A founding member of the defunct Supreme League of Ajegunle, a political elite group Aare Y.O.S Animashaun, from Ward E, Tolu has provided a detailed account of how a coalition of local elites mobilised political support that culminated in the initial appointment of Hon. Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul as a Special Adviser in Lagos State, while also expressing disappointment over what he described as a lack of recognition from the beneficiary.
According to Animaushaun, the group organised and coordinated by the Publisher of Commoners Newspaper, Mr. Jim Sulaimon, was established at a time when Ajegunle lacked representation in key state appointive positions despite delivering substantial electoral support to the Progressives.
“The essence of the group was to address the glaring imbalance. Ajegunle consistently recorded high voter turnout, yet had no commissioners or Special Advisers at the state level,” he said.
He explained that the Supreme League brought together financially capable individuals, including prominent figures such as Alhaja Keshinro and Shatin, who contributed personal resources to sustain its activities. Weekly meetings, he noted, were held in Awodiora, where strategic discussions were anchored around advancing the community’s political relevance.
Animaushaun recalled that Hon. Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul, who had recently joined the then Alliance for Democracy (AD) from the All Peoples Party (APP), was identified as the group’s candidate for elevation. He credited Hon. Kolawole Musbau Taiwo, then a powerful member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency I, as the “mastermind” behind the successful push, with strong backing from his counterpart in Constituency II, Hon. Sina Ogunkoya.
“Hon. Kolawole Taiwo leveraged his influence at the State Assembly in Alausa to advance the demand of the people, and with the support of Hon. Ogunkoya, the proposal scaled through,” he said.
Following the intervention, Kalejaiye was advised to submit a formal request to the state government, and Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa’s administration supported him with letters to the state. Afterward, he was appointed Special Adviser on Rural and Agricultural Development.
Animaushaun further disclosed that upon securing the appointment, Kalejaiye visited the group to prostrate as a show of appreciation but did not make any financial contribution, noting that members had consistently funded the group’s operations themselves through weekly levies.
“We understood his situation at the time that he had no money. As members of the group, we were contributing money each to cover meeting expenses. He never contributed financially, but we stood by him,” he added.
He emphasised that Kalejaiye’s political ascent was largely facilitated by Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, stating that “he is a product of Taiwo’s political structure,” a fact he insisted is widely known within the constituency.
However, he expressed regret that after serving in two administrations, Kalejaiye allegedly failed to acknowledge or sustain the group that championed his emergence, but ultimately scattered the group, leading to its disintegration.
On the prospect of supporting Kalejaiye for a second term in the House of Representatives, Animaushaun dismissed the idea, citing both personal and political considerations.
“Am I his organiser?” he queried. “At that time that we supported him, we had limited options, but today the constituency has several capable individuals, including Hon. Ladi Balogun, Hon. Kamal Bayewu, and others.”
He argued that as an incumbent lawmaker, Kalejaiye should be able to sustain his political base without relying on personal mobilization or financial support from individuals.
“Politics does not work that way. I have responsibilities, and I cannot continue to fund political ambitions, especially where they will not be appreciated,” he said.
Declaring his allegiance, Animaushaun endorsed Hon. Kolawole Musbau Taiwo as his preferred aspirant, describing him as a proven performer with a visible track record of delivering democratic dividends to the constituency.
His achievements are evident across the constituency. Anyone who objectively assesses performance will acknowledge his impact,” he said, adding that only “political ingratitude” could drive contrary opinions.
He concluded by reaffirming his long-standing involvement in grassroots politics within Ajeromi-Ifelodun, noting that although he remains “an ordinary card-carrying member” of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his views are grounded in years of active participation in the local political landscape.
