Recently Asiwaju (Hon) Adeyinka Mafe hosted a team of young youths from Olabisi Onabanjo University in a solidarity meeting. The team was led by Shofoyeke Adeniyi, the Immediate Past SUG President of OOU, minutes after the meeting, the Barrister at Law granted a brief interview with RemoVanguard where he expressed his mind on issues, particularly politics were clarified. Here below are excerpts from the interview.
RemoVanguard: Good afternoon Asiwaju Mafe, what can you say about the recent Ogun LG/LCDA Elections?
AYM: To God be the glory, our party; the APC emerged victorious across all LGs and LCDAs, that was a litmus test to the strength which our party, the APC has been built on over time. Our victory at the polls is an indication that the people of Ogun State have made their fair assessment and made the best decision. To God Almighty be the glory.
RemoVanguard: You have just concluded a brief meeting with a number of youths, can we have a brief insight into the purpose of this meeting?
AYM: (Smiles) Well, it wasn't a meeting as you may think, it was just me trying to create time for my brothers for a brief discussion as I usually do. As you all know, I am a youth and at all times I am surrounded by youths, particularly those younger than me. Anyway, today we just had a brief discussion about the affairs of governance generally. More so we are hoping to bring together more of our students and also we discussed issues relating to revamp of the Federation of Remo Students, so it was more like a family meeting.
RemoVanguard: Is this in connection with an ongoing speculation of your aspiration to represent Remo in the House of Reps in 2019?
AYM: Well, as I speak with you, I have never declared such ambition publicly, however, it isn't wrong or criminal for a politician to be ambitious. If the opportunity to serve my people in that capacity presents itself, I am absolutely ready to take it up, but for now, let's take a chill and observe how events unfold. I won't deny having an interest in serving our people in a larger platform.
RemoVanguard: Thus far, what have you been able to achieve has a two-term member of the Ogun State House of Assembly?
AYM: To God be the glory for that, and again I'll like to sincerely appreciate the people of my constituency for the trust, faith and mandate they have reposed in me consecutively. Thus far, in Emuren, we have been able to donate an Ultramodern town hall as demanded by the community, in Ogijo, we have erected a few blocks of classroom in one of the overpopulated primary schools, in Sagamu particularly, we have been able to facilitate the upgrading and expansion of the Akarigbo Rd as it connects to Coca Cola/Kara Junction. That is just a few in addition to the several things we have done and put in place which time will make me unable to highlight in summation here. Above all, glory be to God, we haven't fared badly.
RemoVanguard: Recently your wife had her birthday, how do you combine your political duties and activities with family?
AYM: Thanks, being a young man that I am, it is actually very challenging. However, its a mixed grill of God's faithfulness and intensity hardwork. I keep thanking God for blessing me with such a wife, he who finds a wife has surely found a good thing. From day one till today she has always been the pillar if the family, a true mother to the children and even I myself. If not for her, I cannot imagine what I'd be doing at the moment or where I'd be at the moment....
RemoVanguard: (cuts in) Where's she from?
AYM: She's from Ode Remo in Remo North Local Government....oh! Now Remo North East LCDA. Soon she'll be launching a foundation for widows and the aged, its her initiative and with my absolute support. Soon the foundation will kickoff in from her hometown; Ode Remo, and thereafter other communities in every other LCDA and LG.
RemoVanguard: Asiwaju, you are a Barrister with Masters Degree in same profession, also you had you chambers in the U.K before relocating, why did you decide to dive into the murky waters of politics?
AYM: It took several days of thoughts and consideration and even close consultation with my immediate family. I have always been a ghetto-boy all my life, an indigene of Emuren in Sagamu, born in Warri where I had my basic education and thereafter UNIBEN where I had my Bachelor's degree, Ll.B, obviously, been able to do all of that was purely a sign of God's grace and providence. Hence, there was a natural assignment for me to do unto others as God Almighty has done for me, that can be described as the primary reason for service. You call it politics but I see it as pure service. Furthermore, I took a close look at the profession which I practice, of course I was or perhaps I had been getting fantastically comfortable, but then how many people in Emuren, my hometown, could have access to three square meals...at that time. How many people in other places too can boast of being comfortable? Hence, that was a clarion call for me, that was another reason for me to serve. In another way, we have had several men at the bar before me from time immemorial, they have all lived and gone with only few marks...only records at the bar, but I had to be different. I think serving my people with bring me more honour and even more grace if you understand. Anyway, serving the people, being a voice for them has always been a passion for me and am thankful for the privilege that my constituency has issued to me, thus far, I haven't let them down, at every call I have been swift to response and will always be.
RemoVanguard: Is it true that you're a socialite? How do you unwind?
AYM: Every human is a socialite (smiles), well at best, I try to play around the house with my beautiful children, have them hop on me and the usual dad-children play. At times when I get home, one of my sons will ask me "are you the 'daddy or the mummy'?" That's because they barely see me during school days (Monday-Friday), therefore every moment am lucky to share with them, I ensure its 100% fun and that's how I unwind. If I've answered you rightly.
Also, I hope you're aware my wife owns Tenth Planet Hotel and Suites in Ayepe Rd, Sagamu. It is a grand home of hospitality which has an adjoining Exclusive Lounge, usually I go there to relax and have fun too...you can be my guest next weekend (smiles).
RemoVanguard: Finally, what are you interested in towards 2019?
AYM: You are back with same question (smiles), well, like I said earlier on, am an ambitious young man, and I hope to always represent and serve our people in whatever capacity they deem me fit to serve them in. If am considered capable of representing Remo People in the Green Chamber in 2019, who am I to object? Of course I'll do so with much gratitude. However, let's wait and see how things will work out.
Removanguard: Its nice sharing this moment with you, we wish you the very best in your subsequent endeavors. Your last words sir?
AYM: I must appreciate you for finding time to seek my views. Thanks you God bless you and all yours, and may God bless everyone out there. Thank you
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