By: Lekan Adetunji
As the jostling for the 2027 general elections heats up, the political atmosphere in Ogun State is heating up with various aspirants positioning themselves for key public offices. One name that continues to resonate across Ogun Central is Otunba Muraina Olatunji Banjoko, Chairman of the Threeco Foundation, whose fortuitous blend of business acumen, philanthropy, and grassroots appeal has made him a frontrunner in the senatorial race.
In recent times, there has been lots of censure and prospecting for the Ogun Central senatorial seat following what constituents have describes as dismal outing of the incumbent handt; a development that observers say has left the door open for a new entrant who could come in to stage a formidable alternative to the status quo. At the recently held senatorial meeting of the All Progressives Congress held at the residence of former governor Oluegun Osoba, one of the party leaders who spoke in hushed tones at the sidelines of the gathering said, “The district was lacking human-faced representation and a change of guard will be most welcome”.
It is within the premise of the above, a sentiment shared by many resident of the district, that the aspiration of Otunba Banjoko was excitedly received by the rank and file of the party. Even though there are those with mixed feelings owing to past experience of those that flattered to deceive, the yearning of the good people of Ogun Central to have development and growth in the manner that they wish – has added significance and drive to all levels of its political leadership; most important of them being who represents them at the senate.
A Track Record of Business Success
Threeco, as fondly called in the business and political communities; rose to prominence as a successful businessman whose entrepreneurial achievements gave him wide acclaim within the real estate business community in southwest Nigeria and the FCT – where his businesses are located. Known for his sharp business instincts and man-management, he has successfully steered Threeco Construction Company and Real Estate Development; two ventures that have created jobs and boosted local commerce. His ability to navigate Nigeria’s challenging business environment for decades with sterling result, has earned him respect as a pragmatic corporate leader who understands the importance of economic empowerment.
Importantly, there is growing movement around the opinion that those that must represent others at that level must have the capacity to effectively manage humans and resources; for lawmaking is a delicate art of pushing the social, economic and welfare of a people, policy formulation, project management and oversight. In terms of capacity and understanding the weight of responsibility and expectation, Threeco is a square peg in a square hole.
Philanthropy through the Threeco Foundation
Beyond being successful at his private enterprises, Threeco’s philanthropic work through the Threeco Foundation has touched many lives within Ogun central and other sphere of influence around Ogun State. The foundation has provided scholarships to indigent students, organized medical outreach programs in rural communities, supported youth skill acquisition schemes, supported religious pilgrimages and embarked on several economic empowerment schemes to support the disadvantaged in the society.
A student beneficiary of the foundation’s scholarship program, Ayodele Ogunleye, shared his story and according to him: “Without Otunba’s support, I would not be in school today. He has given hope to many of us, and we see him as a father figure”. Speaking at a recent business forum in Abeokuta, a local trader, Mrs. Kemi Adeyemi, remarked: “Otunba Banjoko is not just a businessman, he is someone who invests in people towards fulfilling your potentials and vision. Many of us have benefited from his initiatives via the Threeco Foundation, and that is why we believe he will represent us well in the Senate.”
Grassroots Popularity and Accessibility
Without ambiguity and iota of debate, Threeco is a man of the people. Unlike typical politicians who remain distant from the people even when they hold the people’s mandate to serve, Banjoko is known for his accessibility and open door policy in human relations. He attends community events, listens to the concerns of ordinary citizens, and engages directly with artisans, farmers, students, and small business people looking to scale up their enterprise. His grassroots style has earned him widespread popularity across Ogun Central. All around his immediate environment in Ifo an Ewekoro, he is an unmistaken brand who has touched base with various publics with indelible positive impacts.
Chief Olalekan Adebayo, a community leader in Obafemi-Owode, noted: “He is always with us. He doesn’t send representatives; he comes himself. That is why people call him a man of the people.” This attribute an attitude is a clear departure from the norm where public officials sit on a high horse look down on those who elected them to office. Ogun Central, according to an apex leader from Odeda local government of the district, needs a senator that will emanate from the people and always be with the people”.
Goodwill Among the Electorate
Political analysts have pointed out that Banjoko’s goodwill is a product of years of consistent service even when there was no politics in sight. His interventions in rural communities, supporting the people in diverse forms as contribution to humanity have created a pool of trust among the electorate – that indeed, the good and welfare of the people shall be the focus of his activities should he be elected to the national assembly.
Tunde Alabi, a youth leader in Abeokuta North local government remarked recently at forum of support groups working for the senatorial ambition of Threeco, that, “he is not like the regular ambition seeker who only turns up during elections. He has been with us all along and has the incontrovertible record of even supporting others for public office in times past. That is why the youths are solidly behind him.”
The APC’s Best Bet for Ogun Central in 2027
With the electoral law set to be passed by the national assembly and signed by the President into law, the challenge for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to get the right candidates as a precursor for victory in 2027 becomes apparent. The choice of candidates will be crucial as it may make or mar the chances of the party in a potentially volatile poll. In Ogun Central, Otunba Banjoko represents not just a strong contender but arguably the party’s best chance of securing the senatorial seat.
His grassroots appeal, proven track record, and goodwill among the electorate make him a candidate who can deliver votes and strengthen the APC’s presence in the region. Party stalwart, Hon. Sola Olowolafe, emphasized that: “If the APC wants to win Ogun Central, Otunba Banjoko is the man tto entrust the ticket with. He has the people, he has the record, and he has the credibility. Ignoring him would be a costly mistake.”
Conclusion
Otunba Muraina Olatunji Banjoko’s journey from a successful entrepreneur to a philanthropist and now a political aspirant, reflects a life dedicated to service. His achievements, popularity, and distinction as a man of the people have positioned him as a leading figure in Ogun politics. For the APC, his candidacy offers not just an opportunity but a necessity if truly the party must secure victory in Ogun Central come 2027. At a time when Nigerians yearn for transformational leaders who have the capacity, compassion, credibility, and connection with the people, Threeco stands tall as a beacon of hope and a promise of effective representation.
Lekan Adetunji, a class teacher, writes from Abeokuta.
