On Sunday, December 7th, the House of Oduduwa witnessed a truly momentous occasion as His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, celebrated the remarkable 10th anniversary of his coronation. This significant milestone was marked by an extravagant display of cultural richness and tradition, bringing together a host of esteemed personalities, including the First Lady of Nigeria, Chief Mrs Oluremi Tinubu CON. During the celebration, she was honoured with the prestigious title of ‘Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo ile Oodua,’ a recognition reflective of her deep commitment to the Yoruba heritage and her contributions to the community.
Arriving at the palace via helicopter on a Sunday, typically a day when many engage in religious observances, raised some eyebrows. However, the First Lady’s profound respect for the Ooni and her dedication to promoting Yoruba culture underscored her decision to attend the event, despite her demanding schedule. Upon her arrival, she promptly communicated her wish for the ceremony to be concise, aiming to return to Abuja before nightfall, a consideration driven by the constraints of helicopter flight schedules in Nigeria.
As I scrolled through social media that evening, I was taken aback by the torrent of negative comments directed at the First Lady. It compelled me to share my observations as someone present at the event, seated on stage where the interactions unfolded. The media’s portrayal of the incident seemed to distort the actual events, casting a shadow over what transpired. Contrary to the hostile interpretations circulating online, the interaction between Governor Ademola Adeleke and the First Lady was a wholesome and light-hearted exchange indicative of a longstanding friendship. Their rapport can be traced back to their shared experiences as distinguished colleagues in the 8th Senate, a bond that was evident when they greeted each other with warmth and laughter, as if they were old friends reuniting after a long time apart.
The atmosphere was charged with joy and camaraderie, evident in both their body language and the playful banter that ensued. Many of us in attendance, including Governor Adeleke himself, found their interaction genuinely amusing, culminating in shared laughter that made the occasion even more enjoyable.
It’s essential to highlight that Governor Adeleke was unaware of the First Lady’s helicopter schedule and initially believed she intended to remain in Ife to embrace the full celebration. In true Adeleke fashion, he infused humour into the moment, serenading via songs and dancing as he often does. The First Lady, in turn, humorously reminded him to adhere to his speech and keep an eye on the time, a playful nudge amidst the festivities.
Despite the unflattering online reactions aiming to skew perceptions and tarnish her image, the reality is that their interaction was far from a power struggle. Instead, it was a touching display of two old friends reconnecting and enjoying a moment of shared joy.
I wish to address those who continue to perpetuate misinformation and misinterpretation concerning our beloved First Lady. She is often a misunderstood figure, rather she should be characterised by her sweetness, endearing nature, and warmth. It is both unfair and unfounded to propagate narratives that overlook the genuine friendship and mutual respect shared between two individuals simply enjoying a moment of friendly banter. The essence of their encounter deserves recognition, reminding us of the bonds that transcend politics and social expectations.
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As political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle, stakeholders and residents of Bariga/Shomolu Federal Constituency are increasingly confronted with a critical question: who possesses the competence, structure, and track record to effectively represent the constituency at the House of Representatives?
Among the names being considered, Alabi Kolade David, popularly known as Kola Alabi, has emerged as a strong and compelling option, with many political observers arguing that his experience and performance in public office make him a natural fit for the role.
Kola Alabi’s political journey is deeply rooted in Bariga. Having served as Vice-Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) between 2009 and 2015, and later as Executive Secretary, he rose to become the Executive Chairman in 2017, a position he has held for two terms. This steady progression through the ranks reflects not only continuity but also sustained trust from the people he serves.
During his time as chairman, Bariga has witnessed notable transformation across key sectors. His administration has prioritized grassroots development, delivering infrastructural projects that have improved mobility and overall living conditions within the LCDA. Roads, drainage systems, and community facilities have seen measurable upgrades, contributing to a more functional and accessible environment for residents.
In the area of healthcare, his government initiated the expansion of primary healthcare services, ensuring that all wards within Bariga have access to functional health centres. This effort has significantly improved access to basic medical care, particularly for low-income residents.
Education has also received considerable attention under his leadership. Through school renovations, construction of new learning facilities, and support for educational initiatives, his administration has contributed to improving the standard of public education within the community.
Beyond infrastructure and social services, Kola Alabi has consistently emphasized human capital development. Youth empowerment programmes, support for small businesses, and inclusive initiatives targeting women have formed a core part of his governance strategy, helping to stimulate economic participation at the grassroots level.
His influence extends beyond Bariga. As former National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), he played a significant role in advocating for local government autonomy and strengthening governance frameworks across the country. This experience has given him exposure to national policy discussions and intergovernmental relations, positioning him as a leader with both local relevance and broader political insight.
His performance in office has earned him several recognitions, including awards for grassroots governance and public service excellence. These honours, while symbolic, reflect a pattern of leadership that has been acknowledged beyond his immediate constituency.
Observers also point to his leadership style, often described as inclusive and people-oriented. His ability to maintain strong connections with community stakeholders, traditional institutions, and political structures has been cited as one of his key strengths.
With the responsibilities of a member of the House of Representatives requiring a blend of legislative understanding, grassroots connection, and the capacity to attract development, many believe that Kola Alabi’s profile aligns closely with these demands.
As conversations continue and political alignments take shape, one sentiment appears to be gaining traction across Bariga and Shomolu: if experience, performance, and grassroots credibility are the deciding factors, then the cap, indeed, fits Kola Alabi David.
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