Beyond a doubt, Hon. Kolade Alabi still remains the most distinguished and eminently qualified among Local Council Chairmen of this dispensation, Bariga is blessed and fortunate to have him steering the affairs of Bariga in an enviable direction. In all he does Alabi exemplifies sincerity, unity, fairness, thoughtfulness, high principle among other outstanding qualities of exemplary leaders.
The teaming supporters and lovers of Alabi under the umbrella body of AKD Volunteers led by the DG of the group Comrade Taiwo Lawal on Tuesday 19th April 2021 visited Hon. Sulaimon Akeem popularly known as “Oris”.
Hon Oris, emeritus Chairman of Bariga Local Council and Alabi’s predecessor, is an influential leader of many notable parts, who has served on the Lagos State Executive Council as Special Adviser in Governor Ambode’s administration, among other strategic political positions in the State.
Our interaction started with melodious songs by AKD singers led by Mrs. Akintula. After which Mr. Ogunwale Jelil led the opening prayer. After which the group leader Comr. Taiwo Lawal – DG introduced the delegation and main body as well as the purpose of visiting our delighted host, stating it was for formality’s sake, as the group does not really need any introduction as far as our host is concerned. DG appreciated our eminent leader for the audience. He thanked Hon Oris for his foresight, and the impactful role he played in the last Council election of Alabi which in spite of the stiff resistance then, has turned out to be the best decision for Bariga’s transformation.
The DG also extol the maturity, humility, and amiable personality of Hon Tope Okanlawon, the leader of Bariga Legislative Council seated, appreciating him for his contributions in Ward H, and for supporting the blueprint of Hon Kolade Alabi for Bariga transformation. He, therefore, seized the moment to formally endorsed Hon Okanlawon for the second term as Councilor of Ward H, by pledging his full support in person for the reelection of the Honorable Council Leader.
DG however rounded his speech by tendering an unreserved heartfelt apology to Hon Oris for every personal and political attack by himself in time past, saying to err is human.
In his response, Hon Oris dazed the visiting delegation with his fatherly submissions. He went philosophical as he took his attentive guests down memory lane, regarding how the politics of the last dispensation went. He averred that misunderstanding is bound to happen in politics, this is not strange as it is also normal and common in human relations. He explained that harboring grudges against someone is even a self-inflicting slow death through blood pressure. “If we pray to God for forgiveness, who then are we not to forgive anyone that offends us?…bless them that are your critics, for it is in them you realize your mistakes,” Oris added.
He also made it known that the DG as a person hasn’t offended him in any way, making personal reference to his own younger days in politics as well, and his doggedness fighter agitating for and defending whatever cause of action believed into the last point, he said that whenever he, sees any youth now exhibiting similar acts he remembers himself back in those days.
Our host also cleared the air concerning speculations of a rift between himself and AKD, stating that the episode is already a thing of the past now, as the relations between Oris and Alabi are very cordial as good brothers in progress. When the journey wasn’t smooth between himself and Alabi, people offered to intervene, but he often turned down such offer, because he knew that their differences weren’t in any way personal but issue-based, and when everything would be resolved as it were now, no individual would claim credit for the resolution because he and Alabi have come a very long way together not to know how to settle their disputes amicably. Even when they were still having issues, he was still keenly following everything about Alabi in the news and social media with active interests because he really wants him to succeed. He said
Hon Oris declared that Alabi is the glory of Bariga, Lagos state, and by extension, the glory of Nigeria. He made thoughtful references to his experience as an elated observer who witnessed the General Assembly of ALGON that reelected Alabi National President for a second term. He stated that on account of all that Alabi has achieved for Bariga, he deserves to be supported and that he-Oris, is head, neck, shoulders, arms, and legs in full support of AKD for continuity of the ongoing transformation. He gave praises to Almighty God and appreciated the Volunteer group for the wonderful work the team has embarked on.
He made it clear that no one will contest against Alabi in Bariga on a platform of the progressive party, and if such tends to occur, whoever it is will be advised to withdraw because there is a work in progress, therefore continuity is none negotiable.
Hon Oris gave the leadership of AKD Volunteers his assurance that we can always count on his support and assistance whenever and wherever we need him to come in, while, stating that Alabi will surely not forget the group.
He advised that we should always endure everything that comes our way, and prays in the words of late Prof Tai Solarin that, “may our road be rough”, and our doggedness will determine how far we will go.
He advised us not to be too desperate for the position, because aside from his hard work, focus, and determination, patience and loyalty are part of the unmistakable qualities that has paid off for Alabi today because when Kolade Alabi and Sesan Olanrewaju were contesting for the Chairmanship ticket back then, all he (Oris) wanted was to be Personal Assistant (PA), but as fate would have it, one thing led to another and the Chairmanship slot fell on him even without filling any form to contest the position. He noted that Alabi accepted the setback in good fate and waited many years for his time which has now come, at a very favorable time, as God’s plan is absolutely the best. “Alabi has indeed paid his dues in Bariga politics, and deserves our respects,” Oris said.
Note of thanks for our host and closing prayer were respectively done by Comr. Wasiu Balogun and Mrs. Bose Akintula.
The visitation ended with a presentation of AKD wrist bands to the host, thereafter, in the usual style with our host taking group photographs bearing the Chairman’s reelection endorsement placard
Courtesy: Bashir Asst. CPS, Bariga LCDA
