Across the world, communities are embracing progressive change. I am fully prepared to show, both to the young and the old, that the welfare and development of Ondo North will always remain my top priority.”
— Hon. Afolabi Momoh Abdulateef
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
In the quiet town of Ẹkan, the pulse of Ondo North’s political future is beginning to quicken. For Hon. Afọlabi Momoh Abdulateef — fondly known across the region as Mogaji — the path to leadership is not one of grandstanding or distant politicking, but of humility, rootedness, and homegrown connection.
In a political culture where many aspirants begin their journeys in the glare of the city, Mogaji has chosen a different route — one that begins where his story started: his roots. True to the Yoruba adage, “Ọmọde tó bá mọ̀wọ́ wẹ̀ á b’agbà jẹun” (a child who knows how to wash his hands will dine with elders), the former Director-General of the Ondo North Ayedatiwa Campaign Organization has set out on a fresh consultation tour, beginning with his kinsmen and local chiefs in Ẹkan Ward.
Two months after his initial ward-level familiarization visit, Mogaji has now formally begun consultations ahead of the 2026 senatorial elections — and the message is clear: he is coming home not just to seek endorsement, but to reconnect, reaffirm, and rebuild.
The atmosphere at the meeting was charged with optimism and nostalgia. Traditional High Chiefs of Ẹkan and Ẹdọ communities gathered in their numbers, alongside the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ẹkan Ward. Their reception of Mogaji was not just ceremonial — it was personal.
In his heartfelt remarks, Mogaji expressed profound gratitude to the elders, traditional leaders, and political figures who have been instrumental in his growth. He emphasized that his senatorial ambition is driven by a singular vision — to deliver development-focused leadership and genuine welfarism for the people of Ondo North.
Across the world, communities are embracing progressive change. I am fully prepared to show, both to the young and the old, that the welfare and development of Ondo North will always remain my top priority.”
— Hon. Afolabi Momoh Abdulateef
“Across the world, communities are embracing progressive change,” he said. “I am fully prepared to show, both to the young and the old, that the welfare and development of Ondo North will always remain my top priority.”
For the traditional rulers present, Mogaji’s decision to begin his consultations at the grassroots is more than symbolic — it is a reaffirmation of respect for tradition and community wisdom.
They lauded his humility, describing it as a virtue fast disappearing from Nigeria’s political landscape. They also commended his decade-long investment in human capital development — from youth empowerment initiatives to educational support programs — noting that his actions speak louder than campaign promises.
He has never forgotten his roots, and that is why we are proud to bless this new chapter of his journey.”
— An elderly man
“Mogaji has always been one of us,” one elder remarked. “He has never forgotten his roots, and that is why we are proud to bless this new chapter of his journey.”
The endorsement from the APC leaders in Ẹkan Ward further strengthened his resolve. The party stalwarts, including ward executives and community mobilizers, openly expressed their confidence in his capacity to represent the people effectively at the National Assembly.
They described his entry into the senatorial race as “timely and necessary,” pledging their prayers and political support for his ambition.
The consultations drew an impressive array of dignitaries — a testament to Mogaji’s growing influence and grassroots appeal.
Among those in attendance were:
Traditional Leaders:
Chief Ẹlẹkan of Ẹkan, Chief Oyelade; Chief Oniṣakunmi; Chief Oluke of Iṣakunmi; Chief Oluusa of Iṣakunmi; Chief Oniyọfẹn Iṣakunmi; Chief Ọkanranmu of Iṣakunmi; Chief Agboye of Igbẹdẹ; Chief Aruwa of Igbẹdẹ; Chief Asi of Igbẹdẹ; Chief Onilẹpa of Ẹkan; Chief Olokelede of Ẹkan; Chief Alabẹ of Ẹkan; and Chief Olodeke of Ẹkan.
APC Ward Leaders:
Hon. Aladetohun Sanya Albert, Hon. Saka Awero, Hon. Umar Waidi, Hon. Raimi Lateef, Hon. Adejolu Mudasiru, Hon. Salami Muhammed, Hon. Yisa Ganiyu, Hon. Adesina Hassan, Hon. Salami Fatimat, Hon. Ologun Dare (Councilor), Hon. Hassan Taiwo Adams, Hon. Nuhu Fasasi, Hon. Lawal Fatai, Hon. Aminu Tairu, Hon. Bello Rasheed, and Hon. Orisamika Segun.
Also in attendance was Hon. Fatai Atere Bolaji, a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, who commended Mogaji’s initiative and described it as “a step in the right direction for a people-centered political vision.”
As Mogaji continues his consultation across the senatorial district, his message remains consistent — politics must return to its original purpose: service. His grassroots approach, deeply infused with cultural reverence and community engagement, signals not just a campaign, but a movement rooted in authenticity.
If the Yoruba proverb says that “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” then Hon. Afọlabi Momoh Abdulateef has taken that step — one that starts at home, among his people, with humility as his compass and service as his destination.
