(A Creative Mind, A Dogged Fighter and a Man Full of Love)
By Pastor Jibola Olarinoye
If you have two friends in your lifetime, you're lucky and If you have one good friend, you're more than lucky." (S.E. Hinton) This proverbs best suit my one and only friend, AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM a.k.a Omoatitebi
Let me start my article with another popular adage which says how me your friend and I will tell you whom you are and Before I hit the nail running about my friend let me quickly tell you how I meet AJAGBE and what I found so unique and beautiful about him that motivated me to pencil down this article about him and his 2027 House of Assembly Aspiration.
I came to knew AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM foundly called OMOATITEBI as a course mate via the department of mass communication at the prestigious Lagos State Polytechnic, now Lagos State University of Technology, ikorodu campus, honestly then, I told him he will be among those who will rule this country because I saw his foot print then connotes a leadership style, I no him all for many side and angle which I will highlight here.
When we were in school, AJAGBE Created what we called "THE GREAT ISLANDERS TEAM" where he converge all Lagos Island students from the Mass Communication department to champion so many course in the department.
The AUGUSTINO club was another creative initiation of Ajagbe where he personally use his funds to celebrate all course mate that are born in the month of August because he too was born in August, that group has the like of Alhaja Rafiat Gawat, Barr Tope Azeez, Mrs. Moji Lamidi, Mr. Kola Poppson, Mrs. FUNKE Ogunkua and ,he will buy them food, snacks, lovely gift and celebrate them after lecture hours with dance and songs.
He was also the vice president of TOURISM CLUB OF NIGERIA, I club I also joined because my friend was the vice president and because I love travelling, I quickly use that medium to travel to Ghana with no dime courtesy of my lovely friend AJAGBE as the vice President.
It's was very clearing that AJAGBE was a very strong voice in our department and even thought out the campus in IKORODU, he was the Afobaje (GOD FATHER) of our department during our time, he anointed a candidate and the candidate won the department election and because the President of our association called MARSCA, his name was Anthony.
Anybody who knows AJAGBE today will confirm to you that the Okepopo/ONOLA/Epetedo/Lafiaji/ Olowogbowo/Offin and IIsale Eko rogged fighter blood was running in AJAGBE vein he will confront the cultist on campus not to harass any students and immediately takes him or her to their then KEGITE CLUB CHIEF for transformation and protection.
The one that made him Popular Most on campus then was when he initiator K1 THE ULTIMATE FANS CLUB and got approval from the Fuji Legend suprise many on campus, AJAGBE turned campus boring to lively home on yearly basis he will invite the king of Fuji music to Perform for members of the LEGACY FANS CLUB, till today he remain the chairman board of trustees and (AFOBAJE/KING MAKER) to that lovely club and still keep the approval and certificate given to the club by K1 the ultimate.
Upon all his rugged and social life on CAMPUS, AJAGBE does not play with his five times daily prayers, he his a prayer warrior, he put prayer first in all his actions, whenever the MSSN and the Tijaniyat Sect are on board in the campus it is the same AJAGBE that I call Afa Teslim then you will see shouting ALLAH ALLAH ALLAH with his rossy and the main reason why our friendship remains intact till date is because he respect my religion despite the fact I am a Christain and I was suprise the days I saw AJAGBE in a church to attend my wedding ceremony then.
Let me round up with this two beautiful incident I cherish most about this dude called AJAGBE that we still share the memoirs was when we where about to go for our one year internship program after our National Diploma (ND) you know student will be begging up and down to secure a space to get enrol, AJAGBE took over 10 of us to veteran broadcaster at LTV8 her name is FEYIKEMI NIYI-OLAYINKA where we all did our it successfully, the woman is still alive today who can testify to that claims, the second one was when we had our normal student Rag-day, some student we make money while some may not due to their extrovert behavior, Honestly, AJAGBE is very connected right from his school days, he took us from ikorodu to his hood in Lagos Island, we meet one on one with the CEO BABALAJE MUSIC INDUSTRY who later became the OLUBADAN of IBADAN LAND, in Oyo State, HRM OBA SALIU AKANMU ADETUNJI, LAGOS SOCIALITE ALHAJI MUDASHIRU SHINA ODETUNDE and current LAGOS NURTW CHAIRMAN Alhaji MUSTAPHA SEGO and they all treated us as an August visitor and not like student upon the rag cloth on us and they all gave us large money, (we won the best rag day team) AJAGBE is the only student of our time that leaves large on campus and has a personal Assistant, till today ABIODUN ALLI still remain loyal to him and still serve as his P.A as they booth still run things together perfectly if you want AJAGBE favour quickly then just go through his friend and P.A called Biodun Alli
Till Today, he still maintain cordial and good relationship with all our course mate, he his the one who created a REUNION WHATSAPP GROUP for our 2026/2027 set to be online, where we engage and share thaught within ourself.i don't know how he get to know all our date of birth, he will celebrate all of us on our day on the loop, use our pictures as dp of the loop as part of celebration and still find time to give us call and crack jokes with his mide-mide Isale Eko slangs.
I will implore the good people of Lagos Island to embrace such a lovely and creative man base on his tracking records, his creativity, his love for humanity and political power hunger to services.
As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, a new name is echoing strongly across the streets of Lagos Island — a name many already know, trust, and respect. That name is Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim, popularly known worldwide as Omoatitebi.
For years, he has spoken for the people. Now, he is ready to stand for the people.The renowned journalist and publisher of the respected online news platform
Ajagbe has officially joined the race to represent Lagos Island Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming 2027 elections. But Ajagbe Teslim is not just another aspirant. He is coming with something different. Something fresh. Something Lagos Island truly needs.
A Fresh Mind for a New Lagos Island
In his own words, Ajagbe Teslim says: “Lagos Island needs fresh minds like me. I am coming with fresh ideas, fresh input, and a new direction for lawmaking and governance.”
These are not just campaign words. They are a reflection of his journey.
For years, as a journalist, Ajagbe has been the voice of the people — reporting their struggles, highlighting their concerns, and asking the hard questions. He has seen the gap between government and the grassroots. He has witnessed how policies are made without fully understanding the real problems on the streets of Oko-Faji, CAMPUS, EPETEDO, LAFIAJI and other communities within Lagos Island Constituency II.
Today, he believes it is time to bridge that gap. He is determined to become the first journalist to represent Lagos Island at the Lagos State House of Assembly — a historic step that would signal a new era of informed, people-centered lawmaking.
“I Will Not Be a Lawmaker Who Forgets His People” One of the strongest messages from Ajagbe’s declaration is his promise of practical representation. He says clearly: “I won’t be a lawmaker that will just sit down in Alausa and visit my constituents anytime I wish.”
This statement touches the hearts of many voters. For too long, many citizens have complained that elected representatives disappear after elections — only to return during campaign seasons with promises. Ajagbe Teslim says that pattern must end. He describes the situation as one of the “madness and malady affecting quality governance in Nigeria.” According to him, representation must not be ceremonial. It must be constant, visible, and practical.
If elected, he promises: Regular visits to communities Direct engagement with market women, youths, artisans, and elders Town hall meetings to listen before acting Immediate feedback channels between the people and government He believes representation should not be about prestige; it should be about presence.
A Lawmaker with Integrity and Dignity In a political environment where controversies sometimes overshadow progress, Ajagbe Teslim has made a strong moral commitment.
He openly declared that if given the mandate: He will not behave like a tout in the House. He will not be involved in acts that ridicule Lagos Island.
He will not go to the Assembly to cause chaos or disgrace the mandate of the people. His statement that he will not go to “hijack and break the mace” is symbolic. The mace represents authority and order in legislative chambers. By making this promise, Ajagbe is assuring leaders and constituents that he stands for dignity, discipline, and responsible lawmaking.
He has also pledged loyalty and respect to the leadership of the party and the state, including President Bola Tinubu, promising that his conduct will reflect positively on Lagos Island and the APC. For many voters, integrity matters. They want a representative who will speak boldly but act responsibly. Ajagbe Teslim is presenting himself as that balanced leader.
Mentorship and Loyalty to Progressive Ideals Ajagbe Teslim proudly acknowledges that Seyi Tinubu is his mentor. This mentorship, he says, has shaped his understanding of youth empowerment, grassroots mobilization, and modern political engagement.
Through this guidance, he believes he has learned how to combine loyalty to progressive ideals with practical action on the ground. For Lagos Island youths — many of whom are energetic, creative, and politically aware — this connection is a sign that Ajagbe understands the direction the younger generation wants Lagos to move toward.
Massive Endorsements from Media and Professional Bodies
Ajagbe Teslim’s aspiration has not gone unnoticed. Major professional bodies in the media space have shown support for his ambition. Among those endorsing him are: Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) Radio Television Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) Federation of Ibile Broadcast Association of Nigeria (FIBAN) These endorsements are significant. They show that professionals who understand public communication and accountability trust him to carry the voice of the people into the Assembly.
For voters, this is reassuring. It means Ajagbe is not standing alone. He carries with him the credibility of respected institutions.
Why a Journalist in the House Matters Some may ask: why does it matter that he is a journalist? The answer is simple. A journalist is trained to: Listen carefully Ask critical questions Investigate issues deeply Speak truth to power Communicate clearly Imagine such skills inside the Lagos State House of Assembly. Ajagbe Teslim understands how policies affect ordinary people because he has reported those effects for years.
He has covered stories about unemployment, market demolitions, environmental issues, youth struggles, and business challenges.
He has seen tears. He has heard frustration. He has documented hope. Now, he wants to move from reporting problems to solving them.
A Promise of Practical Representation
Ajagbe Teslim says his representation system will be totally practical. This means: He will align closely with his people. He will frequently visit communities, not just during elections. He will identify where government intervention is needed. He will push for laws that directly improve daily life. From infrastructure to youth empowerment, from small business support to educational development, he believes Lagos Island deserves a representative who is physically and emotionally connected to the people.
He says: “My representation would give a great facelift to lawmaking in Lagos State.” That facelift, according to him, is about making laws that are not only written in Alausa but felt in the streets of Lagos Island. Emotional Connection with the People Politics is not only about policies; it is about people. Ajagbe Teslim is a son of the soil. He understands the culture, traditions, and aspirations of Lagos Island. He knows the importance of community unity. He knows the pride of the people. He speaks not as a distant politician, but as one of them.
He shares their daily realities — the traffic, the economic pressures, the dreams of better schools, better healthcare, better opportunities for their children.
When he says he wants change, it does not sound abstract. It sounds personal.
A Call to Leaders and Constituents
Ajagbe Teslim has respectfully pleaded with party leaders, elders, and constituents to give him the opportunity to serve. He believes that 2027 presents Lagos Island with a choice: Continue with the old ways, or Embrace a fresh beginning. He is not campaigning with insults or bitterness. Instead, he is presenting himself as a refined alternative — disciplined, experienced, connected, and forward-thinking. He wants to make history as the first journalist to represent Lagos Island in the Assembly — not for personal glory, but to prove that governance can benefit from professional expertise and grassroots experience.
The 2027 Decision: A Moment of Destiny
As the 2027 elections approach, the people of Lagos Island Constituency II will decide who speaks for them at the Lagos State House of Assembly. Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim is offering: Fresh ideas Responsible conduct Practical representation Youthful energy Deep grassroots connection Loyalty to progressive leadership Commitment to integrity He is asking voters to believe that lawmaking can be different. He is asking them to imagine an Assembly where their representative is constantly among them — listening, learning, and fighting for their needs. He is asking them to trust that change is possible.
Conclusion: The Voice That Wants to Become Your Vote
For years, Ajagbe Teslim used his pen and platform to amplify the voices of others. In 2027, he is asking Lagos Island to amplify his — not for himself, but for collective progress. His journey from newsroom to lawmaking ambition is a bold one. But boldness is often what change requires. Lagos Island has always been known as a place of history, commerce, culture, and political relevance. Now, it stands at another important moment. Will it choose an experience shaped by the streets? Will it choose a fresh mind with practical ideas? Will it choose a journalist who has listened for years and now wants to act? Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim — Omoatitebi — says he is ready. The question now is: Are the people of Lagos Island ready for a fresh voice in 2027?
...Jibola Olarinoye writes from Lagos Island Constituency ll, he was a course mate to Honourable AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM during their National Diploma days studying Mass Communication at the prestigious (Lagos State Polytechnic) now Lagos State University of Technology. NNL.
