Some decades ago,Warren Bennis said, “Success is not in the accolades one receives, but in the lives they’ve touched, the promises they’ve kept, and the difference they’ve made.”
The renowned American scholar who authored nearly 30 books and co-authored others suggested that while accolades can be a part of success, the true measure of success lies in the genuine impact, the quality of leadership, and the lasting contributions made to the world, not just the recognition received. He believed that true accomplishment goes beyond what is said about you, but measured by the lives you influence and the legacy left behind.
Success, then, is not merely a destination but a journey marked by proof. This understanding of success as something earned through visible results sets the stage for the Ikirun-born federal lawmaker, Rep. Olusoji Abidemi Adetunji, member representing Odo-Otin/ Ifelodun/Boripe federal constituency, member of the House Appropriations committee, Banking Regulations, Public Accounts, among others. Chairman, Nigeria-Brazil parliamentary friendship group, who in two years has justified the mandate entrusted to him.
When Rep. Olusoji Abidemi Adetunji emerged as the elected federal representative of his constituency, albeit, not his first attempt, the mood was full of doubt, hearts of residents, stakeholders including his party members and leaders were clouded with uncertainty. Many doubted his capacity to deliver as a first-time lawmaker, thoroughbred banker, stepping into the complex corridors of the National Assembly.
Time and again, critics predicted he would struggle with politics and sidelined by more experienced legislators. They felt he wasn’t experienced enough, and so his time in the green chamber would be at best, forgettable and, at worst, disastrous. How quickly they conveniently ignored and overlooked his political roots and tutelage he received from the highly successful Ikirun-born politican, late Kusamotu and the sixth Governor of Oyo state, a force to reckon with even in death. (May peace rest on their souls)
Within party circles, whispers of doubt echoed. Even among some of his followers and constituents, questions raised; “Would he be able to find his footing? Could SOJ truly represent our interests on the national stage? The weight of expectation was heavy, and the eyes of both supporters and cynics were firmly fixed on his every move, that even when he stayed in Abuja for months, they lamented he overstayed. Perhaps took him for a groom who should always be by his newly wedded bride.
Two years down the line, Rep. Olusoji Adetunji has not only silenced his doubters, but also carved out a legacy of effectiveness, responsiveness, and bold representation. From sponsoring impactful bills,moving motion of public importance, facilitating developmental projects, and empowering both young and old within Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe federal constituency. His journey has been nothing short of inspiring.
Today, those who once badmouthed him now reference his name with respect. Party members beam with pride. And his constituents? They see a man who took their trust and votes seriously, and gave them results they never saw coming in just two years. Apparently impressed by how Olusoji delivered outcome, Abidemi took action and Adetunji demonstrated accountability.
His record is not hidden, it is visible in the lives he has touched, the projects he has facilitated, and the voice he has given to IBO federal constituency on the floor of the House. From education to infrastructure, health, empowerment to legislative advocacy, His efforts have brought noticeable changes that even opposition members cannot easily dismiss.
2023-2025: 731 days of Promise turned Proof
Over the last two years, Rep. Olusoji Adetunji’s approach has been people-centered, intentional, inclusive, and sustainable. He made the welfare of his constituents a priority.
Just nine months into office, Rep. Adetunji launched economic empowerment. He disbursed N10 million to victims of electoral violence. These youths had lost hope of regaining stability to carry out their daily activities due to the violence during the election. The beneficiaries were first group he brought relief to.
Three months later, marking a year in office, he came with N150 million empowerment initiative. How can we so easily forget the June 12, 2024 multi-million naira empowerment programme held at Akinorun Grammar School, Ikirun where various items aimed at boosting economic independence were distributed and constituents significantly empowered? The event was graced and applauded by coterie of government functionaries in the state, traditional rulers and party leaders at the state level.
Rep. Adetunji believes so much in skill acquisition training. Before he became a lawmaker, he had empowered people through the Soji Adetunji foundation(SAF). Representing his people up there gives him more privilege to train many youths and women in skill acquisition. Through an initiative in December 2024, 100 youths and women were trained in soap and antiseptic production together with cash grant.
In March 2025, another milestone was reached as over 300 constituents were trained in fish farming and provided with fingerlings, feed, and cash support. In all honesty, all these intervention programmes if well utilized by the beneficiaries should gradually lifting many out of poverty in IBO federal constituency. A quantum leap from the kind of representation constituents from Odootin/Ifelodun/Boripe federal constituency witnessed before his emergence.
As a way to complement efforts of Senator Ademola Adeleke’s led administration, Rep. Adetunji since he assumed office has drastically improved safety and business activity across communities with the “Light Up IBO” project where up to 1,200 solar-powered streetlights have been installed across Odo-Otin, Ifelodun and Boripe local government areas.
“You cannot make people learn. You can only provide the right conditions for learning to happen,” Vince Gowmon once said. This vindicates many who claimed that, deteriorating condition of classrooms at government owned elementary and secondary schools discourages many children from going to school. To address this menace, SOJ facilitated the construction of 14 classrooms across the three local government areas.
At Saviours Primary School, Oke-Ba, Ikirun, a block of two classrooms was constructed. Boripe local government was not left out, as a block of three classrooms was also constructed at Nomadic Primary School, Isale Oyo, Iragbiji. Obaagun community also benefited as a block of three classrooms was constructed at Community High School, Obaagun. Finally, Odo-Otin local government got its own share, as a block of six classrooms was constructed at Saint Mary Anglican Primary School, Igbaye. Everyone knows sound learning environment lays the foundation for future progress.
At a period of economic hardship, he stood out as a compassionate leader, particularly during festive seasons, he distributed hundreds of bags of rice yearly to citizens across his constituency, an act of generosity that he consistently does with cash donation to beneficiaries.
Furthermore, another testament to Rep. Olusoji Adetunji’s understanding of grassroots challenges was the facilitation of multiple solar-powered boreholes strategically placed at different locations in Ikirun to provide clean water and reduce waterborne diseases. This, to reduce the challenge of water scarcity.
Personally, I believe a public servant who has the capacity but refuses to address issues bedeviling health system is nothing but a betrayal of the trust reposed in him by the people. But SOJ appears different, he is compassionate, responsive and genuinely committed to improving the health and well-being of his constituents. Good leaders they say make people feel that they’re at the very heart of things, not at the periphery.
A case in point was his quick action on the resuscitation of Aiyekale Health Post in Boripe LGA. He renovated the centre and commissioned the facility on November 15, 2024, with donation of essential drugs and medical consumables.
Determined to reduce the number of out-of-school youths, Rep. Adetunji procured 2024 and UTME forms for 220 underprivileged students. He also subsidized tuition for 300 students at Ikirun College of Health Technology. This shows his deep concern for the future of young people in IBO federal constituency.
Recently, I monitored Rep. Olusoji Adetunji’s official facebook page. I read cascade of reactions and questions bothering on what he has done so far for the farmers. And I was convinced that farmers who got hundreds of bags of NPK fertilizer, hybrid cocoa seedlings and cash grants, in October 2024 were not on the new media to responds to critics. But then, a lot of naysayers are too blind to see the good deeds, let alone spread the glad tidings.
In the 10th Assembly, Rep. Adetunji has been far from a spectator. He has sponsored and co-sponsored key bills, including those for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre and a Federal College of Agriculture in Ikirun. His legislative motions, also reflect his commitment to tackling national issues that affect the grassroots.
But this is just the beginning :
What began with uncertainty and doubt has evolved into a story of dedication, better representation, and tangible results. SOJ has not only changed perceptions, he has changed lives. With every bill sponsored, projects facilitated, every youth empowered, and every voice heard in the green chamber, Rep. Olusoji Abidemi Adetunji is building more than just a political career, he is building a legacy of true service to the people.
Two years to go, one thing is clear: his journey is far from over. If his first two years are anything to go by, then the people of Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/ Boripe federal constituency, and indeed Osun state can look forward to even greater impact in the years ahead.
Margaret Chase Smith’s words are worth remembering; “ Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people.”
Oluwasegun Taiwo, a broadcaster and media strategist is the Media Assistant to Rep. Olusoji Adetunji.
