Recently, broadcast journalist turn politician Prince Oladega Ibrahim, who doubles as former Special Assistant on Political Matters (South West) to the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, added another year to turn 41, and being a grass-roots politician who is equally well loved by his people, an event tagged ‘An Evening With The Prince’ was held in his honor. The low-key event, which was held in the aquatic community of Agboyi Kingdom, Ketu LCDA, was well attended by political stakeholders in the area. Also, the top traditional figures in the domain were ably represented, not leaving out other well-wishers.
In a gale of remarks about the Birthday Boy, publicity director of AKOUD, a political group in Agboyi Ketu, Ayo Idowu extolled the extra-ordinary quality of Prince Oladega as a trust-worthy personality. He particularly emphasized his unflinching honesty and integrity, even when money is involved. He went on to recall incidents that certified Dega as a man who is not covetous but satisfied with whatever he has. The narration, of course, elicited rounds of applause from the audience.
In his own address, Chairman of the 1999 Councilors in Lagos State, Hon. Gani Ogundipe, described Oladega as a rising star in the political setting of Agboyi Ketu. He therefore enjoined all sons and daughters of the Kigdom to rally around and give him the necessary support for the benefit of all.
What could, however, be considered the high point of the process was when the Agboyi Student Union, whose leadership was in attendance, asked that Oladega consider contesting for the chairmanship position of the Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area. Prince Razak Mubarak Olamilekan, who spoke on behalf of the student union, ASU, said the decision to make the call was due to the antecedents of Dega. While he mentioned that Dega’s zeal and passion to see development in the Agboyi community are clear to the blind and audible to the deaf through various actions he has taken in the interest of the community, he recalled Dega’s facilitation of the renovation of Agboyi Primary School in 2016 by the club to which he belongs, the Rotary Club of Ogudu GRA. He added that he achieved that due to his consistent advocacy in the media.
The top traditional figures present, who spoke in unison, seconded the call of ASU that Oladega should consider jostling for the chairmanship seat of the Agboyi-Ketu LCDA. The traditional chiefs prayed for the birthday boy’s success and went on to give reasons why it is important for him to consider the call a clarion one. They said that since the creation of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, no one from the 2 Agboyi Federal Wards, which are Agboyi Wards E and F, has ever been considered worthy to be the chairman, vice chairman, SLG, or even supervisor, despite being one of the strongest stakeholders. They equally made it clear that the two federal wards did not lose a single poling unit to the opposition in the last presidential and gubernatorial elections.
In the address of the man in whose honor the gathering was made, Prince Oladega took time to acknowledge the presence of everyone present, including those who were unavoidably absent but reached just as he went on to express his utmost gratitude for the honor done to him. And responding to the call by the Agboyi Student Union, the Mass Communication graduate appreciated the association for the trust that it reposed in him. He also gave assurances of his willingness to heed the call to serve, even as he hinted that consultations were going on towards the exercise and that, in due time, he would brief them of all they would need to know to be carried along. He specifically thanked the Olu Agboyi as well as the leadership of ASU for their love and support.
The successful evening had stakeholders from Agboyi Ketu LCDA in attendance. Also present were the representatives of the Obas in Council of Agboyi 1, Agboyi 2, Baale Agboyi 3, and Baale Ajelogo. Equally, High Chief Alayaki Seriki, Baale Ora Konkanla, High Chief Akeem Ogunjobi, Baale Owoyele Aro, and High Chief Rashidi Durosimi.
Others are representatives of Baale Idera as well as numerous White Caps Chiefs led by the Osolo of Agboyi Kingdom, Chief Beyioku. Osugbo of Agboyi in Council, led by the Oluwo of Agboyi Kingdom, Chief Lateef Balogun. Representatives of the Balogun family in Ketu are led by Chief Idris Balogun.
Several former and serving party leaders were also in attendance. Ward chairmen and women leaders of Agboyi, party faithful across Agboyi-Ketu LCDA.