There’s is no doubt that Dr Adebisi Adeola Banjo, the immediate past Chairman of Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), is an individual who values the impacts of fellow human beings in his life, and is always ready to show appreciation for every kind gesture extended to him.
Shortly after he left office after spending about 10 years in office, he deemed it necessary to show appreciation to those he considered to have given critical support and contributed immensely to the success of his administration. To achieve this, he resolved to embark on a marathon ‘Thank You Visits’ to traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders across lkorodu division, to express his heartfelt appreciation to them.
Before he kicked off the visitations, he had a special appreciation meeting with various media practitioners in Ikorodu, to equally express his appreciation to them for their contributions to his impactful administration, through constant projections of his programmes, activities and projects.
At the event, which was held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the former Chairman expressed his appreciation to the media practitioners for their support throughout his years in office, stating that they were his support system in projecting his administration.
He emphasized that he did not take the support and contributions of the men and women of the Forth Estate of the Realm for granted, adding that the get-together underscored the importance he attached to his relationship with them.
Also at the event, Dr Banjo announced plans to embark on a thank-you visitation to various stakeholders among which are traditional rulers, political leaders, public office holders, and other important personalities in Ikorodu Division and beyond.
He explained that the purpose of the visitation was to appreciate them for their unwavering support for him during his over almost a decade of serving Ikorodu North LCDA.
At gathering were Publishers and representatives of prominent media houses in lkorodu division among whom were Abdulrahaman Ajasa, CEO of Ajasa-Info; Shakiru Seidu, CEO of Mega Expression; Kunle Adelabu, CEO of Impact Newspaper; Niyi Soyebo, CEO of News Extremist; Toyosi Eromona, representing Ikorodu News Network, Alhaji Muftau, Editor, Oriwu Sun Newspaper, and Adewale Araba CEO Laroyal Global News.
Meanwhile, in fulfillment of his plans to embark on appreciation visit to critical stakeholders in lkorodu division, Dr Banjo set out for the visitations on Friday, August 15, in the company of a large entourage, including his loyalists as well as aides and political office holders who served in his administration. Among them were Mrs. Lydia Agoro (former Supervisor for Education), Prince Niyi Odugbesi (immediate past SLG), Mr. Abiodun Banjo (immediate past Chief of Staff), Hon. Ayo Adekoya (two-term Leader of the Legislative House), Hon. Aderoju Ashally (immediate past Majority Leader), Hon. Olakanmi Sheriff Tijani (immediate past Councillor, Ward E2), Hon. Ambali Adeleke (immediate past Supervisor for Works).
Others are Hon. Basirat Babatunde-Adewunmi (immediate past Supervisor for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation and former Deputy Executive Secretary), Mr. Kehinde Azeez (CSO of Ikorodu North LCDA), women leaders of all five wards in Ikorodu North LCDA, Mr. Babatunde Amakaiye Olowu, and Mr. Michael Newman.
Among the first set of people he visited were the Apex Leader of the APC, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya, former Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives and Hon. Lanre Balogun, former Lagos State Commissioner for Rural Development.
Speaking at each of the placed visited, Dr Banjo stated that the APC chieftains were the pillars of his administration’s successes in the last 8 years hence the need to show appreciationto tyem for their unwavering support.
“In the corridors of leadership, there were moments, when strength faltered, when vision was blurred, and when the winds of challenge blew without mercy. In those moments, I found not only my footing but my compass in your steady gaze, and in the unwavering hands of those we all recognize and acknowledge as the living testaments of honour in Ikorodu’.
“Ten years ago, I was sent forth, not in my own name, but under the banner of service. The river of responsibility could have swept me away, yet it was your watchful eyes that guided my strokes and your enduring belief that kept me afloat. When the call returned, you did not merely endorse my service, you affirmed my purpose. And when the tides swelled again, threatening to overrun the shore, you became the walls that would not crumble.
“And as I now look back, I carry not just memories of battles fought and victories won… but the sacred knowledge that I was shaped, refined, and steadied by a generation that understood that the highest calling of a leader is to leave the path clearer for those who come next’’.
Dr Banjo also assured of his continued loyalty to the party, its leaders and ideals.
“And so, having had the privilege to serve, I took my bow from office, but not from the journey. Let it be said that though I stepped down from position, I did not step back from purpose. Standing, serving, working, and walking with a group of like minds whose sole resolve is to ensure that the best of us shall define the rest of us politically, economically, and artistically, I am still here delivering the commands of our elders’’.
In their respective responses, the apex leaders commended Dr Banjo for deeming it fit to pay them the Thank You visit, while also speaking glowingly about his performance as council Chairman, his amiable personality and background.
The visit also featured presentations of a big frame, carrying their portraits, to each of the party chieftains, in demonstration of his appreciation and respect for them.
The thank you visitation train trudged on on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as Dr Banjo and his entourage visited Oba Kabiru Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu and Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, for Minister of Works and a member of the Governor’s Advisory Committee (GAC, Lagos State, to equally show his appreciation for the support they availed him while in office.
Dr Banjo, while speaking at the Ayangbure palace, extolled Oba Shotobi as a living symbol of tradition, custodian of heritage, and a fountain of dignity for the Ikorodu people.
He pledged his loyalty to what he termed the ‘Edge Rate Creed’ which, according to him, emphasizes resilience, resourcefulness, and readiness in governance.
In his formal address, the former council boss described the Oba Shotobi as a bridge between generations and a beacon of hope for Ikorodu.
“Kabiyesi, Your Imperial Majesty, Father of Our Destiny, we bow our heads today in reverence, not only before the throne you occupy, but before the light you embody…
“You are not only the custodian of the stool; you are the father of our confidence and the guardian of our hope… For ten luminous years upon the throne, a decade not marked merely by time but crowned with vision, courage, and fatherhood. Though, I have taken my bow from office, Kabiyesi, I do not step away from service.
“May your reign continue to flourish like a river without end, and may your glory shine like a sun that knows no setting. Àṣẹ! Àmín!”
In his royal response, Oba Shotobi lauded Banjo’s foresight and service, particularly citing the construction of a modern legislative chamber in Ikorodu North LCDA as a landmark achievement under his administration.
He re-emphasised his prayer for Ikorodu to produce the next Governor of Lagos State, and wished Banjo success in his future endeavours.
Also speaking briefly, Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya praised Banjo for completing his tenure without blemish or investigation, describing him as a model of integrity.
He urged Banjo and other leaders to contribute meaningfully to the vision for Ikorodu’s future.
After leaving Ayangbure palace, the visitation team moved to the Igbogbo home of Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, where Dr Banjo and team were warmly received by the APC chieftain and his supporters, amidst songs and dance.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Banjo expressed profound gratitude to the elder statesman for his mentorship and support throughout his years in office.
He described the senator as a fountain of wisdom and a dependable guide, stressing that greatness is not defined by political positions but by loyalty, integrity, and service to humanity.
In his response, Senator Ogunlewe commended Banjo’s service record, attributing it to his discipline and moral upbringing.
He prayed for Banjo’s elevation to greater heights and, in appreciation of his contributions, while he presented him with a prestigious Award of Recognition on behalf of TMM, Ikorodu Division.
In her own remarks, Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Adebimpe Akinsola, former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and ex-Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, hailed Banjo’s humility and consistency, recalling her admiration for his leadership since his tenure as Executive Secretary of Ikorodu North LCDA.
She commended him for setting a noble precedent by appreciating leaders and supporters even after leaving office.
Others in attendance at the two visits were His Royal Highness, Oba Bamgbose, the Olumushin of Mushin Chief Wasiu Layembi Oyenuga, Olotu Lasunwon Ruling House, Hon. Iyiola Abiodun, Hon. Bashiru Dangote, as well as TMM Coordinators across Ikorodu Division, and several grassroots political leaders.
Banjo was accompanied by a strong entourage of past appointees and associates who served with him during his nearly decade-long leadership of Ikorodu North LCDA