Kunle ADELABU
-Returns to ancestral root for blessings, supports
Mr Yinka Majekodunmi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for Ikorodu Constituency I seat at the Lagos State House of Assembly, would declare his intention to contest for the much coveted seat today in Ikorodu.
The ceremony, which is also expected to flags off his campaign, is scheduled to hold at his ward in Odogunyan in Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria
The aspirant had on Sunday,September 16, 2018, returned to his ancestral root for blessings for his political pursuit.
The aspirant, who had been creating awareness for his aspiration since last year, had met with stakeholders in Isele, one of the major quarters in Ikorodu township where he was born and his paternal lineage, on that Sunday to brief them about his aspiration and also to seek their blessings.
Speaking at the meeting, Majekodunmi stated that he deemed it fit to return to his root to properly inform his people about his political aspiration.
“I deemed it fit to return to my ancestral root to inform you of my political aspiration before venturing out to flag off our campaign.
“We are now in political season and we are also participating. You might have been seeing our posters and hearing about them but all that are just to create awareness for our ambition. We have also been consulting party leaders and other stakeholders within and outside Ikorodu regarding my ambition and the responses we have been getting are very encouraging.
“Now that the campaign proper is about to commence, we deemed it fit that we should start our campaign from home.
“Although, we are about eight aspiring for the sole seat of Ikorodu Constituency I in the State House of Assembly, but I have the conviction that I shall emerge victorious at the end.
“Today, we are here for blessings, advice, guidance and support. I am here to properly brief you about my aspiration and I want you to support me as your son and ambassador. With you, I strongly believe that it is possible.”
Speaking with THE IMPACT after his meeting with leaders and other stakeholders in Isele, Mr Majekodunmi expressed satisfaction at the level of support and acceptance that he received.
“I am happy with the level of acceptance and support from the community. It is really heartwarming that the who-is-who in Isele came out to honour me with their presence and blessings. Leaders like Alhaji Yahya Oshoala, the Chief Imam of Oriwu Central Mosque, Chief (Mrs) Sonibare, Erelu Ota of Ikorodu and Chief Jamiu Alliu Odesanya, the Alashe of Itunmoja and Alhaji Mojeed Oseni, Chairman, Itunmoja Community Development Association.
“I am equally happy with the way the youths have accepted me and pledged their supports.
He also stated that his pedigree among other factors stands him out among other aspirants.
“What stands me out among other aspirants is the fact that I am younger and I have been reaching out to stakeholders since last year. My academic and community qualifications are also added advantages.
“I have presence in my base at Odogunyan and my connection with Ikorodu cannot be overemphasized. Most of other aspirants are also not residing with us in Ikorodu and as a result, there is no how they will be in tandem with what we are facing.
“I have also been at the forefront of developing Ikorodu with the likes of Hon S.O.B. Agunbiade. I have passion for this community. I don’t believe in sitting on the fence to criticize which is why I am offering myself for service. That is the only practical way to correct whatever that is wrong with the system.
Alhaji Yahya Oshoala, the Chief Imam of Oriwu Central Mosque, speaking at the meeting, commended Majekodun for using his wherewithal in bringing the community together.
“I want to commend you (Majekodunmi) for bringing Itunmoja people together. This is long overdue and I have been praying that Itunmoja people will be able to speak with one voice because we are the first settlers in Ikorodu.
“Our inability to speak with one voice is pushing us backward whereas others in Ikorodu are taking the leadership position. I am here today because of my desire to chart a new course that would place Itunmoja where it rightly belong. I am ready to be part of whatever that would bring about progress to our community.”
While promising Majekodunmi his support, Alhaji Oshoala also challenged him to put Itunmoja first when he gets to the position of authority.
“When you get there, you should always endeavour to look back at this sitting and give back to Itunmoja and the society at large. Your first consideration must be Itunmoja, thereafter, Ikorodu and Lagos State in this order.
“You cannot think of yourself first and then the people. The people that give you the support and their mandate must be your first priority.”
