Ayodele Adewale is a human rights activist, politician, philanthropist, and businessman. His relationships and early experiences defined and honed his passion and conviction to create a better social and economic environment. He became the youngest Local Government Chairman in 2008. He served two 3year terms from October 2008 – October 2014 as the Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government. During his tenure, Amuwo Odofin Local Government won the award for Best Local Government in Health in the year 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Comrade Ayodele Adewale’s efforts at repositioning the society has earned him several local and international recommendations and awards some of which include: African Grassroots Leadership Award, Icon of Humanity/Societal Development, BEST ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN 2009 amongst others.

Below is a summary of the interview What It Takes To Be A Politician with Ayodele Adewale

On being a Politician, he described politics as a medium and a platform to convincing others (the people) to acknowledge one’s view so as to take power. Explaining further, he spoke on objectivity in decision making and an ability to provide workable and practical solutions without demeaning the people. This he said is what would make the people naturally surrender their sovereignty and let themselves be led by such a person.

On recognizing such persons, he said that those who want to lead leave amongst the people and even as they decide to provide alternatives, they should be able to demonstrate that they can deliver. Speaking through the 2019 Nigerian elections, he said that even as people often aspired for political positions, there was a need to have deep knowledge of what it takes to hold such office. Speaking further, he said that one could only reach for any position if they could first understand the potentials needed to take such position and build structures across their concerned political wards.

Through his experience, he spoke on the need to build alliances in one’s political venture. Narrating his journey to becoming Student Union President, he talked about addressing issues while on campus, building support as he went and taking the President seat in his second year at the University. Supporting this, he said that people should start from somewhere, their community for example so when they decide to take a position, their community will support them.

In his experience working with youths and women associations, he spoke about technology as a useful tool in the political space. He said that when a person is able to commune and make an impact just on their social media platforms, people are able to see the value and identify with the individual. Discussing the issue of youth gangs in the Country’s political structure, he explained that youths would need to burn their energy and when they are not able to, they divert it to wrongdoing. He spoke on the need for available welfare support for the youth population, job opportunities saying that political thuggery was just a means of getting funds. Explaining further, he said that if there were sports centers, welfare support, jobs, and qualitative education, youths might be able to create something for themselves.

He motioned on people to make conscious efforts to look within the society and look out for the best person that can lead, though funds may not be forthcoming he advised that people lookout for quality in persons and support them. He recounted the days leading to his running for the office of the Chairman in his Local Government. He also spoke about alliances, sacrifices, and achievements during his administration as the Local Government Chairman, Amuwo Odofin.

In his advice to up and coming political office holders, he dismissed the issue of funding saying that one needed to improve his/her intellectual capacity, build a social network and start within their community so the people will believe in such a person. Even as nothing comes without pain, he said that power does not come easy but only through struggle and sacrifice