursday), he has gone to commission a project in Ibeshe and Baiyeku today and he is also here in Igbogbo, well done, Mr Chairman. God will continue to guide you and your team, there is nothing much to say again than to urge and continue to pray for you and ask this community to continue to thank you,” the elder statesman said.
While urging stakeholders to always focus and work towards development, Asiwaju Bashorun recalled how he and others tried to create balance and carry every section within the community along in the project developments.
“There is a lot to say and I have so much but I thank God for all that has happened and for all the accolades and commendations for all I have done as attested to by many speakers. Though, some people are not bold enough to admit my contributions publicly but that doesn’t matter.
“Then, when we decided to build a school anywhere and erect a signboard for information in that respect such a decision was always accepted and defended by all because they realised that it is for the community development.
“When we did the same at the AUD, the Ansar -Ud -Deen queried me and my friend the AUD Chairman, who was my friend, led the decision to issue me a query. It was alleged that I did not seek permission from them, but why I asked that the school must be named AUD Primary School, was because we also have Ahmadiyya. At the time, we had Methodist here and along Agbele Road, and I felt that the Muslim population should also be carried along and that’s why the decision to name the school AUD was taken.
“I urge those in government and in politics at the moment to always consider this factor of balance whenever you are making a decision. You must note that there is no religious rivalry in Igbogbo and not just in Igbogbo, but the entire Ikorodu Division and in Lagos State. Anybody who wants to instigate that will be resisted,” Asiwaju Bashorun warned.
While the political leader also acknowledged the importance of the leadership structure in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, which has served as a pillar of support for succeeding administration, he urged party members to always recognise the supremacy of the party whatever their positions.
“The last council chairman (Sesan Daini) received our blessings and support whenever he pursued any course of action, you may ask him. That was why we were successful with him and when he was leaving the office, we gave him an award.
“But you must realise that the party is put in the office, either you are the chairman, councillor or anything. I am talking to everyone here. Whatever you are, please do everything to ensure that there is peace within the party.
“The chairman (party chairman, Hon. Taiwo Orenuga) spoke but he may look small to all of us, but he is the Chief Executive of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Igbogbo/Baiyeku today. Let us give him all the support to succeed. Tomorrow is there for others. Because tomorrow is there that is why Aroyewun is here today and when another tomorrow comes, we may not be around again, you probably pray for me when it comes because whatever I am saying today touches you. I want it to be so.
“Kabiyesi, Elder Olusanya, and others here today, I thank all of you and I pray that the gentleman on the saddle will do wonders and excel in such a way that would make us very happy. God bless you all,” Asiwaju Bashorun said.
