By Musbau Rasak
The expansive Ilupeju Central Mosque on the popular Ilupeju Road in Ieju area of Lagos was filled to the brim.
There was no space for any late comer in the 2-storey building for both male and female sections of the mosque with many having no option than to pray outside the mosque.
It was a special Jumat service to celebrate the birthday of Honourable Rasaq Olusola Ajala, the immediate past elected Chairman of Odiolowo-Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area.
The gathering, the huge crowd of worshippers and the testimony by both the presiding Imams, Alfas and residents pointed out an undeniable fact: Ajala is a man of the people, loved by the people and he remains very dear to his constituents.
It’s not every time a former office holder is celebrated like Ajala was on Friday, 15 August, 2025. As we are writing this, the Christian section of the celebration was being rounded up at a church service in Ilupeju.
It’s not every time a former office holder in present Nigeria democratic dispensation would be celebrated by his predecessor and successor. But Rasaq Ajala nailed it. At the Jumat service, his predecessor, House of Representatives member representing Mushin Federal Constituency I, Aremo Taofeek Adeyemi Alli; and his successor, Oluwaseyi Jakande; were physically present at the service.
The fact that Ajala is well loved by his people is not in doubt and throughout his eight year reign as the Council Chairman, his rapport with them, has reflected in his actions and programmes. His achievements based on people-oriented programmes and projects was anchored on his motto: common pool for the benefit of all, and this set him aside from his colleagues as arguably the best local government chairman among his set.
When he was first elected in 2017, the first major challenge that faced him was ensuring peace in his council area. Cult battles, inter street chaos and insecurity were the major issues. Then, Onipanu, Palm Groove, Fadeyi and Jibowu axis were battlegrounds for the Odiolowo-Ojuwoye axis and their counterparts from the other side of the road, Somolu and Yaba.
Ajala not only ended the rival group battles but also ensured that peace reigned throughout his tenure.
During the EndSARS riots that broke out in the state in October, 2020, a man of the people that he is, Rasaq went out into the streets and engaged the rampaging youths is dialogue which ensured that Odiolowo-Ojuwoye witnessed lesser destruction.
Teachers, artisans, security agents, clerics, traders won’t forget Ajala-led administration. For every festive period, they enjoy special packages from the LCDA.
Widows and the aged were placed on monthly stipends by the Ajala administration. Every Ileya and Christmas period, the residents do not have to worry. They are sure to buy highly subsidised rams, chickens and other food items from the council.
Human development is very dear to him and he is a firm believer in teaching people how to fish rather giving fish to eat. His regular ICT training programmes have impacted positively on youths in the area while thousands have benefitted from his various vocational programmes.
The imposing Bola Ahmed Tinubu building, the 3-storey edifice new administrative headquarters marked one of his many legacy projects. And of course, he has many to point to.
He initiated the refuse-for-gas programme where residents brought cleaned their surroundings, packed all the dirts in bags and brought them for evacuation in exchange for gas cylinders. This improved environmental sanitation in the council.
He built solar charging centres in each of the nine wards in the council area. Residents go to the centres to charge their phones, laptops, and other gadgets free of charge.
His annual end of the year sporting activities has become an avenue for youth engagement while his relationship with staff of the council has been described as the best in the state.
Creating the council’s traffic corps, periodic grants and loans for small scale business owners also endeared the former council boss to the residents.
Many roads were constructed and rehabilitated while public health centers were built and equipped with drugs and other facilities.
Ajala has excellent relationship with most that come his way and he is always ready to listen to your complaints, advice and suggestions.
Ajala is well noted for his intelligence, wisdom and humility. Indeed, he is the quintessential Omoluabi.
