In a seismic shift in Kosofe’s political arena, Hon. Babatunde Akeem Adeyemi, better known as Irewolede, has abandoned his long-standing alliance with Hon. Oluwarotimi Ojo Agunsoye (ROT) and joined forces with Hon. Kafilat Ogbara’s rising Mandate Movement. This defection, as confirmed by Adeyemi’s aide, is a pivotal moment for Ikosi-Isheri, driven by years of frustration, unfulfilled ambitions, and growing unrest among his loyal supporters.
Adeyemi’s political clout stems from his remarkable ability to unite diverse groups, a talent that made him indispensable to ROT’s group. As a master recruiter, he mobilized a broad coalition of supporters, strengthening ROT’s grip on Kosofe Federal Constituency before and during his tenure as a House of Representatives member. From community outreach to rallying voters, Adeyemi’s efforts were instrumental in cementing ROT’s reputation as a grassroots champion. Yet, beneath this partnership, tensions simmered over Adeyemi’s thwarted ambition to become chairman of the Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
For about two decades, Adeyemi pursued the LCDA chairmanship, pouring his energy into ROT’s political machine with the expectation of reciprocal support. However, during critical electioneering periods, ROT failed to back Adeyemi’s bid, leaving him sidelined and his aspirations unfulfilled. This pattern of disappointment eroded trust, but the tipping point came from Adeyemi’s ardent followers. Frustrated by the prolonged wait for their leader’s political ascent, they grew impatient and threatened to withdraw support for ROT entirely. This mounting pressure from his base became a decisive factor in Adeyemi’s choice to realign his loyalty.
Seizing the moment, Adeyemi has now pitched his tent with Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, the current House of Representatives member for Kosofe Federal Constituency, whose Mandate Movement is gaining momentum. Ogbara, who controversially clinched the APC primary in 2022 over ROT amid allegations of candidate imposition, has emerged as a dynamic force in Kosofe politics. Adeyemi’s defection, accompanied by his legion of followers, is a major coup for Ogbara’s camp. His knack for mobilization and coalition-building is expected to transform the Mandate Movement, amplifying its reach and influence across Ikosi-Isheri and Kosofe at large.
With plans to unveil his vision for the Mandate Movement in just two weeks, Adeyemi is poised to make waves. While details remain closely guarded, his focus is likely to center on grassroots empowerment, community development, and a renewed push for the LCDA chairmanship under Ogbara’s platform. By bringing his followers into the fold, Adeyemi has already bolstered Ogbara’s growing team, positioning himself as a potential kingmaker in Kosofe’s political future.
As Kosofe awaits Adeyemi’s forthcoming announcement, the political landscape is electric with anticipation. His decision to lead his followers to Ogbara’s Mandate Movement signals a bold new chapter, one that could redefine alliances and power dynamics in Ikosi-Isheri.
