By Olanrewaju Olaniyi
In a clime where selfless and sacrificial living, especially in public service, seems almost unrealistic, there stands Hon. Rasaq Ajala (HRA), the immediate past Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA.
As a son of the soil who grew up among the hoi polloi, Ajala brought the virtues of the middle-class to bear through his selfless commitment to being the change he hopes to see by positively impacting lives and redefining governance at the grassroots level.
His progression in public service, from Councillor to two-term Chairman, is largely attributable to his competence, capability, and altruism, all encapsulated in his “Common Pool for Common Benefits” agenda. With the numerous transformational initiatives enshrined in this comprehensive agenda, Ajala led by example; giving the good people of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye more reasons to believe that good governance is not revoked science and Nigeria can indeed be great, with the right leaders like himself in power.
The August-born leader has etched his name in gold in the annals of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA and Local government administration in Lagos State through his legacy projects and programmes, which include the smooth and harmonious running of the council’s affairs, massive sports development and sponsorship of football enthusiasts, youth human capital development, construction of a state-of-the-art administrative complex, regular mega empowerment programmes for residents, scholarships for students, among others.
Little wonder the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, described Ajala as the best among equals: “He (Ajala) represents everything about who we are as a people. Hon. Rasaq Ajala embodies our values, he is a man of the people, a lover of tradition, and a promoter of culture through music and leadership.
“If I must speak today, let it be clear: this man has used his influence to uplift communities and celebrate our heritage. He’s not just a critic or a commentator; he’s a doer, someone who understands the rhythm of the people and moves with it.
“We have seen his commitment. We have felt his presence. And we are proud of what he stands for. He loves his people, and today, all of you being here is a testament to the respect he has earned.
“Let us have patience and appreciation for individuals like him — people who stand for progress, for culture, and for unity. Thank you all for coming to honour him today.” Fatodu made these remarks at a special event – An Evening With HRA- organised by the HRA Youth Vanguard to celebrate Ajala’s legacies at the twilight of his 8-year reign as Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Council boss.
Sharing in Fatodu’s sentiments, the immediate past Chairman of Agege LG, Gbenga Abiola ‘Agbelebu’, described Ajala as humility and true leadership personified: “I honestly don’t know where to begin, but I can confidently say that one of the greatest blessings of my journey as a young politician is meeting someone like Hon. Rasaq Ajala.
“He is a man of rare humility, the kind you hardly find in leadership today. But what’s even more remarkable is that he balances that humility with action, with confidence, and with results. That combination is what sets him apart.
“If any young person out there is searching for an example of true leadership, look no further. This is what it looks like. I could go on describing him, and believe me, it would bring many to tears. That’s how deeply impactful his life and leadership have been.”
Ajala’s commitment to breathing life into all initiatives under his #CommonPoolForCommonBenefits mantra has set him apart among his peers, reaffirming that he can always be trusted with public office as his #CommonPoolForCommonBenefits needs to be replicated at the state and federal levels.
Happy birthday in advance to a man of honour and inestimable value — Hon. Rasaq Olusola Ajala!
Olanrewaju Olaniyi, a public affairs commentator, writes from Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA.
