Kunle Adelabu
Aarebirin (Hon.) Princess Folashade Olabanji Oba, the Vice Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Global President, Yoruba Women Council of Nigeria and the National Deputy Chairman, Association of Local Government Vice Chairman of Nigeria, has called for the sustenance of late Chief Babatunde Olushola Benson’s (SAN, KJW) legacies, especially the Lagoon State Movement initiative.
She said that the continuation of this vision aimed at making Lagos residents enjoy more dividend of democracy, is a means of immortalizing the late Asiwaju of Ikorodu.
Hon. Oba made this assertion while speaking with THE IMPACT at the late Chief Benson’s Estate on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, when chieftains and members of the Lagoon State Movement paid condolence visit to the widow and family of late Chief Benson.
“I think the journey starts now and if you see all that we have said here today, it is serious food for hought. He has sown a seed inside us that really needs to germinate and nothing would have pleased him more than to see a greater Ikorodu community”, Hon. Oba said.
“Even when we talk about Lagos State and the Lagoon State Movement, he is still seeing the bigger picture of his beloved Lagos State.
“He felt that we have not enjoyed enough of the dividend of democracy that they all fought for and as a result, he was raising more of us as foot soldiers for the job that he felt was very important.
“His message is clear that we must continue with his vision and pass the message on.
“We don’t wait until they are gone to carry on with the message. Information is key and we cannot do enough trying to sensitise and educate ourselves while we have to prioritise Ikorodu first and Ikorodu to the world, beyond the Nigeria shore”, she charged.
The grassroots politician described late Chief Benson as a father like no other and a mentor who inspired people for development.
“Asiwaju Baba Benson as we always called him, was a father like no other. He was a mentor. To say that he is going to be greatly missed is an understatement”, she said.
“Apart from the fact that he was our father, he was also a quintessential leader on the Lagoon State Movement which has been a part of us for like 15 years and I am the Youth Woman Leader of the movement. I could still remember his words and how passionate he was about the Lagoon State Movement and when you sit down today to reflect on all that are going on, you will realize that truly, it is (Lagoon State) a child of necessity. He has seen ahead the phenomena of growth that we enjoy in Lagos state.
“He knew that we needed to think ahead on a greater picture and a larger coat and see better ways of taking care of the populace.
“I was not there when he started (Lagoon State Movement) but we are drafted in and till today, I still believe that someday, his dream will materialize".
Arebinrin Oba said that late Benson will be remembered for his positive and developmental contributions to humanity, adding that he is somebody who exit will be celebrated and not mourned as he directed while alive.
“The thing is that he’s no longer with us, but he will be known for sowing the seeds; the pillar; the strength and the support all over the movement which he really laboured for”, she said.
“He said we should not mourn him but that we should celebrate him.
“Baba is somebody that never wanted you to be sad for a minute. He is somebody that always inspires, and encourages people. He believed in this great community, especially Ikorodu, and I can remember when he always said that he could be in Ikoyi or Banana Island, but choose to stay here.
“He said the people first, the people first and served the community first. It was the topmost thing in his heart to be among his people and if you see all the other clubs and associations that Baba pioneered, one of them is Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS).
“These are things that have outlived him and definitely, his legacies live on. The story of Ikorodu can never be written without Baba’s name being mentioned somewhere”, Hon. Oba said.
