Hon Lukman Olalekan Adeleye is one of Hon Oladipupo Adebutu’s pointsmen who won a House of Assembly seat in Ogun State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last general election.
Having attained victory through dint of hardwork and massive grassroots mobilisation, the soft-spoken dude prominently known as Senator in the political circle, speaks on his success story as well as his plans for the people of Odogbolu local government area of the state in this exclusive interview with Ijebu News Xtra crew.
You won the election against an incumbent lawmaker. How were you able to do it?
Our victory over the incumbent and the former chief whip of the house, Hon Atinuke Bello, can be attributed to grace of the Lord, tenacity, hardwork, my track records, teamwork and the popularity of our gubernatorial candidate whose election also came up on the same day. Moreso, we presented a more practicable, and comprehensive manifesto that sincerely addresses the challenges facing Odogbolu State Constituency
What was on your mind while the election was going on?
I was very optimistic because my team really worked for victory. We traversed the 178 polling booths in my constituency. We interfaced with the youths, women groups, artisans, trade Union associations, religious group, et al. So, I was very positive that we were going to win with landslide.
The election in Odogbolu LG was reported to have been characterized by widespread disturbance. Can you give us an insight into what actually happened?
My brother, I have not seen that kind of thing in my life. It was a daylight rape on our democracy. Voters were brutalized, INEC ad-hoc staff were harassed, ballot boxes were snatched and burnt by the thugs of the incumbent government. Votings in 15 polling booths were disrupted and this led to the cancellation of the elections in those areas. What happened in Ogun State was a huge disgrace to the electoral umpire that promised free and fair election. Many of us celebrated the advent of BVAS but sadly, those who could not win election through the balloting resulted into electoral brigandage.
Now that you have been elected. What are your plans for the people of the local government?
Basically, my job is to make law, provide responsive representation and carry out oversight functions. My people should expect a very vibrant voice in the house. I shall be expressive, courageous, fair, responsive, selfless and committed to social justice. I will spare no effort to enhance the growth and development of my constituents. My legislative interest includes and not limited to ICT capacity enhancement, institutional strengthening and youth development.
I shall sponsor and co-sponsor relevant bills. As a representative of the people, I should be the mirror of public opinion. I shall project and embody a strong, respected, consistent and informed voice for my people. Genuine public feelings shall be brought to the attention of the government on the floor of the house and assembly shall be pressed to act according to the wishes and overall interest of the people.
In all, regular feedback shall be given priority. By His grace, I am opening two functional constituency offices where we will interphase regularly with my constituents.
Despite the litigation between Governor Abiodun and Hon Adebutu, how do you intend to relate with the governor who is of the ruling APC?
The house of assembly is a chamber of 26 wisemen. The common interest here is good governance as enshrined in the chapter 2 of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria. The fundamental objective and direct principle of state policy as it relates to the social justice, people’s welfare, and security must be upheld.
My principal, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, is a democrat and as a party, any people oriented policy from the governor shall be supported. The ongoing gubernatorial litigation is part of the electoral process and will not disturb me from carrying out my fundamental duties.
The 2023 Ojude Oba carnival is here, what is your message to your people?
Ojude Oba is a global fiesta that attracts sons and daughters of ijebu from the nooks and crannies of the world. I congratulate our royal majesty, Oba Sikiru Adetona on yet another Ojude Oba event and I pray that the king continues to reign on the throne.
Lastly, your age-group in Ijebuland has produced two assembly men in the last election. How exactly do you feel at this feat?
It is a cheery development and the entire Egbe is very delighted. We thank our constituents for the confidence reposed in us and we shall not take it for granted.
Credit: Ijebu News Xtra magazine
