By Gilbert Ekezie
A legal practitioner and philanthropist, Barrister Tajudeen Adebola Amusa recently announced his desire to aspire to be member representing Ajeromi Ifelodun Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House Assembly on the platform of All Progressives Congress come 2023.
He made the declaration at a Ramadan lecture that brought together some Imams, Alfas and other Islamic faithfuls within Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area.
‘’I came to commit it to God. I picked the form at the APC party secretariat Alausa around 3 pm this afternoon and at 4 pm the Chief Imams from more than 100 mosques around Ajeromi-Ifelodun did their spiritual blessings on the form together with the teaming of more than 700 people who gathered here to wish us well’’, he said.
Amusa who used the opportunity to give out cash, food, clothing and mosquito nets to some participants, especially widows, explained that doling out gifts is what he has been doing for the past 15 years, so people should not see the gesture as politically motivated.
‘’It is God who inspired today’s event and for the fact that we have been doing it in the last 15 years. I want to give back to the community that made me, Ajeromi-Ifelodun and Ajegunle in particular. I have to give back to the community as a show of gratitude to God and specifically to widows for empowerment and sensitization that would help them to be self-sufficient in whatever they are doing. I have to do everything possible to make them happy in my little capacity and ensure that happiness is maintained in them.
I will even do more and spread my scope when I finally win the election and get in the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2023.”
The Ojo born legal luminary and ‘talakawa’ who sees himself as a street boy, explained that he grew up in Ajeromi-Ifelodun locality, so understands the environment very well and will be in a better position to know what the people need and try to provide them. “As an experienced legal practitioner, I will as also initiate laws that will be of benefit to my people and compliment the development already on ground.”
Amusa, who has been in the legal practice for over 30 years, noted that he is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos chapter, legal adviser of NASFAT worldwide, Asiwaju Muslim of Araromi- Apapa Muslim community; and the legal adviser of the council of Alfas and Imams. “With the experience I have, I think I am the best for the position and I will do my best to live up to the expectations of my constituents.”
Other positions he holds are; legal adviser of Alaba market phase 1, the legal adviser of Ladipo market, legal adviser of Aduke market, and the legal adviser of Ibafon plank market.
According to him, with his pedigree; he has the political clout and followership to win a seat in the Lagos Assembly.
He commended the government of Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and immediate past Executive Chairman of Ifelodun LCDA, Hon Fatai Ajidagba for their giant strides in infrastructural and human development.
Speaking, the Chief Imam of Araromi – Apapa Muslim community , Imam Mubarak eulogized the magnanimous attributes of Amusa , describing him as a man with a large heart , a very nice and kind person who puts other people first. “Barrister Amusa has been very supportive to the people, especially the Muslim community for the past 15 years , which earned him a chieftaincy title from the community. ”
Mubarak noted that with someone like Amusa, victory is assured for APC in the Constituency.
The Clerics used the opportunity to offer prayers on Amusa’s declaration of interest’s form and wished him success both during the primary and general elections. “We assure you that we will come out in our large numbers to vote for you, if you win the party primaries, by the grace of God.”