•OGUN House Of Reps Member (Attacker)
When politicians speak about those who shaped their careers, it’s often with a deep sense of gratitude. That was exactly the tone with which Hon. Adesegun Abdul-Majid Adekoya, popularly known as Ataka, used when he spoke about his political journey. In this interview, the former Ogun Rep member opened up about the man he credits for giving him his big break in politics—Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel. He also shared his thoughts on the push for Ijebu State, and his identity beyond politics. Here’s what he had to say:
Before we go to some national issues, I want to ask, how would you describe the celebration today?
When you see the array of big men, the number of vehicles that are parked there, you will know that this my brother, is a wonderful brother. If you look at how this place is filled up considering that today is Saturday, and people are fasting, if people can find time to attend, then that person is very important and key.
He is a nice guy, he is a politician, he bears no grudge whether you belong to this party or that party, it is none of his business, he is a good brother.
Now, if you are to weave words together, as you said in the meeting, what words will you use to describe the celebrant?
I can only wish Otunba Fatai Sowemimo a long life without disease, a long life without trouble, a long life with plenty of peace of mind. I wish him all the best, and I pray he continues to do what he knows to do his best.
Coincidentally, the senator representing Ogun east, that’s Senator Gbenga Daniel, will be celebrating his birthday tomorrow. He will be 68, I guess, by tomorrow. So how would you react to that?
It is like you asking me if I drop meat in my mouth, how would it get to my stomach? You are mentioning a big name, somebody that means a lot to somebody like me. He made me, I can never forget so quickly. He made me commissioner, local government service commissioner. In his own wisdom, he made me commissioner for local government and chieftaincy. In the same government, he made me commissioner for works. If you know the importance of the key ministries, local government and chieftaincy, and works, there is no way I can write my history without him.
The moment I introduce myself and say, “I was an 8 years commissioner in Ogun State,” people begin to think that man must be very powerful. And guess what? Who did it? It was OGD that made that possible. I love the man, I always wish him all the best, because he has gotten almost everything God has destined every human being to have. So I wish him long life and prosperity.
Do you see Ijebu State as a reality?
Honestly, I don’t see anything wrong. I don’t see how we will not achieve Ijebu State. Ijebu State is very, very possible. Ijebu State should be the newest state. It is possible because, one, for not granting us Ijebu State, it is a disservice, it is unfair to the Ijebu nation.
In 1960, when the Europeans were leaving, they left us with 24 provinces. Ijebu was one of them. And today, Sokoto was a province—they have three states now. Adamawa was a province. Today, they have so many states from Adamawa. Oyo was a province—they have two states now. Ondo province has two states today. Only the Ijebu province remains unchanged.
In the process, it means the whole Sokoto province has three federal universities, three Federal Polytechnics, three federal colleges of education, three federal medical centers. Whereas Ijebu, until now that the Olodode himself granted the elevation and the takeover of TASWEG, the Ijebu province has no federal tertiary institution of any sort.
So we deserve it in all ramifications, economically, educationally. In fact, when you talk of which of the states that will be, I’m seeing Ijebu State to follow Lagos and Rivers in terms of revenue, in terms of buoyancy.
We have the oil. We have 60% of bitumen deposit in Nigeria—it is in Ijebu, in Ijebu East area. We have oil in Waterside. The deepest portion in the lagoon is in Ijebu—that is in Oloko land. The deepest natural depth, twice the depth of Tin Can Island, is in Ijebu.
We have several universities here. We have several polytechnics in Ijebu. We have everything you could think of that a state may need or deserve.
For the benefit of our audience, I know you are Ataka, you are a commissioner, and I also remember you are a hunter. Now can you please tell our audience who you are, your name, sir.
Thank you very much again. My name is Omoba Adesegun Abdul-Majid Adekoya. A Right Honourable Member. I was in the House of Representatives for eight years, and I was a principal officer. I am the Aremo of Ago Woye, God willing, and the Babasó of Ijebu Igbo. Thank you very much.
Promise Babatunde