Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
-We’ll seek your return for 5th term if you are not given higher position -Royal fathers
The representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, has secured the blessings and endorsements of the entire traditional rulers and chiefs across the Ikorodu Division in his quest to return to the House of Representatives for the fourth term.
But rather than getting just that, the traditional fathers also grant him the permission to go for the fifth term based on his performance, except if his party – the All Progressives Congress (APC) finds a higher political position for him.
The royal fathers – Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi; the Ranodu of Imota, HRM Oba Mudashiru Bakare Agoro; the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Alajede of Ijede, Oba (Hon.) Adefarasin Saheed Hassan, the Obateru of Egbin Kingdom, Oba AbdulHakeem Adeoriyomi Oyebo, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba (Engr.) Bashir Shotonwa, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Oba Richard Ogunsanya, the Eweye of Isiu, Oba David Raji, and the Alagura of Agura, Oba Ahmed Olakunle Ogunnaike sealed the blessings with their royal authority.
Also in attendance were traditional chiefs across various palaces in the division.
Addressing the traditional rulers, Rep. Benson said that his job before the royal fathers is easy, stating that they are his fathers, guiders and counsellors who have been showing him the path and determining all the projects that he has been executing.
“And, we have been carrying out all their dictates, directives and advice 110 per cent.
“You are the ones that asked me to work and put Ikorodu first and that’s exactly what we have been doing and this has helped us greatly and we are seeing the results,” Rep. JB said.
He acknowledged and thanked the royal fathers for their support and love
Rep. Benson assured the traditional rulers that all that he has been able to do are just the beginning, adding that he will fulfill all that he has promised but yet to deliver and more.
He said that with the support of the royal fathers, he will work towards making Ikorodu to be a leading city in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
Speaking on why he is visiting the royal fathers, Rep. Benson said that his visit to the monarchs was to brief them of his intention to partake in the primary election of his party on Friday and that he deemed it fit to let them know first before he starts going out.
He explained that he still has lots of works unfulfilled for Ikorodu and sought the support and blessings of the royal fathers.
Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu speaking at the hosting of the lawmaker seeking return to the House of Representatives said that he has come to seek blessings for another term which the traditional rulers have already accorded him.
He lauded Rep. Benson for his quality representation.
“We are going to grant him royal blessings and endorsement for him to go for the primary election and return back to the House. He is our beloved son in whom we are well pleased, always listen to him,” Ayangbure said.
Ranodu of Imota, Oba Mudashiru Agoro, in his own royal remarks also commended Benson for bringing 84 -bed General Hospital to Imota 47 years after the land was acquired for the purpose. He also said that the lawmaker facilitated two ICT centres and many roads in Imota.
The royal father said that the federal lawmaker is today a highly revered person because he is always responding to demands and requests.
“You deserve another after your fourth term and if they cannot create a higher position for you thereafter, we will continue to send you to the House. Your re – election in 2027 is certain,” Ranodu emphatically stated.
Oba Agoro furthered:
“A few days ago, I stepped out of my White House and saw a coastal bus of another aspirant parked and I was wondering if the aspirant is not well informed that we are still sending Jimi back. The aspirant is only looking for relevance.
“Jimi Benson is a blessing for us in the Ikorodu Division. He has touched every Ward with his representation,” Ranodu said.
Oba Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, prayed for his safety while going round for his re – election campaign and assured him of success.
The Obateru of Egbin, Oba AbdulHakeem Oyebo, also speaking, said that the entire Ikorodu Division should be thankful to God for Rep. Benson who has been delivering quality representation.
He described him as the best choice and prayed for his re -election.
Obateru emphasised that Rep. Benson has delivered unprecedented representation in the annals of Ikorodu federal constituency and will definitely return.
In his royal remarks, Oba (Hon.) Adefarasin Hassan, the Alajede of Ijede said that the lawmaker is a special person to him as a politician before his emergence as an Oba recently.
Alajede said that based on the lawmaker’s performances, that he needs prayers and support from the traditional institutions and assured him of his total support.
Also speaking, Oba Richard Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe, said that Rep. Benson has the largest council areas as a federal constituency in the whole of Nigeria, and he has been able to make his impacts felt.
He has been able to construct many roads in Ibeshe, Olu – Odo and other places and described him as Mr “Talk and Do”.
The royal father, who himself was at a time a former politician and a former honourable councillor, urged members of the ruling party in Ikorodu to give their total support and votes to the lawmaker on the day of the primary election.
He enjoined whomever that is contesting with him to jettison his aspiration because Rep. Benson is performing with road networks, monthly “Apo Anu” and other interventions. The royal father also emphasised that the royal fathers are proud of the lawmaker.
The Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba Bashir Shotonwa, in his own remarks said that JB always responds to requests by royal fathers and constituents and emphasised the traditional institutions are behind him in his quest to seek re -election to further his representation.
Oba Shotonwa asked him to provide more employment opportunities for youths and also sought his intervention in bringing back the vocational centre in Ipakodo.
“Continue to do your work, we are solidly behind you,” the royal father assured.
Alagura, Oba Ogunnaike assured the federal lawmaker of the support of all Obas stating that there is no vacancy yet for the House of Representatives seat in Ikorodu Division.
Oba David Raji, the Eweye of Isiu also speaking prayed and assured the lawmaker of his support.
Rep. Benson will officially declare his intention to run for the 4th term on Wednesday at the Ikorodu Town Hall.
