Former Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Bldr. Adeola Adebisi Banjo, on Friday, August 15, 2025, embarked on a tribute visit to the apex leaders of Ikorodu Division, where he reaffirmed his loyalty to the custodians of Ikorodu’s political heritage.
The former chairman, in the company of his associates and supporters, moved from one residence to another, beginning with a visit to Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State.
The entourage then proceeded to the home of Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, a respected elder statesman and founding member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
They later visited the residence of Chief Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, former Commissioner for Agriculture and Asiwaju of Ibeshe Land, before concluding the tour at the residence of Prince Lanre Balogun, a prominent APC chieftain and former Lagos State Commissioner for Rural Development.
Bldr. Adeola Banjo described his leadership journey as one not rooted in personal ambition but, in collective purpose, anchored in the blessings and mentorship of the elders of Ikorodu Division.
He recalled moments of difficulty during his time in office, noting that when his strength faltered and vision blurred, the wisdom of the apex leaders helped him find his footing.
Banjo emphasized that he was sent forth into governance not in his own name but under the banner of service, pledging that stepping down from office did not mean stepping back from purpose.
His visit was widely acknowledged as a gesture of respect consistent with Yoruba political and cultural traditions of paying homage to elders.
Accompanied by his immediate past cabinet members, party women leaders, and loyal supporters, the movement from one residence to another drew admiration as a symbolic demonstration of loyalty and gratitude.
The apex leaders, impressed by Banjo’s gesture, responded with glowing commendations.
Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun commended him for showing uncommon humility and respect to those who entrusted him with leadership, describing the act as a mark of honour that set him apart.
Prince Abiodun Ogunleye praised Banjo for not forgetting the origins of his political journey, pointing out that many people neglect their roots after leaving office, but Banjo had demonstrated that he still honours the hands that lifted him.
Chief Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, former Commissioner for Agriculture and a respected political leader in Ikorodu Division, who also hosted Banjo at his residence, expressed gratitude for the former chairman’s dedication and numerous contributions to the development of Ikorodu North LCDA.
He commended Banjo for laying solid foundations in governance and infrastructure, assuring him that the new administration would build on the legacies he left behind.
Kaoli further praised Banjo’s act of paying homage to the apex leaders, describing it as a rare show of humility and continuity that strengthens political unity in Ikorodu Division.
Prince Lanre Balogun, in his remarks, said that in all his years, he had not seen a former council leader return to acknowledge the elders who made their political journey possible.
He described the tribute visit as unprecedented and exemplary, calling it a lesson in gratitude, loyalty, and true leadership.
During his visits, Banjo also presented a commemorative frame to each of the leaders, explaining that it was more than just a gift but a covenant — a public declaration that their labour had not been in vain, that their wisdom had not fallen to the ground, and that the seeds they had sown would continue to yield a harvest in generations to come.
The former chairman used the occasion to restate his leadership philosophy, which he summarized as the Edge Rate Spirit — being extremely resilient in storms, extra resourceful in scarcity, and ever ready in service.
He attributed this creed to the mentorship and guidance he had received from the elders of Ikorodu Division, noting that their examples helped shape his style of governance.
Banjo was accompanied on the tribute visit by key associates from his administration, including Mrs. Lydia Agoro, former Supervisor for Education during his first term; Prince Niyi Odugbesi, immediate past Secretary to the Local Government; Mr. Abiodun Banjo, immediate past Chief of Staff; Hon. Ayo Adekoya, immediate past two-term Leader of the Legislative House; Hon. Ambali Adeleke, immediate past Supervisor for Works; and Hon. Basirat Babatunde-Adewunmi, immediate past Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The women leader representing the five wards of Ikorodu North LCDA was also in attendance, alongside loyal supporters and well-wishers who joined in celebrating Banjo’s enduring loyalty to the political family of Ikorodu Division.
INN-HOUSE☆ 