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Grassroots
September 17, 2025 by Chinyere Okoroafor
The 10th legislative arm of Somolu Local Government in Lagos has visited the Group Manager Director, CFL Group of Companies, Dr. Laide Omotola, to recognise his goodwill and philanthropic contributions to the people of the community.
Leading the delegation, the Leader of Somolu Legislative Council, James Oyeyiola, said the visit was meant to appreciate Omotola for his continuous support to residents, despite not holding any elective office.
Oyeyiola described Omotola, a former chairmanship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), as “a blessing to Somolu,” stressing that his impact was felt even when he only contested for the position in 2009.
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“Despite not getting the ticket, the lives he has touched, the people whose hopes he restored, and the positive impact he has made cannot be ignored. He has shown that leadership is not about position but service, and we believe such a person should be encouraged,” Oyeyiola said.
“Somolites have taken note of his good achievements and my honest prayer is that his light will never go dim. We will love him to return to politics, but even while he is not politically active, we are still feeling his presence.”
Omotola, who once contested for the Somolu chairmanship seat on the APC platform, expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for the honour, saying it was a rare recognition of his past efforts.
“A lot of people don’t believe I once contested the chairmanship in 2009 because the campaign materials I had then were misplaced. But with this gesture, people can now see evidence that I have always been part of the process.,” he said.
“I am not in this to contest for chairmanship or any other position for now. A time will come when I will return to politics, but until then, I prefer to play an advisory role. The leaders know my capacity, but they often feel intimidated when I show interest. For now, I will continue to support Somolu in my personal capacity.
Also speaking, Oluwatosin Odubanjo, councillor representing Onipan Ward A and chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, Sports and Rural Development, described Omotola as a mentor and household name in Somolu politics.
Odubanjo recalled how Omotola inspired him into politics two decades ago.
“In 2003 when he contested as councillor, I was his coordinator in Ward A. Everybody rooted for him, but the party leadership favoured another candidate, saying he was new in the system. That contest brought him to the limelight, and since then, residents have been clamouring for his return,” Odubanjo said.
“He has empathy for the poor, he is generous and selfless, and he has reassured us today that he remains committed to Somolu. We are still flying high on his broad wings.”
English (US)