Kunle Adelabu
Against the general perception that the incumbent representative of the Ikorodu Federal Constituency and the Otun of Ikorodu Division elect, Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, would go into the All Progressives Congress (APC) party primary as the sole aspirant for the House of Representatives, it hasbeen confirmed that he would battle for the sole ticket with another aspirant, Mrs Mistura Afolake Ajisebutu, in the election slated for tomorrow or any other day that the election will be scheduled for.
Mistura, a retired Chief Matron with the Lagos State Government, is the daughter of the former party leader in lkorodu, Alhaji Mufutau Ajisebutu, the late strongman of Ikorodu Divisional politics who died some years back.
Rep. Benson, who is the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defense, was first elected in 2015 and re – elected in 2019 for the second term and now seeking re – election for the third term in 2023.
The young lawmaker, who just clocked 50 years few weeks back, has been adopted by party leaders, APC LGA and Ward executives and has been enjoying massive support from residents across the Ikorodu Federal Constituency for his quality representation.
Aside his representation duties where he has facilitated blocks of classrooms across the federal constituency, primary health centres, roads and a mini – stadium in addition with his monthly iCare Foodbank through which he provides food items on monthly basis for over 500 hundred families, annual vehicles distribution, empowerment programmes and others. He is also a topnotch lawmaker when it comes to his primary duties”.
Rep. Benson has over 10 Bills and many Motions to his legislative credit, some of which are:
The Good Samaritan Bill that seeks to provide legal protection for First responders who render help to victims of accidents or in emergency situations (the bill was passed in the 8th Assembly but was not accented to by Mr President); Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (HB.741) which seeks to address the need for defined periodic population census in Nigeria;
Also, Bill seeking to amend the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020, to authorize host communities where electricity is generated to be entitled to a percentage of profits from Generating companies; A bill seeking to establish the Nigerian Armed Forces Support Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2020. (HB 742); Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (HB.740) which seeks to alter the minimum educational qualification for aspirants into political office.
The two – term lawmaker has also sponsored, National Icons, Symbols Legacy Agency Bill, 2020, to allow for more coordinated and robust management of our national symbols; Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2020, seeking to provide that State and Federal Governments shall have Concurrent Legislative Authority with respect to power and electricity within their States; A bill seeking for the removal of the Land Use Act from the constitution in order to make it flexible and similar to other Acts of the National Assembly.
In addition, Rep. Benson has as well sponsored, Bill seeking that the Federal Government and the State Governments to have Concurrent Legislative Authority with respect to Railway, and matters related thereto.
Benson, before joining politics, was a boardroom executive with vast knowledge and connections in both private and public sectors.
According to his profile, he is an experienced senior boardroom executive and legal practitioner. In addition, he has proven track record in public administration. He was the Company Secretary / General Counsel, Lagos State Development & Property Corporation (LSDPC) and was also a Non-Executive Director, Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited, Nigeria.
He was also the Deputy Manager (legal), Lead Bank PLC. Before then, he worked as legal counsel, Ecobank PLC.
The young lawmaker had also worked as a legal officer (General Counsel Division) at the United Nations HQ, New York between 2000 and 2001, that was after serving as legal officer in the law office of Babatunde Benson (SAN).
He holds an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) from Warwick Business School (UK); LLM in Comparative International Business Law (Merit) from London Guildhall University; Bachelor of Law (Honours) of the Nigerian Law School and LLB Honours (Degree in Law) from Lagos State University. He is a Member of Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association.
On the other hand, Mrs Mistura Afolake Ajisebutu Adekoya is a 61 year-old daughter of former political guru while her brothers are also strong politically with wide political network and grassroots knowledge.
She is aspiring to represent the Ikorodu Federal Constituency from Ward A1 (Isele 1), Ikorodu.
Mrs Adekoya, who retired in 2018 after 36 years of meritorious service to the state, last worked at Odo – Nla Primary Health Centre, Ikorodu North LCDA of Ikorodu LGA, 2014 – 2018; Ikosi – Ejinrin PHC, Epe lga, April to June, 2014, Oriku Okuta PHC, Imota, 2008 – 2014, Ita – Elewa PHC, Ikorodu, 2006 – 2008 and Igbogbo/Bayeku PHC, 2001 – 2006.
She also worked at Ikorodu Maternity Hospital, Ita – Elewa, 1999 – 2000, Ikorodu Maternity Hospital, 1989 – 1991, General Hospital, Lagos, 1987 – 1989, Ikorodu Maternity Hospital, Ita – Elewa, 1984 – 1987 and Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, 1981 – 1984.
Mrs Adekoya had cared and still caring for mother and child and residents generally as a professional nurse.
She is a member of the Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria and also attended many courses, seminars and workshops related to her profession.
Mrs Adekoya is a prominent member of the APC since 2014. She was also with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) between 2009 and 2014, Action Congress (AC) between 2006 and 2009 and Alliance for Democracy (AD) between 1998 and 2003.
She is also a prominent member of the Afenifere Unity Forum (AUF).
