Ojelabi: 65 Garlands to a Political Enigma

Eniola Opeyemi writes about the political relevance of the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Hon Cornelius Ojelabi, as he clocks 65.

t is Dale Carnegie who once said: “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seems to be no hope”.

The above quote aptly describes Hon. Cornelius Oyefolu Ojelabi, who clocks 65 today.

 And where do I begin and how best can I describe this personality with a Midas touch? A manager of men, an astute leader, a father, a trail blazer, politician, a servant of the Most High, and an inspiration to younger generation, all rolled into one.

Many who had crossed his path are left with everlasting memories of his simplicity and large heart.  This man of vision is a living testimony of how faith, optimism, determination, hardwork, and resilience could get a man to the crescendo of his dreams.

Ojelabi’s grass to grace story could well be likened to the Biblical quote: “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? (St. John 1:46). From the backwater of Ese-Ofin in the riverine neigbourhood in Ojo Local Govrenment of Lagos State, this son of a peasant farmer leapt, and subsequently took the world by storm.

Through sheer determination and doggedness, Ojelabi sprang from darkness to national prominence.

Unlike many, Ojelabi did not have the luxury of being born with a silver spoon. His family was neither rich nor poor.  The fourth in a family of six, his parents were contented and lived within their means, providing modestly for their children. They were also a staunch believer in the Nigeria project; although, his father who is now late, did not witness the Nigeria of his dream.

Nevertheless, they imbued in Ojelabi, that hope of a new Nigeria which he currently holds in his palm in his current designation as the Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) in Lagos State. Overall, what stood Ojelabi and his siblings out were virtues which their parents bequeathed to them.

Thankfully, Ojelabi came from a very religious Christian home. The Holy-Bible says: “Do not be deceived, evil communication corrupts good manners…(1 Corinthians 15:33-34)”.

As a lad, Ojelabi had learned to shield himself from bad companies. This significantly contributed to his strong moral and religious background. Therefore, what this celebrator could not enjoy in terms of financial means, he gained in moral endowment. And so it was against this background, this sexagenarian began his career.

As a lad, he had lived with his Uncle Mr. T.O. Ojelabi who was a teacher. Unfortunately for him, the consistent transfer of his uncle from one school to another within the then Egun-Awori district made him a ‘locomotive’ as he too constantly migrated from one school to another. He had to paddle a canoe back and forth from his base to Salvation Army School, Bolgo and Ibeshe town between 1974 to 1979 where he eventually wrapped up his primary education.  Thereafter he proceeded to Awori College, in Ojo for his secondary education between 1974 and 1979. In his quest for higher education, he gained admission to the Lagos State University (LASU) where he bagged a Bachelor Degree in History and International Relations.

In his formative years, Ojelabi was schooled to do things impeccably. To him, what is worth doing at all is worth doing well.

Therein he began to understand inspiration, aspiration and perspiration as the bedrock of life.  Thankfully too, his strong moral background spurred him on, helping him to differentiate between industry and indolence as a window to either success or failure; Ojelabi chose the former. His religious background similarly opened his eyes to the pre-eminence of God and the need to take Him first in everything. 

As a person who had tasted the rough and tough aspect of life, this made him strong-willed and independent-minded.  Yet, he did not allow this sour episode to alter his approach to life or his relationship with whoever fate destined on his path. Il

If anything, his experience during his growing years further toughened his desire to succeed. Ojelabi soon realised that one’s background had little or nothing to do in one’s pursuit of greatness. This realisation was to further make him tighten his belt with a stronger resolve to take the bull by the horns.

Armed with his dream, Ojelabi, in his teenage years, worked as a potter, helping buyers carry their loads at open markets.

At weekend, he would beg to work as a labourer in people’s farmland, albeit for a pittance. Those kind of undertaking, no doubt, were drudgery, energy-sapping and often thankless; yet Ojelabi remained frugal, sustaining himself with the paltry he got from his sweats.

Also as a young adult, Ojelabi took keen interest in serving in God’s vineyard. From the beginning, he was nick-named “Church-boy” – as he willingly surrendered himself to cleaning the church pews and altar.

Ojelabi later joined the choristers, and then usher, including a few other portfolios until he became a Sunday School Teacher at the Cherubim and Seraphim Society.

Through his dedication to service, this sexagenarian was later to be ordained as a pastor. He thereafter rose through the ranks to become a Senior Apostle in C&S, combining his spiritual calling and professional duty without allowing one to affect the other.

Although Ojelabi began his career with the School Management Committee in Ojo where he worked between 1980 to 1996; yet he had always nursed the desire to serve his people, something that led him into politics.

He began his political sojourn with the Unity Party of Nigeria (now defunct) and drew inspiration from a foremost politician in Awori land, Chief Richard Afolabi Ege.

In 1997, he threw his hat into the ring contesting for the chairmanship position of Ojo Local Government under the platform of Grassroot Democratic Movement. Ojelabi won with a landslide! His administration was to witness a cascade of achievements including the establishment of the first day care centre in Ojo, health centre, public library, Ojo Ventures, the first Magistrate Court, as well as initiating the 3-in-1 lecture theater in LASU, to mention but a few.

Nevertheless, his tenure was short-lived when the then Head of State cum maximum ruler, General Sanni Abacha suddenly died. Nevertheless, that was not enough to deter this distinguished son of Awori land from serving his people. In 2003, he was appointed the first executive secretary of the then newly created Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area. Ojelabi was to later contest as the chairman of Oto/Awori Local Council Development Area and emerged victorious. His victory, nonetheless, was anchored on his track record in leadership and grassroots development.

Ojelabi has recorded some accomplishments in his political career. For instance, he is a founding member of the Alliance for Democracy in Ojo Local Government in 1998, where he equally served as a state party delegate in 2003. 

Further, Ojelabi has served in various capacities such as: Member; Afeniferere Justice Group; Secretary, Conference of Chairmen of Local Government in Lagos State; and Secretary, Badagry Forum.

In 2007, Ojelabi was elected a lawmaker, representing Ojo Federal Constituency at the National Assembly. While in the green Chamber, this true son of Lagos functioned in various committees of the House where he shone like a million stars.

Further, Ojelabi was a former Commissioner for Rural Development, a portfolio he administered with finesse, introducing lofty initiatives such as rural transformation projects; rejuvenation of the Neighborhood Watch; provision of rural water and sanitation system; opening up rural roads; and provision of rural jetties, among several others.

A keen sportsman, Cornelius is not just good at playing table tennis; he also encourages youths to toe his path too.

His pet project, Ojelabi Foundation, has seen him bankroll the Omoluabi Biennial Secondary School Table Tennis Championship in his constituency.

This initiative has produced numerous talents that are currently representing the state at national competitions.

This is coupled with grants and scholarships he gives from time to time particularly to his mentees. This perhaps explains why he is referred to as “Baba Ewe by colleagues, back then.

Surely, as a long-standing associate of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), one would not be wrong calling him a Comrade-Teacher.

Many might think Ojelabi’s esteemed positions would make him lose touch with his friends. Never! The quintessential leader usually creates time to unwind, particularly with his friends of many years. He is currently the President, Supreme League of Friends; Chairman, United Club of Awori; and President, Awori Progressive Union. He was also the former Chairman of Awori College Old Students Association. 

Undeniably, such an intimidating wealth of experience garnered over two decades endowed him with the requisite technical know-how across all strata of administration.

This perhaps explains why the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State engaged him as the party’s chairman in the year 2021 in order to ensure intra-party crisis are resolved to put the party on a winning path. 

Ojelabi’s emergence as APC’s helmsman was at a time the party was at a crossroad while many pundits had predicted that its death was just a matter of time. But this quintessential leader proved critics wrong!

It was no surprise then that since his coming on board as the third chairman of APC in Lagos State, it has definitely not been business as usual. Ojelabi deployed his experience to stabilise the party and ensuring victory at every poll.

Today, in appreciation of his ingenuity, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi is the Deputy Chairman of the Committee of APC Chairmen in Nigeria.

One thing that stands out this sexagenarian is his proactiveness cum ability to run an all-inclusive administration. Permit me to take you down memory lane. Prior to the build-up to the 2023 general elections, there were pressures from various political camps yearning to get the nod of the party.

However, at various meetings of the state working committee including other caucus meetings Ojelabi had stamped down his feet, reiterating that party primaries was sacrosanct. He further emphasised that the then forthcoming primary would be open and democratic. “Let all aspirants go to the primaries, whoever wins get the ticket and we won’t alter any result,” he had said.

With this, primaries were conducted under a free and fair atmosphere. The exercise was well managed to the satisfaction of every contender and their supporters.

As a close aide, I have come to the understanding that managing a political party in a state as mega as Lagos requires more energy, time, intelligence, tact, and prayers to succeed.

From all indications, the Lagos APC Chairman possesses all these virtues.

But beyond this nonetheless, he exemplifies consistency and sacrifice to douse tensions whenever they arise.Aside his duty to the party, Ojelabi oftentimes challenge those entrusted with power to live up to their responsibility.

I could recall a scenario-I was with him in his car. We just bumped into a road littered with potholes along Isheri junction. Promptly, my Boss put a call through to the General Manager of Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC), Lateef Ayodele Somide, drawing his attention to the despicable state of that portion of the road, and asking Somide to immediately deploy his men fix it. That is Ojelabi for you!

An unknown author says: “No one is going to hand me success. I must go and get it myself. That’s why I’m here to dominate, to conquer both the world and myself”.

The world, like this author, did not hand Ojelabi success. He plunged into it. Toiled and endured every obstructions on his path to become an exemplary personality whose lifetime serves as a springboard to whoever desires success via perseverance and dedication.

I can go on and one but time and space will not allow me to admonish this political icon and a son that Lagos State can always be proud of any day.

As you roll out the drum in celebration of your three scores and a half today, I once again serenade you. I join thousands of admirers and party members to wish this man of integrity whose timeless input into leadership, politics, and service to humanity, is second to none.

May the latter part of your life be far greater than the former. I pray that God Almighty continue to grant you longer life and in sound health so that you can continue to be useful in your service in God’s vineyard, politics, and fatherland.

-Opeyemi writes from Lagos.