By Comrade Asoro Abubakri Olatunji
In every democratic society, elections present citizens with an opportunity to make choices that shape the future of their communities. While political campaigns often revolve around promises and rhetoric, the most important question every voter should ask is simple: Who has consistently demonstrated the capacity to transform lives? For the people of Ikorodu Federal Constituency, the answer to that question is evident in the leadership of Hon. Jimi Benson.
Politics is at its best when it becomes a platform for service rather than self-interest. Unfortunately, many people have experienced the opposite—years of loyalty with little or nothing to show for their sacrifices. My family’s story is one of those experiences, yet it also illustrates why genuine leadership deserves recognition and continuity.
My late grandfather; Alhaji L.M Ayeni devoted a significant part of his life to public service. He served faithfully under the political tutelage of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Pa Lateef Jakande and later under one of Ikorodu’s respected Governance Advisory Council (GAC) leaders. He never pursued politics as a means of personal enrichment. Instead, he believed that serving humanity was a noble responsibility and that the progress of society was worth every sacrifice.
Like many loyal political foot soldiers of his generation, he invested his time, energy, and resources in building institutions and supporting leaders without demanding rewards. His greatest satisfaction came from contributing to the growth of his community.
When advancing age prevented him from remaining active, my mother who stepped into his shoes naturally believed that years of sacrifice of his father would eventually translate into opportunities for her. Sadly, those hopes were never realized. The emotional burden of disappointment became overwhelming, eventually contributing to serious health challenges, including a partial stroke. She passed away with the painful feeling that politics had failed those who had faithfully served it.
Watching those events unfold shaped my outlook on life. Rather than becoming bitter, I chose a different path carefully crafted for me. From the age of six, I embraced the values my grandfather taught me—selflessness, integrity, and community service. I resolved that if I was ever going to serve, it would not be because I expected compensation or political patronage. My motivation would always be to make a positive difference.
That decision eventually changed my life.
Without any family connection, political sponsorship, or personal relationship, my activities in community development attracted the attention of Hon. Jimi Benson. He did not know my family’s political history. He knew nothing about my grandfather’s sacrifices or my mother’s painful experiences. He simply observed my dedication, commitment, and willingness to serve others.
Instead of offering empty words, he chose to invest in my future.
He sponsored my trip to China, exposing me to international learning and broadening my perspective. He provided full financial support for my participation in two consecutive elections of NYCN, believing in my leadership potential when many others may not have. More recently, he secured employment for me, providing not just a job but the dignity of meaningful work and a platform to continue contributing to society.
These opportunities were not based on family name, wealth, or political influence. They were based on merit, dedication, and demonstrated capacity.
That, in my opinion, defines true leadership.
Hon. Jimi Benson represents a leadership style that identifies potential, nurtures talent, and empowers people regardless of their background. He has consistently demonstrated that leadership should create opportunities rather than merely distribute political favors.
His approach reflects the timeless dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—a society where individuals are judged by the content of their character and their commitment rather than their social status or family connections. Through his actions, Hon. Benson has shown that the son or daughter of an ordinary citizen can become somebody through opportunity, mentorship, and encouragement.
My testimony is only one among thousands.
Across Ikorodu Federal Constituency are countless young people whose education has been supported, entrepreneurs whose businesses have grown through strategic assistance, professionals who have received career guidance, students awarded scholarships, women empowered through various initiatives, and communities that have benefited from infrastructure and developmental projects.
These are the reasons his name continues to enjoy widespread goodwill across the constituency. Genuine popularity cannot be manufactured through publicity alone; it is earned through years of visible impact.
As another electoral season approaches, voters have an important responsibility. Democracy flourishes when citizens reward performance, competence, accessibility, and integrity. It weakens when proven leadership is sacrificed for sentiment, misinformation, or short-term political calculations.
Protecting the mandate of Hon. Jimi Benson should not be viewed merely as supporting a politician. It should be seen as preserving a leadership philosophy that places people before politics, invests in human capital, encourages young leaders, and delivers measurable development.
Continuity is not about personalities; it is about sustaining progress. When a representative has consistently demonstrated capacity, accountability, and commitment to improving the lives of constituents, continuity becomes a strategic decision for the advancement of the entire constituency.
My family’s journey taught me that politics can disappoint. Yet my personal experience with Hon. Jimi Benson restored my faith that politics can also uplift, empower, and transform lives when practiced with sincerity and compassion.
That is why I believe the people of Ikorodu should carefully consider not just campaign promises but tangible evidence of service. Leadership should be judged by the lives it has changed, the opportunities it has created, and the hope it has restored.
For me, Hon. Jimi Benson is more than a representative. He is proof that leadership can still be purposeful, compassionate, and transformational. If Ikorodu desires sustained development, continued youth empowerment, and inclusive representation, then preserving this mandate is not merely a political choice—it is an investment in the future of the constituency.
Its not enough to deliver a win, the votes must be overwhelming, its the best way to say “thank you”.
The thousands of stories like mine are not just personal testimonies. They are compelling evidence that when leadership genuinely serves the people, the people, in turn, have every reason to protect that leadership.
Thank you Rep Babajimi Benson, thank you Mayor Deen Sanwoolu.
Comrade Asoro Abubakri Olatunji, ACArb, Vice Chairman, NYCN Lagos Esat, writes from Ikorodu
