Some politicians across southwest states have come together to form a group named South West Agenda for Asiwaju better known as SWAGA to push forward and compel the former governor of Lagos state and national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contest for president in 2023 election.
Eventhough the APC national leader, Bola Tinubu has not publicly declared his interest to contest for the highest political office in Nigeria but this group particularly its founders have met with several prominent Nigerians including traditional rulers like Olubadan of Ibadan, Ooni of Ile-Ife among others to discuss and seek for their supports to make the mission a reality.
Most citizens have heard, seen and read press statements issued by the group, SWAGA but they barely know the founders of this political group who has not relented in its efforts to propagate their mission which is to portray Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an agenda for southwest in 2023 elections.
WITHIN NIGERIA exclusively assembled the names, pictures and short profiles of founders of South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA).
1. Dayo Adeyeye
Adedayo Clement Adeyeye is a Nigerian politician. He is the national chairman of South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA). The Ekiti-born politician and graduate of political science is one of the leading founders of SWAGA. Findings revealed that he also obtained a law degree from the University of Lagos in 1986 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987.
Politically, Adeyeye firstly served as director of Publicity, Falae for President Campaign Organisation (1990-1992). He also served as an adviser on policy and Press Matters, M.K.O. Abiola for President Campaign Organisation (1993) and spokesperson for the Alliance for Democracy (AD). Adeyeye was nominated by President Goodluck Jonathan as a Minister of state for works in 2014.
As a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adeyeye was appointed as the National Publicity Secretary of the party under the leadership of Senator Ahmed Makarfi on 9 June 2016. As a member and candidate of the APC in Ekiti South Senatorial District in the National Assembly election in 2019, Adeyeye defeated Senator Biodun Olujimi of Peoples Democratic Party.
2. Soji Akanbi
Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi is a Nigerian politician. Akanbi is the deputy national chairman of South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA). The Oyo-born politician is reportedly a graduate of Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies, Kingston University, Kingston Upon-Tyme Kings after West London Business School, Acton Town W3 where he obtained a certificate in Business Administration in 1982.
Politically, Akanbi was a member of Afenifere Renewal Group from 2007 to 2015 and firstly served as member of House of Representatives from 1992 to 1993. He also served as a special adviser to Governor Lam Adesina from 1993 to 2003.
Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi contested for the seat of the Oyo South Senatorial District on the Platform of the All Progressives Congress(APC) and emerged winner in 2015. Akanbi tried his possible best to return to the seat in 2019 but he was among APC chieftains and members who abandoned the ruling party and defected to Action Democratic Party (ADP) after a power struggle within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Akanbi eventually contested in ADP and lost in 2019.
3. Jeremiah Onaolapo Obadara
Jeremiah Olugbenga Onaolapo is a Nigerian politician and the proud owner of SWEET 107.1FM. The Ogun-born politician and NCE certificate holder, Obadara is one of the founders of South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA).
Politically, Obadara competed in the Action Congress party primaries for the 2007 senatorial elections, but did not win the nomination. In April 2011, Obadara tried his luck again and ran for election as Senator for Ogun Central and defeated incumbent Senator Iyabo Obasanjo Bello of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
4. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo
Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo is a Nigerian politician and son-in-law to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC). A check by WITHIN NIGERIA revealed that Oyetunde Oladimeji is the husband of Tinubu’s first daughter, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja General of Lagos State. He is a businessman but major in oil and gas industry.
The Ekiti-born politician and a graduate of ‘diploma journalism’ is one of the founders of South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA). It is also important to note that he was alleged to have falsified age and certificates at a time.
Politically, he had represented Ijero/Efon/Ekiti West constituency of Ekiti State in the Nigeria house of representatives in 2011. Some political analysts believed that he was imposed by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
5. Bosun Oladele
Bosun Oladele is a Nigerian politician and the Principal Partner/Chief Executive Officer of Oladele & Oladele Solicitors, Lagos. The Oyo-born politician attended St. Agnes College of Education, Oyo before he later moved to Obafemi Awolowo University where he studied law. Oladele, a die-hard progressive saw the party through its transformation from AD to Action Congress (AC) and later Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Politically, he firstly served as Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s first Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Oyo State but he was relieved of his appointment on the 6th of November, 2012 along with two other members of the cabinet. Oladele later contested for an elective position and became a federal lawmaker representing Irepo/Olorunsogo/Oorelope Federal Constituency of Oyo state in the House of Representatives in 2015.
6. Ifedayo Abegunde
Ifedayo Abegunde is a Nigerian politician. The Ondo-born politician and engineer is one of the founders of South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA). Findings revealed that Abegunde spent a larger part of his life in United States where he attended Morgan state University.
A check by WITHIN NIGERIA revealed that he acted as the secretary of the National Democratic Coalition NADECO. Abegunde was firstly elected in 2003 as a member of House of Representatives representing Akure North and South federal constituency from 2003 to 2007. Abegunde was reelected as a federal lawmaker in 2011 where he served as chairman of the house committee on Emergency and risk management.
In 2017, Abegunde was appointed as the Secretary to the state government by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu. He resigned as SSG in 2020 after he showed interest to contest in the Ondo governorship election.
7. Rotimi Mikhali Makinde
Rotimi Makinde is a Nigerian politician, actor, hotelier and proud owner of Odua 90.9fm. The Osun-born grassroots politician and a graduate of accountancy is one of the founders of South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA).
He started his formal education at Ansar Ud-Deen Primary School, Isale – Agbara, Ile Ife in 1976. He attended Okuu Grammar School, Okuu-Omoni, Ile Ife in 1983. He later proceeded to Government Teachers’ Training College, Sokoto and obtained his Ordinary Level Certificate. He gained admission to Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi where he obtained his National Diploma (ND) in Accountancy in 1989.
He later went to Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin for his HND (Higher National Diploma) and possessed the certificate, HND in Accountancy in 1998. As a man who values education, he proceeded to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso and obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy in 2006. He didn’t stop there but went back to the same institution (Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso) for his Masters program and got a Master’s degree in Finance (MBA), 2008. Makinde worked at NNPC (Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation) for 20years before he later joined politics.
Rotimi Makinde is one of the early lieutenants of former governor of Osun state and now Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola. Findings revealed that he was among early politicians who followed Aregbesola from Lagos to Osun state in 2006. While Aregbesola contested for governor, he contested for a seat in the House of Representatives, Ife federal constituency in 2007 and both lost the election. In 2011, he recontested for the same seat and he was declared winner.
8. Monsuru Alao Owolabi
Monsuru Alao is a Nigerian politician and crony of former governor of Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Lagos-born grassroots politician and a graduate of UNILAG diploma which was ‘alleged to be forged’ is one of the founders of South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA).
Findings revealed that Alao Owolabi is allegedly a front for former Governor Tinubu for the collection of unofficial taxes extorted from unsuspecting public transport drivers.
A check by WITHIN NIGERIA disclosed that Monsuru Alao Owolabi started his political sojourn in early 90s and became a member representing Lagos Island in the House of Representatives in 1999. He held the position for four consecutive times but he was politically kicked out in 2015 following agitations from party members and constituents.
9. Isiaq Abiodun Akinlade
Isiaq Abiodun Akinlade is a Nigerian politician and tax expert. The Ogun-born politician and graduate of political science at the prestigious Lagos State University (LASU) is one of the founders of South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA).
In July 2011, Abiodun Akinlade was appointed as Senior Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue. He was also in charge of Directorate of other Taxes at the Board of Internal Revenue Services (IRS) Ogun State. Adekunle was redeployed in January 2014 to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
In 2015, Adekunle Abiodun Akinlade contested the House of Representatives seat and won. He represents Egbado South and Ipokia federal constituency in the House of Representatives in the Nigerian national assembly. He left the All Progressive Congress and joined the Allied Peoples Movement to run for Governor of Ogun State in the 2019 election.
10. Ayo Omidiran
Ayo Hulayat Omidiran is a Nigerian politician and unrepentant lover of football. The Osun-born female politician and a graduate of Biochemistry at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria is one of the founders of South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA). She is also among early lieutenants and in-law to former governor of Osun state and now Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.
She contested for the Federal House of Representatives for Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan federal constituency in 2011 and was elected. She ran for re-election in 2015 and was re-elected under the umbrella of the APC.
11. Oloruntoba Oke
Oloruntoba Adetunji Oke is a Nigerian politician and media practitioner who has a working experience with Punch Newspaper, AIT television and Raypower. The Ogun-born grassroots politician and MAPOLY graduate is one of the founders of South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA).
Oke joined politics under the Awo Youth Vanguard between 1978 – 1983. He joined Social Democratic Party (SDP) during the third Republic, he also held several positions including Ward B Secretary.
He formed the New Millennium Forum (NMF) which later metamorphosed into Hope Alive Group within AD, AC, ACN, and now APC with the sole aim of correcting anomalies in the polity.
Oke won Ifako/Ijaye Local Government Chairmanship poll in 2011 for this first term tenure and in 2017. He got reelected for his second term; This has never been experienced since the creation of the Local Government in 1996.
12. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara
Kafilat Adetola Ogbara is a Nigerian politician and media practitioner major in both print and broadcast. The Ogun-born politician and graduate of English language and literature from the University of Lagos is one of the founders of South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA).
Kafilat Ogbara was the House of Representative Candidate (PDP) for Elections in Kosofe Federal Constituency in 2003 and 2007 respectively. She also contested the Gubernatorial Elections in 2011 in Ogun State.
She was a member of different Gubernatorial and Presidential Campaigns in Nigeria. She worked as a special Assistant on Trade and Investment and Technical Aid Corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2011-2013.
13. Kola Peregrino
Kola Peregrino is a Nigerian politician and a chieftain of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC). The Lagos-born politician is one of the founders of South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA). He is also the General Manager of the Lagos State Printing Corporation.
In summary, pioneer members and founders of South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) are;
- Dayo Adeyeye,
- Soji Akanbi,
- Jeremiah Onaolapo Obadara,
- Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo,
- Bosun Oladele,
- Ifedayo Abegunde,
- Rotimi Mikhali Makinde,
- Monsuru Alao Owolabi,
- Isiaq Abiodun Akinlade,
- Ayo Omidiran,
- Oloruntoba Oke,
- Kafilat Adetola Ogbara,
- Kola Peregrino