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Tag: Jafojo

  • Jakande’s, Jafojo’s, Olusi’s sons for council poll

    Jakande’s, Jafojo’s, Olusi’s sons for council poll

    The son of former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande, Seyi, has joined the chairmanship race in Ojuwoye local councl.

    Also, Adeniyi Jafojo, son of former Deputy Governor Rafiu Jafojo, is eyeing the chairmanship of Agege local government.

    In Lagos Island West, Sola Olusi, son of Prince Tajudeen Olusi, is among those jostling for chairmanship ticket.

    These childern of legends are contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The poll holds on June 20.

    Jafojo called for concerted efforts to tackle grassroots problems.

    He said if elected as the chairman of the Agege Local Government Area, his administration would make life better by confronting the obstacles that hinder its development.

    He said: “One of the plans we have is to bring investors to Agege and once that is done, there will be lots of programmes that will open up the council. As I discuss with you, we are talking with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in terms of how we can partner with them. We have to start looking inward; we cannot be expecting allocation all the time from the government to better the lives of our people. We must also put in place programmes that will attract investors to the community.”

    Jafojo added: “There are some abnormalities that I saw in my local government, which I believe can be better handled, when compared to other local governments. We need to uplift the local government and that boils down to how we handle it. One of the areas we have serious problem is Agege and that is youth unrest. We have not been able to sit down and capture the scene properly. Again, we have serious environmental problem because people dump refuse in the canal indiscriminately. It has led to flooding and making the gutters unkempt. Some houses do not have public toilet. this constitutes health hazards.

    Jafojo promised to tackle environmental problems. He said: “These are serious environmental issues that have negative health consequences. We must come as people to see how we can find solution to these problems. In my own campaign manifesto and based on the research conducted, Agege residents are facing surmountable problems. How we can improve on the amenities that the council is providing. these are issues that we have looked into. When all these are addressed, we can begin to see what we call new Agege. And by the grace of God, when elected as the council chairman, these are part of the things people are to see from the administration.

    “Given my record in grassroots mobilisation which I learned from my late father and for those who know my late father, they know that he was a grassroots mobiliser. We want people to enjoy the dividend of democracy. The only way you can enjoy the dividend of democracy is to put the right person in the right position. I believe that I am the person who is eminently qualified for the position.

    The aspirant said his chance of winning the election was very bright, noting that his father’s reputation would count for him.

    “One of the advantages that I enjoy is that the name Jafojo is a house hold name in Agege. One of the things that we did is that we started our campaign organization on September 2014 and we have not look back since then. We have engaged in different programmes to create the awareness in the council. In the last election, we were heavily involved in the Presidential campaign, I was fortunate to be the coordinator for campaign for change.

    “The group campaigned on behalf of the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo. We were able to do a lot of grassroots mobilization by providing them with the T-shirts, face caps and other souvenirs. We have been meeting in different wards; a lot of executive members have been involved in our discussion with the people.

    The aspirant said he was fit to rule because of his pedigree. He said: “Personally, I am well known in Agege because somebody like my father would say if you were contesting, the first place you go to is the grassroots. One of my advantages like that of my father is the ability to mobilise the grassroots.

    Jafojo maintained that his experience and exposure put him in a vantage position to implement laudable programmes for the council.

    “I studied abroad. I studied at Mitchell University, Atlanta, Georgia. When I came back, I worked with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Abuja. It is a parastal under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. My position at that time was the Chief Admin Officer, the third man in my department. If you take my director, the assistant director, I was the third man on the hierarchy. By virtue of that task, I strongly believe that somebody at that position is very well prepared for the position of a local government chairman.

    “While I was there, we were involved in different programmes. Of course, one of the programmes that come to mind was that of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGOM). I was part of the Central Working Committee (CWC).

    Jafojo noted that he was committed to the contest in view of his believe that he would emerge successful, adding that his relations with non-indigene will add value to the contest.

    “I am very popular and my family name is a household name. Within my own base, Ward B for example, my women leader is a Hausa woman. Among our members, you find lots of Hausa people. I strongly believe that we all have to work together for the advancement of local government. My people will say one hand cannot wash itself, so we must put hands together to achieve that. I work with a lot of non indigene and I believe that with unity we can achieve a better Agege.

    “I believe the party will conduct free and fair primary. Again, I have structure which I believe will make them choose me as the person who will be the next chairman of Agege local government.”

    Jakande said he will lift Ojuwoye Council to a greater height by implementing progressive programmes which his father is noted for.

    He promised to harness the resource in the area to develop the council and make it a model in Lagos.

    Olusi said Lagos Island West will grow from strenght to strenght under his leadership, promising to motivate the private sector to invest in the development of the council.

  • Remembering Jafojo

    Remembering Jafojo

    A year has passed since the demise of Chief Rafiu Jafojo, former deputy governor of Lagos State. Associates and friends of the deceased politician will join his family and other relations for a remembrance anniversary at Ikeja on Sunday. His son, Adewale, an aide of House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, said the event is being organised to honour the memory of the humble politician, who demonstrated loyalty to Awoism and the progressive bloc.

    “We want to celebrate his virtues, including team spirit, contentment and apathy for corruption with thanksgiving to God,” he said.

    Jafojo was a loyal deputy to former Governor Lateef Jakande. Both were reelected in 1983, although the coup of December that year terminated their second term.

    Jafojo did not vie for deputy governor. For ethnic balancing, there was the need to pair Jakande from Lagos Island with an Awori. The lot fell on Jafojo, following Awolowo’s advice. While the late Chief Sunday Afolabi and Chief Akin Omoboriowo were thorns in the flesh of their bosses-Bola Ige and Adekunle Ajasin, Jafojo exhibited contentment. He bided for his time, which never came.

    Jafojo became a symbol of Awori’s agitation for a sense of belonging in Lagos as a youth. After he obtained his West African School Certificate, he began his career at Ikeja Town Planning Authority, where he worked as a Building Inspector between 1959 and 1960. In 1961, he travelled to Egland with his friend, Ayo Otegbola, for further studies. On January 9, 1962, he married his wife, Mosunmola Abeni, a nurse. Between 1964 and 1966, he was at Hackney Technical College, where he graduated with a National Certificate In Building. He proceeded to Brixton School of Building in 1966 and graduated with a National Higher Certificate in Building in 1969. Also, Jafojo attended the Northern Polytechnic Holloway (now University of North London), graduating with an Advance Building Technology Certificate in 1970.

    As a student, he was an active member of the West African Student Union. When Jafojo returned home in 1970, he had the intention of practising his profession. But, the Awori Welfare Association had another assignment for him. He became an Awori activist, constantly mobilising and encouraging Awori youths to show interest in politics as the country was warming up for a transition programme.

    Between 1975 and 1977, Jafojo served as an elected councillor at Ikeja Local Council. At the council, he was the Chairman of General Purpose Committee. His contemporary at the council was Oba Wahab Balogun of Isheri Olofin. In 1978, he joined the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), led by Awolowo. His ambition was to become a lawmaker in the House of Assembly. He bought the nomination form and he was nominated to represent Agege Constituency. But, Awolowo insisted that he should be Jakande’s running mate. On October 1, 1979, Jafojo became the first elected deputy governor of Lagos State.

    Awo gave Jafojo two advice; he should be loyal to Jakande and he should shun corruption. “Awo taught me how to make money without stealing while in public office,” he once said, adding that his lack of covetousness also led to cordial relations between him and Jakande.

    The Jakande/Jafojo administration has remained a reference point. The administration implemented the UPN’s four cardinal programmes of free education, free health, full employment and rural development. The achievements included the establishment of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, the construction of the LASU-Iba Road, which links Ikeja Division to Badagry Division, the construction of roads that opend up Idimu, Isheri, Ikotun, Egbe, Ejigbo and Isolo, and the construction of housing estates, including Abesan Housing Estate.

    Jafojo was instrumental to the recruitment of many Awori sons and daughters into the Lagos Civil Service. Based on his recommendation, no fewer than 500 Awori were also employed by former Governor Bola Tinubu. Some of them are now occupying senior positions. Hs compatriot in the Awori struggle included Alhaji Ade Akinyemi, former Chairman of Alimoso Local Council, Alhaji Lalusa, Akibu Shonibare, former Chairman of Ikeja Council, Alhaji Karimu Laka Orelope, and Pa Adeyinka Opeifa. The agitations of the foremost Awori leaders paved the way for the political rise of Prince Abeeb Farounbi as a commissioner in the Local Government Service Commission, Idiat Adebule as Commissioner in the Teaching Service Commision and Alhaji Muniru as a member of the Chieftaincy Standing Committee. Also, many Awori monarchs were elevated. The Osolo of osolo, the late Oba Disu Farounbi served as the Chairman of Lagos State Council of Chiefs.

    Jafojo was a prominent member of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group. He was the National Publicity of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) between 2000 and 2003 and National Vice Chairman (Southwest) between 2003 and 2004.

    Jafojo also held some chieftaincy titles. They included the Olota of Ikejaland, Eesorun of Orile-Agegeland and Asiwaju of Isolo.

  • Ex-deputy governor Jafojo’s remains buried

    Ex-deputy governor Jafojo’s remains buried

    •My dad lived well, says son

    •Jakande, Ajomale, others mourn 

    The remains of the first former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Rafiu Jafojo, were buried yesterday at his residence in Ikeja, Lagos at 3.15pm.

    Jofojo served in the Lateef Jakande administration from October 1, 1979 to December 31, 1983 during the Second Republic under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

    The funeral prayer was led by the Tesfir of Ikeja Central Mosque, Alhaji Addulafeez Ololagba.

    Jakande said the late Jafojo was a loyal deputy, who was committed to party affairs.

    “During our days, he was committed to service. He was a nice man, who gave his best to the people of Lagos. I am sure Lagos State and the country will miss him.”

    House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said the late Jafojo was one of the founding fathers of modern Lagos.

    He said: “His efforts in the Second Republic laid the solid foundation from which the Centre of Excellence has evolved and developed over the years.

    “Papa was a very patriotic Nigerian who was well known for his progressive pro-democratic idea and promoter of equity and justice.

    “Together with Alhaji Jakande and other members of the 1979-1983 class, they laid a solid foundation for the development and growth of the state,” he said.

    State APC Chairman Otunba Dele Ajomale said the deceased was a political strategist, whose immense contribution brought victory to the party, particularly in his domain at Ikeja.

    Ajomale said: “He excelled in his service to mankind. I pray that God will welcome him to His paradise.

    “ His death is going to affect us in so many ways unless we get grip of his followers.

    “We are not losing anything because he has made all arrangements for his supporters to remain with the APC.

    “We are grateful to God that he was able to do that for the party. We thank God for his life and for his achievements.

    “He and Papa Jakande opened positive impact on the poor people of Lagos that is why all the other governments have followed Jakande’s footsteps. They created the new Lagos.”

    APC chieftain Tajudeen Olusi said Jafojo was a great man. “He was loyal and hard working, a devoted public servant, who did his best for humanity, the country will definitely miss him because he was concerned about the development of humanity.”

    His son, Adewale, who is Obasa’s Chief of Staff, described the life of his father as a life well spent.

    Adewale said nobody wants to lose their parents or their loved ones even if they live more than 200 years on earth.

    Praising the late former deputy governor, he said the deceased has contributed his own part to the state’s development.

    At the occasion were Deputy Governor Mrs. Idiat Adebule, Deputy Speaker Wasiu Eshinlokun, former Deputy Governor Abiodun Ogunleye, Senator Bode Olajumoke, former Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Lanre Odubote, Commissioner for Environment Babatunde Adejare, Commissioner for Home Affairs AbdulHakeem Addulateef, Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business DistrictAgboola Dabiri, Deji Jakande, Tajudeen Durosimi-Etti, representative of the Oba of Lagos and others.

  • Jafojo, former Lagos deputy governor, dies at 80

    Jafojo, former Lagos deputy governor, dies at 80

    FORMER Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo is dead. He died yesterday at 80 after a brief illness.
    He is to be buried today at 2pm. He served as deputy to Alhaji Lateef Jakande on the return of the country to civil rule in 1979 to 83.
    Jakande, his former boss who was one of the first callers at the deceased home described him as “a loyal deputy” and praised for the repose of his soul.

  • Jafojo praises Buhari, Ambode

    Former Lagos State Deputy Governor Rafiu Jafojo has congratulated President-elect Muhammadu Buhari and Lagos State Governor-elect Akinwumi Ambode, describing their victory as a victory for democracy.

    He urged the people to support them in the arduous task of laying a new foundation for the country and the state, stressing that governance is a collective enterprise.

    Jafojo said ina statement in Lagos that the former military Head of State deserved a second chance because of his vision for a better Nigeria, where corruption, insecurity, unemployment and moral decadence will be a thing of the past.

    He added: “Governance will not be a tea party under Buhari. There is much work to do. I also pity him because if the rot he will meet on ground. he will inherit an ailing economy, a country confronted by insecurity, impatient citizens yearning for miracles. But, I know that he is capable of living up to expectation.”

    Jafojo advised the President-elect to conduct the affairs of the country as as a converted democrat. he said Buhari has to be firm and step in toes, if necessary, in the national interest.

    The former deputy governor said: “There is no room for business as usual. To effect a change in any society is not easy. Certain aspects of our life must change in the spirit of the new dawn. Nigerans must also not expect miracle overnight. They should support the government with advice, constructiuve criticisms and patience, knowing that the President-elect will make us of the mandate conferred on him to make a difference in governance.”

    Jafojo hailed Ambode for fighting a good fight, saying that it would have been disastrous for Lagos State, if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had won the governorship election.

    He saluted the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for his courage and resilience, adding that he has succeeded in leading the opposition to the promised land.

    Jafojo urged Ambode to rule with the fear of God, stressing that the onus is on him to build on the achievements of Asiwaju Tinubu and Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

    He added: “The progressive beat must continue in Lagos. Ambode has pedigree and antecedents. We know that he will live up to expectation. He must strive to surpass the achievements of the two men before him-Asiwaj Tinubu and Mr. Babatunde Fashola. He should rule with the fear of God.”