One unspoken consensus among Nigerian politicians is that they do politics to butter their bread, not minding that the masses because of whom politics was invented could not get bread let alone butter. However, there are always few exceptions. Alhaji Rafiu Adekola Folarin is one of the refreshing exceptions in politics who places the interest of the masses and the party members above his. One instance of his selflessness among others is suffice to drive home that the former caretaker chairman of Ibadan South West local government was a truly selfless politician.
During the administration of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Alhaji Rafiu Folarin was appointed as a caretaker chairman to man Ibadan South West local government. He was appointed at the time when the executive members and the rank and file of the APC in the local government suffered acute neglects from one former caretaker chairman who occupied the post before the appointment of Rafiu Folarin. As soon as Hon. Rafiu Folarin assumed office, political fortunes began to descend on the earlier neglected executives and the members of the party.
The APC in the local government had never had it so good as Hon Rafiu Folarin returned recognition to the party. Many party faithfuls who may be reading this will bear witness that the party was supreme and that all decisions concerning appointments and contracts were made by the party during the tenure of Rafiu Folarin as the caretaker chairman of the local government. Hon Folarin also went on to eradicate groups and caucuses within the party as he extended olive branch to all the aggrieved party members irrespective of the groups they belonged. He operated an open-door policy as his office at Aleshinloye was always a beehive of activities and a Mecca of sort for politicians who thronged the office daily while his tenure lasted for a little more than 9months.
An altruistic politician like Rafiu Folarin deserves to be celebrated, especially on the occasion of his birth anniversary. He remains the face of hope for the people and the politicians of Ibadan South West local government. Here’s wishing Alhaji Rafiu Adekola Folarin a blissful birth anniversary with more expectations of healthier life and useful service to his people.
Hearty congratulations to a selfless leader!
