Akingbade Jemili Adigun: Grandpa, Rest! It’s Time To Retire

In Imeko-Afon Constituency, the political conversation has grown sharper, louder, and impossible to ignore. At the center of it stands Hon. Akingbade Jemili Adigun, a man whose long political journey has seen him serve as Councillor, Caretaker Chairman, Commissioner II, and now a three term member of the Ogun State House of Assembly. Yet, as he reportedly positions himself for a fourth return, constituents are no longer applauding longevity. They are asking questions. Hard questions. After all these years, what exactly has Imeko-Afon gained beyond the repetition of one name on the ballot?

For over a decade in the Assembly, the expectation was clear: effective representation, visible development, and policies that would uplift the people. But today, many constituents struggle to point to defining achievements that match the length of his stay in office. Where are the legacy projects? Where are the transformative interventions? Where is the measurable progress that justifies another term? Representation is not about holding office; it is about delivering results. And when the results are unclear, the ambition to continue begins to look less like service and more like entitlement.

What makes the situation even more striking is the contrast with his contemporaries. Many of his political peers have moved on to higher responsibilities or gracefully stepped aside. The late Buruji Kashamu, once a dominant figure and associate within the same political circle, is gone, and today his son, Oladipupo Kashamu, represents a new generation already serving in the Assembly alongside this long standing figure. Even at the national level, figures like Bola Tinubu, who recently marked his 74th birthday, are pursuing mandates on a broader stage with clear national stakes. Yet here, in Imeko-Afon, a man of the same generation is still battling for a fourth term in a state constituency. The contrast is difficult to ignore.

Imeko-Afon itself has outgrown this cycle. The constituency is filled with educated, energetic, and politically aware young people who are ready to lead and redefine governance. This is no longer a time when elections are decided by name recognition or political mythology. The people are watching, asking questions, and demanding accountability. The ruling party would do well to listen. If they choose to present the same candidate once again, they risk a decisive rejection. The mood on the ground suggests that such a decision could be settled long before the end of election day. No one rides on an old reputation to victory anymore. The electorate has evolved.

This moment calls for honesty, reflection, and a sense of legacy. No one denies the years of service rendered, but leadership must also know when to yield space. There is dignity in stepping aside and allowing a new generation to take responsibility. Imeko-Afon deserves a future driven by fresh ideas, measurable impact, and inclusive growth. And sometimes, the strongest statement a long serving politician can make is not another campaign, but the wisdom to finally rest.