LAHA2027: ‘I Know Kosofe Like the Palm of My Hand’ — Benson Adepoju Declares for Lagos Assembly Seat

Lagos House of Assembly hopeful for Kosofe Constituency 1, Hon. Benson Bowale Adepoju fondly known as "Aworo", says his long years in party structure and grassroots politics have prepared him to deliver effective representation if elected as a member of the Lagos House of Assembly, Kosofe Constituency 1.

Speaking in an interview with Kosofe Reporters, the former councillor traced his political journey to the Alliance for Democracy (AD) era.

"I've been in the party structure right from the days of Alliance for Democracy (AD). I was Ward Assistant Secretary under the late Tasiri Yahaya, the ward chairman then," he said. "After that, I had the opportunity, with the help of the special grace of God and the support of leaders to also move from ward to LGA officer. First as Treasurer and now as welfare officer."

Adepoju recalled serving as one of the pioneer councillors in 2004 under the 57 LG/LCDA arrangement created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a tenure he said was hampered by the seizure of local government funds by the Obasanjo administration.

"Practically we had no financial resources to work with. The allocations were withheld for about 2 years. And our salaries were just like stipends," he said. "Despite that, we were able to embark on some projects when Barrister Muyiwa Adedeji was the executive chairman. In my own ward, we reconstructed two roads, Fadayomi and Gbadebo Street, Ojota."

He said the experience he had as a councillor opened his eyes to grassroots representation.

"Grassroots development is anchored on the good performance and the responsibility of the local government. I know what it takes to represent the masses especially from the grassroots to higher level," Adepoju stated. "I know Kosofe like the palm of my hand. As an LGA officer, I have not been in a ward where I have not played some political role or another. Moreover, since 1998, I have always been involved in one political game or the other especially when Late Barrister Tunde Buraimo became the council chairman on October 3rd 1998. I was also involved at the local level with KK Eleshin, Alarapon of blessed memory and Chief Odusola of blessed memory. And in my ward, there is no time a political game will take place and you will not see me at the forefront. I have also been campaign director general to some candidates that God crowned our efforts and I can look back and say I played my part in ensuring that APC gets to a particular position. In 2015 I was one of the key supporters of my Leader, Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye. Practically I was the director general at that time. The same thing in 2006 when Hon. Dayo Bush contested for the House of Representatives. And when Governor Olusola Sanwo-Olu contested and the late President Buhari came to Lagos, I was one of the mobilizers. In 2023, I was part of the ICG Strategic Committee under Hon. Jimi Benson. I also played my role during the electioneering campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023."

On why he is vying for the Assembly seat, Adepoju said governance is a continuum and he believes he can fill existing gaps.

"Representative governance is a continuum. No one can finish the job. Do your own best and another person would come and do his own," he said, quoting the song of legendary musician Ebenezer Obey.

He, however, commended the incumbent, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, for his efforts in empowerment, projects facilitation and education, but added: "I still think there are certain gaps I need to fill in terms of provision of more empowerment programmes and facilitation of laudable projects, sponsoring bills and motions which is the primary assignment of a lawmaker, making myself accessible to the constituents and provide adequate representation to the people."

On youth restiveness and unemployment, Adepoju stressed the importance of peace and engagement, praising the Kosofe council chairman, Barrister Moyosore Ogunlewe, for engaging youths through dialogue, provision of palliatives and empowerment programs.

"If you say you want to contest and represent the people, and there is no peace in your locality, there is nothing meaningful that person will achieve. Thanks to Barrister Moyosore Ogunlewe for the peace and tranquillity that now prevail in Kosofe Local Government Area. When he came in, He ensured that the youth were engaged one way or the other. He doled out palliatives and empowerment programs, and interfaced with some youth to key into the programmes of his administration. That is why we have the peace we now enjoy today." he said.

Addressing concerns about politicians abandoning their constituencies after elections, the aspirant insisted he would remain accessible.

"Since I came to Lagos, I have been residing at Ojota for over 30 years. Even when I was elected a councillor, I maintained the same house. I don't see anything that will take me away from the constituency," he said. "Not that they would vote for you in Ojota and you relocate to Lekki. I would not do that."

On his grassroots popularity, Adepoju said his strength lies in relationships and consultation.

"You can't mobilise people you don't know. I always have interaction with a lot of people and always make myself available to some people especially when they have one problem or another," he said. "I don't make decisions in isolation, I consult widely. Besides track record and integrity matter a lot."

He listed his roles in past campaigns, including serving as Director General for Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye in 2015 and mobilising for President Tinubu in 2023.

Asked what makes him the best choice among several aspirants, Adepoju pointed to his experience and capacity.

"I have experience as a former lawmaker in Kosofe Local Government. So it won't be difficult for me when people give me that mandate," he said. "Sovereignty belongs to the people from whom power is derived by the government. You can't impose yourself on the people. When they weigh it side by side, I think the best fellow that kosofe Constituency 1 needs now is BENSON ADEPOJU."