Politics
Ambode’s ambition of return and Seyi Tinubu’s political trajectory BY IDOWU AJANAKU
Ambode’s ambition of return and Seyi Tinubu’s political trajectory
BY IDOWU AJANAKU
Quote:
” Leadership is something you earn, something you are chosen for”
-Ben Roethlisberger
The strong and solid factors that always stand a candidate’s ambition in good stead within the socio–political dynamics of a local community, state or federal government level include vision, character, commitment, and consistency or call it constancy of purpose.That is especially so with regards to that person’s guiding philosophies, principles and purposefulness, if driven by humility, integrity, honesty of purpose all within the perspective of the larger picture.
Good enough, it would be a point of reference if such a person has held a public position before and distinguished himself in terms of performance. That precisely, underscores the relevance of the recent media mention of the political ambition of the former governor of Lagos state, Akinwumi Ambode to return to that same pedestal of power, some eight years after he lost that bid to continue in office. Though that wave of interest is currently gathering momentum there are still some hurdles and hitches to scale over. That is where that of the young entrepreneur and politician, who happens to be heir to the throne of the political juggernaut and incumbent President Ahmed Tinubu comes into the unfolding picture. He is none other than the affable, resourceful and dynamic Seyi Tinubu.
Periscoped from a personal perspective, one can objectively describe him as ” a smart and enterprising” man who has learnt the ropes from his father. Indeed, he deserves to be applauded for the noble and notable role he played as a dependable catalyst to see his father’s presidential ambition to the light of day.
Ever since, he has deployed similar energy by galvanizing the youths across the nooks and crannies of the country to actively support the “Renewed Hope” agenda. This is a commendable initiative, is it not? Of course, it is. Ahead of the 2027 presidential election therefore, he is well admonished to channel such support towards achieving his father’s reelection.That is, instead of dissipating such as a candidate to become the Lagos State governor. That would provide a positive political leverage for Ambode’s return to power. If done, Ambode will have the opportunity to put in place measures and mechanisms to lubricate the political engine for Seyi to compete for and eventually become the governor come the year 2031 when his father would be completing his tenure. That would be a more interesting scenario. And that brings us back to Ambode’s ambition for the 2027 gubernatorial race. Like it or not, his remarkable achievements over his first term in office, speak volumes.
According to seasoned analysts, and as attested to by the opinion of millions of residents of the state of aquatic splendor, the iconic economist from the backwaters of Epe literally wrote his name in gold while the governor. There are empirical evidences on ground traversing the sectors of infrastructure, security, food security through healthcare delivery, education, transportation to entertainment. In fact, he left Lagos much better in terms of the Human Development indices ( HDI ) than he met it.
For instance, it would interest the reader to know, or be reminded that it was during Ambode’s tenure that the hitherto long-winding and seemingly intractable traffic congestion challenge was frontally tackled. That came about with the construction of his signature jubilee flyover bridges at places such as Abule-Egba, Ajah and that at Pen Cinema junction, as they came into being.
Interestingly, the mere mention of the name “Ambode” and the appreciative Lagosians will reel out the construction and rehabilitation of 500 roads across the five districts of the ever – busy cosmopolitan city of Lagos. In fact, the people of Alimosho Local Government Area, LGA would remain grateful for the well- paved roads with modern drainage system. And those at Ojodu-Berger axis have been enjoying the solution to the once asphyxiating traffic jam that characterized the area sparking fisticuffs between the transporters and the commuters. Yet, there are more noteworthy projects to remember Ambode for.
From the reconstructed Murtala Muhammed International Airport road converted from 4 to 10- lane highway, with ramp bridge and flyover to the 21st Century iconic Oshodi Transport Interchange equipped
with three terminals, 18 lifts as well as CCTv cameras the handwriting of impactful governance are there for all to see, to admire and to appreciate. It is so inspiring that Ambode was able to build on the achievements of his predecessors to rid Oshodi as the popular den of hardened criminals. But there is more to the feats achieved under Ambode’s tenure to gladden the heart of patriots.
Lest we forget, with regards to reinforcement of security in the city with ever bubbling population, Ambode granted N6.6 billion for security agents though belonging to the federal government. He signed into law the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps. In addition was the Lagos State Properties Protection Law to protect the land owners from the nefarious activities of the notorious land grabbers.
And on transportation the Bus Reform Initiative enhanced public transportation with 5,000 new buses, out of which 434 buses boosted the busy Ikorodu corridor.
Furthermore, in the critical health sector under Ambode, the popular Ayinke House was transformed from an 80- bed facility into the ultra – modern 170-bed Specialist Centre. Also, the LASUTH complex was equipped with a helipad for medical emergency and the nation’s first ever DNA forensic centre.
Apart from the popular Lake Rice that came up as the Lagos-Kebbi rice project which boosted food security with cheaper and safer rice, Ambode ensured that the people of Lagos were made happier with the building of theatres in Alimosho,Badagry, Ikeja and Epe. That was with the Eko Theatre project in the entertainment sector. One could go on and on. But all these highly commendable achievements remind us of the wise words of Joe DiMaggio who stated that: “ A person always doing his or her best becomes a natural leader, just by example”.
So, as events unfold in the coming years, if there is one man to be considered worthy of the prestigious post of the governorship of the Centre of Excellence he should be Akinwumi Ambode. He has been there before, did his best and must have learnt from his mistakes in the volatile politicking landscape. Good enough, he has weathered the storm, kept his cool in the midst of it all without casting aspersion on his political traducers. As he aptly stated, back in September 2018 while asking for Second Term: ” I ask you to believe again and together, let us achieve more…to build a secure and prosperous Lagos state driven by a vibrant economy, supported by quality service, equity and justice”.
AJANAKU, was a former special adviser on information and strategy to Gov. Ambode
Primate ELIJAH AYODELE: The Seer, And the Country That Listens
By Femi Oyewale
Ejigbo, Lagos — When Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele steps onto the pulpit of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church each week, he does more than preach: he convenes a national conversation. For decades, the clergy has issued blunt, often headline-grabbing prophecies about presidents, markets, and disasters — pronouncements that are dutifully copied, debated, and digested across Nigerian newsrooms, social media, and political corridors.
Primate Ayodele is best known for two things: the regular release of New Year’s and seasonal “warnings to the nation,” and a large, loyal following that amplifies those warnings into national discourse. He publishes annual prophecy booklets, holds prayer mountain conventions where journalists are invited, and maintains active social media channels that spread his messages quickly beyond his church gates. In July 2025, he launched a compendium of his prophecies titled “Warnings to the Nations,” an event covered by national outlets, which Ayodele used to restate concerns about security, governance, and international affairs.
Ayodele’s prophecies have touched on lightning-rod topics: election outcomes, the health or fate of public figures, infrastructure failures, and international crises. Nigerian and regional press have repeatedly published lists of his “fulfilled” predictions — from political upsets to tragic accidents — and his followers point to these as proof of his accuracy. Media roundups in recent years credited him with dozens of prophecies he argued had been realised in 2023 and 2024, and his annual prophetic rollouts continue to attract wide attention.
Impact beyond prediction: politics, policy, and public mood
The practical effect of Ayodele’s ministry is not limited to whether a prophecy comes to pass. In Nigeria’s politicised and religiously engaged public sphere, a prominent seer can:
• Move conversations in electoral seasons; politicians, commentators, and voters listen when he names likely winners or warns about risks to candidates, and his claims sometimes become part of campaign narratives.
• Shape popular expectations — warnings about economic hardship, insecurity, ty or public health influence how congregations and communities prepare and react.
• Exert soft pressure on leaders — high-profile admonitions directed at governors or ministers often prompt responses from the accused or their allies, creating a feedback loop between pulpit pronouncements and political actors.
Philanthropy and institution building
Ayodele’s public profile extends into philanthropy and church development. He runs INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church from Oke-Afa, Lagos, and his ministry periodically organises humanitarian outreach, scholarships, and hospital visits — activities he frames as evidence that prophetic ministry must be accompanied by concrete acts of charity. Church events such as extended “17-day appreciation” outreaches and scholarship programmes have been widely reported and help cement his appeal among congregants who value spiritual counsel paired with material support.
What makes him unique
Several features set Ayodele apart from other public religious figures in Nigeria:
1. Productivity and documentation. He releases extensive, numbered lists of prophecies and compiles them into booklets — a tactic that makes his predictions easy to track (and for supporters to tally as “fulfilled”).
2. A blend of national and international focus. His pronouncements frequently move beyond parochial concerns to name international actors and events, which broadens his media footprint.
3. Media-savvy presentation. From staged press events to active social accounts, Ayodele understands how to turn a prophecy into a viral story that will be picked up by blogs, newspapers, and TV.
The public verdict: faith, influence, and skepticism
To millions of Nigerians — and to his core following — Primate Ayodele remains a pastor-prophet whose warnings must be taken seriously. To others, he is a media personality whose relevance depends as much on spectacle and circulatory power as on supernatural insight. What is indisputable is his role in magnifying the religious dimension of national life: when he speaks, politicians, congregants, and newsrooms listen. That attention, in turn, helps determine which social and political questions become urgent in public debate.
Looking ahead
As Nigeria heads into another cycle of elections and economic challenges, Ayodele’s annual pronouncements will almost certainly return to the front pages. Whether they are read as sober warnings, political interventions, or performative theology, they will continue to shape conversations about destiny, leadership, and the kinds of risks a deeply religious nation believes it must prepare for.
Politics
BABATUNDE OLAOGUN STORMS LAUTECH; GIFTS DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WORKABLE TOOLS
BABATUNDE OLAOGUN STORMS LAUTECH; GIFTS DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WORKABLE TOOLS
In a remarkable display of commitment to academic excellence and community development, Hon. Babatunde Olaogun, a distinguished alumnus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), has gifted the Department of Business Administration with state-of-the-art workable tools such as stationery items which includes several reams of A4 papers, detachable whiteboards. permanent markers, temporary markers among others things.
Olaogun also added that as part of his commitment to ensuring that students of the department enjoys first class academic infrastructure, a contemporary projector facility would be delivered to the department in no distant time courtesy of his humble self to further enhance ease during presentation of seminar and projects.
The donation ceremony was graced by eminent personalities at the department, including Prof. (Mrs) Ojokuku, Prof. Adegoroye and Dr. (Mrs.) Akanbi who warmly received Mr. Olaogun. The trio of the reverred academics thanked Mr. Olaogun for his commitment to good causes and urged him to continue doing even more good for the university, Ogbomoso in particular, Oyo State and the entire nation at large.
In their goodwill message, Prof. Ojokuku and Prof. Adegoroye also counseled Mr. Olaogun to stay focused and not be swayed by naysayers who may seek to tarnish his reputation. They further encouraged him to carry along, students of Public Administration from LAUTECH, with a view to a availing them practical skills and knowledge essential for their success in their future endeavors.
The Department of Business Administration is thrilled to receive this donation and looks forward to leveraging these tools to improve academic outcomes and produce highly skilled graduates.
Mr. Olaogun’s gesture is a shining example of the university’s alumni community’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
OGUN VISIONARIES CONGRATULATE SENATOR YAYI ON BIRTHDAY.
A socio political group Ogun Visionaries For Yayi, has felicitated with her principal and Senator representing Ogun West at the red chamber, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as he celebrates his birthday.
Solomon Yayi has been described as an illustrious Ogun Son, who is ever committed to the reformation of Ogun State and Nigeria.
According to the statement by the State Director General Hon. Odunjo issued on behalf of the group thanked Senator Yayi, for his outstanding transformation of the entire Ogun West and the State in general, his people oriented law making and contributions to the development of Ogun West , the State and Nigeria in general.
The group described Senator Yayi as a thorough bred politician, an epitome of humility, a game changer and lover of the people, while urging him to sustain his contributions to humanity.
The Visionaries for Senator Yayi noted that the Senator has brought his political experience to bear on the various constituency projects spread across the state.
The Socio Political group also lauded the technocrat-turned politician for his charming and urbane disposition to the discharge of his responsibility as a law maker representing Ogun West and as Chairman, Senate Committee on appropriation.
“Senator, Chief Solomon Olamilekan Adeola has continued to blaze the trail by providing and offering leadership at various levels of governance, the maverick Senator has continued to serve his people well without relenting”.
“He has continued to provide sound and relevant legislation at different times and we thank you for always being there for us”.
Over the years, you have carved a niche for yourself by dint of hard work and discipline, maintaining a charismatic and unblemished leadership style that has endeared you to many Ogun West residents, entire State and Nigerians in general”.
“You have exhibited absolute leadership traits of a man committed to doing things differently as it is in developed and organised climes”.
“On behalf of all of us in Visionaries for Senator Yayi, we congratulate you Our dear leader, brother and friend, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola on the occasion of your 56th birth anniversary”.
“In the past 56 years, your family and indeed, your political and associates and admirers have caused to be grateful to Almighty God for having granted you a life of great accomplishments and abiding fulfillment”.
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