Opinion
BOLA TINUBU:Jolapamo, Ladojas’ Credentials, Struggle, Success
Barely a few months after the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential elections, there were several meetings of leaders of the resistance against military rule. Most such meetings did not take place in the open but in the confines of the homes of the core leaders of the struggle. One such place would be the home of Chief Abraham Adesanya on Douala Road in Apapa, Lagos. The rare opportunity I had was due to the involvement of Chief Isaac Jolapamo, who on many occasions would allow me to accompany him to Chief Adesanya’s house, even though I never participated in any of their deliberations. The house was a walking distance from Chief Jolapamao’s Morlap Shipping Office in Apapa. It was also a short walk from Chief Rashidi Ladoja’s shipping company. There would be many combinations of personalities on such occasions – academicians, politicians, economists, and analysts as they tried to chart the ways forward in hush tones. To date, I found the combination of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Isaac Jolapamo, and Chief Rashidi Ladoja.
Of this trio, Bola Tinubu was the youngest, while Chief Rashidi Ladoja was the oldest. In Yoruba land, you could tell the age disparity from the mode of greetings and how people address one another in a conversation. Chief Isaac Jolapamo would be the first to stretch his hand (In Yoruba land, the senior must stretch his hands first), and Bola Tinubu would approach the hand with a bow. Tinubu would refer to Chief Isaac Jolapamo as “Egbon” or “Egbon mi” – one hundred percent of the time. Chief Rashidi Ladoja would refer to Bola Tinubu as simply “Bola” just as he would refer to Chief Jolapamo simply as “Isaac.” Not just among the three, Bola Tinubu was relatively younger than most of the people whom I would see among these leaders in those early days of what was later known as the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). But you could tell he had the respect of others. His delivery was always clear, although he was not loquacious. You could tell that Bola Tinubu was made mostly of brain matter. At a point, I summoned the courage to ask Chief Jolapamo how he knew Bola Tinubu. His response was simply, “Aburo wa daadaa ni, ni Mobil” (“He was our good younger brother in Mobil.”). That is why I laugh when some people refer to Tinubu, for political reasons, as an old man and assign him ages based on whims, caprices, and unfounded speculations. How could he now be older than Chief Isaac Jolapamo (74) or Chief Rashidi Ladoja (78), when he was far younger than them in 1994? Funny enough, Chief Pious Akinyelure who hired Bola Tinubu at Mobil is Chief Jolapamo’s very close friend and age mate, as they grew up together working for Mobil. I know Chief Akinyelure, and I find it funny that no one ever said Bola Tinubu is older than Chief Pious Akinyelure. I guess Tinubu’s age issue is part of Politico Nigerians!
Bola Tinubu, Isaac Jolapamo, and Chief Rashidi Ladoja are first-class graduates of reputable Universities. Chief Rashidi Ladoja graduated First Class in Chemical Engineering from the University of Liege in Belgium. Chief Isaac Jolapamo graduated First Class in Mechanical Engineering from Jesus College, Cambridge University. Bola Tinubu graduated Magna Cum Laude (Equivalent of First Class) from Chicago State University in Accounting and Business Administration. All three worked with Mobil at high levels. Bola Tinubu resigned as a Treasurer. Isaac Jolapamo was a Ship Engineer, while Rashidi Ladoja was a Chemical Engineer with Mobil Oil, respectively. He held managerial positions before resigning to venture into Shipping, where he and Jolapamo became household names as leaders in the African Shipping industry.”
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was one of the most prominent faces of the pro-democracy struggle. He had his face and voice in establishing newspapers and magazines with the sole purpose of fighting the military government. Chief Rashidi Ladoja and Chief Isaac Jolapamo, on the other hand, were heavy funders of the NADECO both at home and abroad. The fact remains that, in 1994, only a few Nigerians were as genuinely and stupendously wealthy as Chief Rashidi Ladoja or Chief Isaac Jolapamo. They both had vessels that sailed African waters and ocean vessels, with offices in many parts of the world. They employed hundreds of people, in their shipping and other business lines. All the money you have, for which people refer to you as their ATM will likely not buy an anchor on one of Rashidi Ladoja’s vessels in 1994. I salute the courage of these two because their business of shipping is in the firm grasp of the Federal Government they were fighting, yet they put the interest of the nation ahead of theirs. Now, that is real courage!
Bola Tinubu, Isaac Jolapamo, and Rashidi Ladoja were all hounded into exile at the same time. Chief Jolapamo and Chief Rashidi Ladoja weren’t too prominent in overt confrontations with the military junta of Abacha, like Tinubu. They worked behind the curtains, simply donating their money, properties, and their first-class brains to the struggle. Everything was fine, or so we thought until Chief Rashidi Ladoja delivered a devastating speech (I believe during his birthday celebration in 1994), lambasted the military government of Abacha by giving the Supreme Military Council, SMC the ultimatum to return leadership to the people or face the consequences. This is someone the military wanted to roast, now he just rubbed oil on his body and played around with an active fire. The outburst was broadcast all over the media outlets as it was being delivered. Even if the military wasn’t sure of his position on the NADECO struggle, he just gave them a clue. They went for him immediately after he was done delivering his speech. But he escaped, under circumstances that could only be described as a miracle. Those of us under Chief Jolapamo only knew they were looking for Chief Jolapamo as well, when on the day after Chief Ladoja’s speech, heavily armed military men surrounded Morlap Shipping, barged into the office shouting, “Where is your Oga patapata!” They repeated this for a few more days in a row; luckily, Chief Jolapamo was nowhere to be found. We knew what happened to Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, and others under Abacha. You could therefore imagine our fears. We heaved a sigh of relief only after Mr. Matthew Oyebode, Morlap Shipping Administrative Director called everyone some days later and said, “Won o le ri Oga. Baba ati Chief Ladoja ti wa ni exile. Gbogbo yin, e lo man gbadura ki won o de layo. Ekun o ran nkankan. E je a maa dupe.” Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Jolapamo, and Chief Rashidi Ladoja did not return to Nigeria from exile until General Sanni Abacha died in 1998.
In 1999, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu became the Governor of Lagos. Among the first obstacles was the litigation against him and the Lagos State House of Assembly, when Festus Keyamo, now the State Minister of Labour sued to disqualify Tinubu from being sworn in as Governor. Femi Falana and Fred Agbaje were the key attorneys. I worked with Mr. Fred Agbaje and I can boastfully say I did an overwhelming part of the brief under Mr. Fred Agbaje on behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly. On occasions, Chief Jolapamo would sneak into the Ikeja High Court despite his hectic schedule. On many occasions, he would ask me to update him about the proceedings. After I updated him, he would simply tell me how he followed everything to validate my update to be accurate. He would end our conversation with a stern warning, “So fun Oga re, won o good yo Tinubu o.”
Fast-forward four years after, Chief Ladoja became the Governor of Oyo State. His key huddle was President Obasanjo and the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu. When he was unconstitutionally removed from office, he had succored from Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who himself was at the same time contending with that same President Olusegun Obasanjo. Both survived President Obasanjo’s onslaught. The exception is Chief Isaac Jolapamo, who would not touch politics with a mile-long pole. His only involvement would be when I became involved in active politics, and he had to solicit support for me with everything he has gotten, despite the challenges of age and his otherwise no so rosy perspective about Nigerian politics.
When Bola Tinubu was elected Nigerian President on February 25, 2023. I feel the trio of Chief Isaac Jolapamo, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu have all come to a full cycle in their struggle. As one of the beneficiaries of Chief Jolapamo, I had flashbacks of those days of their struggle and exile, when no one could have predicted they would be blessed to see one of them being sworn in as President of Nigeria a few hours from now. The first person I called to congratulate was Chief Jolapamo and by extension Chief Ladoja. The trio of Tinubu, Jolapamo, and Ladoja will always be valiant heroes to me. Now can breathe a sense of relief, seeing sunshine after those days of darkness in the tunnel. I count them as extremely lucky.
Barr. Wakil Oyeleru Oyedemi writes from the United States of America
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State stands on the edge of a consequential decision—one that may define not only its fortunes in Ibadan North Federal Constituency but also its broader political relevance in the state.
As the countdown to the party primaries intensifies, the question before APC leaders is no longer routine. It is strategic. It is urgent. And it is decisive: will the party align with the clear preference of the people or risk repeating costly political miscalculations?
At the centre of this debate is Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, widely known as Repete—a name that has, over time, evolved from a political identity into a grassroots phenomenon.
A Candidate Rooted in the People
In contemporary Nigerian politics, where voter awareness is rising and expectations are shifting, candidates are increasingly judged not by promises but by presence. On this scale, Adegboyega stands tall.
His political journey is marked by consistent engagement with constituents—far beyond the optics of election seasons. From youth empowerment initiatives that provide practical skills and startup support, to sustained interventions in healthcare access for the elderly and indigent, his footprint across Ibadan North reflects a model of leadership anchored on service.
Unlike the transactional approach that often defines political relationships, Adegboyega’s connection with the people appears organic—built on trust, accessibility, and continuity. These are not mere campaign attributes; they are political assets.
The Danger of Political Disconnect
History offers the APC a clear lesson: parties that ignore grassroots sentiment often pay a heavy electoral price. The imposition of candidates perceived as distant or untested has, in several instances, resulted in voter apathy, internal dissent, and eventual defeat at the polls.
Ibadan North presents no exception.
With opposition parties closely monitoring the APC’s internal dynamics, any misstep in candidate selection could provide a ready opening. A divided house, coupled with a candidate lacking widespread acceptance, is a formula the opposition is well-positioned to exploit.
The implication is straightforward: this is not merely about party loyalty; it is about electoral viability.
Echoes from the Grassroots
Across the length and breadth of Ibadan North—markets, motor parks, religious centres, and community gatherings—a consistent pattern emerges in political conversations. The name “Repete” resonates with familiarity and acceptance.
Such organic support is not easily manufactured. It is cultivated over time through visible impact and sustained presence. For a party seeking electoral certainty in a competitive environment, this level of grassroots validation is not just desirable—it is critical.
A Test of Leadership and Judgment
For the APC leadership in Oyo State, the moment calls for clarity of purpose. Decisions driven by narrow interests, personal alignments, or short-term calculations may carry long-term consequences.
The task, therefore, is to balance internal considerations with external realities. Elections are ultimately decided by voters, not by party caucuses. A candidate who commands public confidence offers the strongest pathway to victory.
The Stakes Are Clear
Ibadan North is too strategic a constituency for experimentation. The cost of error is not limited to a single seat; it extends to party cohesion, credibility, and future positioning within the state’s political landscape.
In this context, the argument for Adegboyega is less about sentiment and more about strategy. His visibility, acceptability, and record of engagement place him in a strong position to consolidate support and mobilise voters effectively.
Conclusion: A Choice with Consequences
As the APC moves closer to its primaries, the decision before it is both simple and significant: align with a candidate who reflects the mood of the electorate or risk conceding advantage to a watchful opposition.
In politics, moments such as this often separate foresight from hindsight.
For APC in Ibadan North, this may well be one of those defining moments.
Aderibigbe Akanbi, a political analyst, writes from Ibadan.
As the road to 2027 gradually unfolds across Oyo State, political conversations are shifting from routine permutations to deeper questions about competence, generational leadership, and measurable impact. In Ibarapa East, that conversation has found a new voice in Yusuf Abiodun Ramon — a Lanlate-born technocrat whose entry into the race for the State House of Assembly is redefining what representation could mean for the constituency.
In a political environment often dominated by familiar faces and conventional calculations, Ramon presents a profile shaped by technical discipline, structured thinking, and solution-driven engagement. His professional background, anchored in analytical precision and systems management, forms the foundation of his public service aspiration.
For him, representation must move beyond ceremonial presence to practical responsiveness — laws that reflect local realities, oversight that protects public resources, and advocacy that translates into visible development.
Ramon argues that the future of Ibarapa East lies in leadership that listens deliberately, plans strategically, and delivers measurably. He speaks of strengthening rural infrastructure, expanding youth-driven economic opportunities, and institutionalising transparency as core pillars of his agenda. In his view, governance must not merely be symbolic; it must be structured, accountable, and people-centred.
Rooted in Ile Odede, Isale Alubata Compound, Ward Seven of Ibarapa East Local Government, and maternally linked to Ile Sobaloju, Isale Ajidun Compound, Eruwa, Ramon’s story is not one of distant ambition but of lived experience. He is, in every sense, a son of the soil — shaped by the same roads, schools, and economic realities that define daily life in Ibarapa East.
“I was born here. I grew up here. I understand our struggles, our strengths, and our untapped potential,” he says. “Representation must go beyond occupying a seat; it must translate into preparation, competence, and genuine commitment to development.”
His academic journey mirrors that philosophy of steady growth. He began at Islamic Primary School, Lanlate (1995–2001), proceeded to Baptist Grammar School, Orita Eruwa (2001–2007), and later earned a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, between 2009 and 2011. Refusing to plateau, he advanced his intellectual horizon and is now completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Lagos. “Education,” he reflects, “is continuous capacity building. Leadership today requires both technical knowledge and administrative insight.”
That blend of engineering precision and managerial training has defined a professional career spanning more than a decade. Shortly after his diploma, Yusuf joined Mikano International Limited as a generator installer, gaining hands-on experience in industrial power systems — a sector central to Nigeria’s infrastructural backbone. He later transitioned into telecommunications at Safari Telecoms Nigeria Limited, where he received specialized training in Industrial, Scientific, and Medical radio bands, strengthening his expertise in network operations.
In 2013, he became a Field Support Engineer at Netrux Global Concepts Ltd., then a leading ISM service provider in Nigeria. Over four formative years, he immersed himself in telecom infrastructure deployment and maintenance, mastering field coordination, logistics management, and real-time technical problem-solving.
Since July 2017, he has served as a Field Support Engineer with Specific Tools and Techniques Ltd., a power solutions firm providing services to major operators including MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria. In that capacity, he operates at the frontline of ensuring energy reliability and network uptime — responsibilities that demand discipline, accountability, and systems thinking.
For political observers in Ibarapa East, this trajectory matters. It reflects more than résumé credentials; it speaks to a mindset anchored in efficiency, coordination, and measurable outcomes — qualities increasingly demanded in legislative representation.
Beyond the private sector, Ramon’s political exposure is neither sudden nor superficial. A loyal member of the progressive political family in Lagos, he once served as a personal assistant to a former lawmaker, gaining practical insight into legislative procedure and constituency engagement. Within his community, he has quietly extended financial support to small-scale entrepreneurs and students — modest but consistent interventions rooted in personal responsibility.
“My interest is my people,” he states firmly. “Ibarapa East deserves strategic, responsive, and capable leadership at the State Assembly. We must move from rhetoric to results.”
Across the constituency — from Lanlate to Eruwa — development priorities remain clear: youth employment, vocational empowerment, rural road rehabilitation, stable power supply, agricultural value-chain expansion, improved educational standards, and stronger lawmaking that directly reflects community needs.
Political analysts argue that Ramon’s technocratic background positions him uniquely at the intersection of policy formulation and practical implementation. At a time when national discourse increasingly favours competence over grandstanding, his profile resonates with a broader generational shift toward performance-driven governance. His engineering discipline reinforces problem-solving; his business training strengthens administrative understanding; his grassroots roots anchor his empathy.
For Ibarapa East, the 2027 election cycle may represent more than a routine democratic exercise. It may mark a recalibration of expectations — a demand for representation that understands both the soil beneath its feet and the systems that drive modern development. As political alignments gradually crystallize in Oyo State, Yusuf Abiodun Ramon’s declaration signals the arrival of a candidate seeking to translate private-sector structure into public-sector impact.
One thing is clear: the conversation about the future of Ibarapa East has begun — and it is now framed around competence, credibility, and capacity.
Oluwasegun Idowu sent in this piece from Eruwa, Ibarapa East LG, Oyo State
“In a sky where delays are normal, one airline flies with precision and trust. Ibom Air shows that reliability can be a strategy”.
In Nigeria’s skies, where flight delays and cancellations are often taken as routine, Ibom Air has quietly rewritten the rules. From the moment it launched in June 2019, the Akwa Ibom State–owned carrier has treated reliability not as a bonus, but as a core strategy—turning punctuality, discipline, and operational excellence into a competitive edge that passengers can count on.
While most airlines chase rapid expansion or flashy promotions, Ibom Air has chosen consistency. Flights depart on schedule, disruptions are minimal, and communication with passengers is clear and timely. This predictability has quickly earned the airline a loyal following among business travellers, professionals, government officials, and families for whom time is invaluable.
The airline’s approach is methodical. Every flight is treated as a commitment, and operational decisions are guided by structured planning, not improvisation. This discipline underpins everything from scheduling to fleet management, ensuring passengers experience flying without surprises.
Central to this model is Ibom Air’s modern fleet. Its Airbus A220-300 and Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft are fuel-efficient, comfortable, and rigorously maintained to meet both manufacturers’ specifications and the regulatory standards of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and international aviation bodies. Safety here is a culture, not a compliance exercise.
Cabin cleanliness and aircraft health are equally prioritized. Passengers consistently step into neat, hygienic, and professionally maintained cabins, reinforcing confidence and comfort even before take-off. In a sector where small details signal operational quality, Ibom Air’s standards speak volumes.
Technology quietly drives reliability across operations. From booking and check-in to flight coordination and customer service, modern systems enhance efficiency, reduce disruptions, and ensure smooth communication. These tools allow the airline to anticipate challenges rather than merely react.
R–L: Dr. Solomon Oroge, a consultant, and Mr. Idowu Ayodele, journalist and media practitioner, aboard an Ibom Air flight.
Service delivery follows the same disciplined pattern. Pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff operate under strict professional standards. Courtesy is paired with efficiency, and calm, structured service ensures passengers feel confident throughout their journey.
The Ibom Flyer loyalty programme reflects this structured approach, rewarding consistent passengers and fostering long-term engagement. It turns reliability into a tangible benefit for frequent flyers.
From its hub at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Ibom Air serves major Nigerian cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Enugu, while extending its reach to West Africa with flights to Accra, Ghana. Expansion is deliberate, prioritizing sustainability over rapid growth that could compromise service quality.
Measured growth allows the airline to maintain operational excellence and service consistency even as demand increases—a strategy that contrasts sharply with competitors whose rapid expansion often strains resources.
Mr. Idowu Ayodele, journalist and media practitioner, pictured inside an Ibom Air aircraft.
Beyond commercial success, Ibom Air has become a national example. It has created employment, stimulated tourism, and strengthened regional connectivity, projecting a positive image of Nigerian aviation at a time when confidence in the sector is often fragile.
The airline has also challenged assumptions about government-owned enterprises. By combining professional management with operational autonomy, it demonstrates that public investment can achieve efficiency, accountability, and competitiveness.
Reliability, in the case of Ibom Air, is than a promise—it is a deliberate business philosophy. It shapes operations, informs decisions, and builds passenger trust consistently.
Technology, discipline, and attention to detail converge to produce an airline that works. Every element, from fleet maintenance to cabin service, supports the promise that Ibom Air delivers what it advertises—without surprises.
In a market where uncertainty has been the norm, Ibom Air has shown that consistency can be a strategic advantage. Passengers no longer fly with anxiety; they fly with confidence, knowing their schedules will hold and service will meet expectations.
Ultimately, Ibom Air is not just an airline—it is a model of operational excellence in Nigerian aviation. By prioritizing reliability over spectacle, discipline over improvisation, and planning over shortcuts, it sets a benchmark for the industry and a standard for passengers: in the skies, predictability is priceless
Idowu Ayodele – Journalist, Ibadan, Oyo State
0805 889 3736 | megaiconpress@gmail.com
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