When a Lantern Refuses to Dim: The Shonde Legacy of Service in Ejigbo Awori Lagos.

  Hon. Prince Tajudeen Adebola Shonde

 (Former Councillor representing Fadu Ward in the just concluded legislative council Ejigbo LCDA) 

 "Let your power be a lantern, not a chain; so when your season ends, the light remains in the lives you touched, not in the titles you wore.” — Prince Adeola Goloba

A kì í mọ̀kànjúwá kí ìlú máa bàjẹ́, ẹni tó bá mọ̀kànjúwá kò ní í jù ú lọ́wọ́ ilé ayé (He who serves self before the people will see his kingdom crumble; but the selfless leader leaves a name that outlives time). 

I speak today as a proud son of the soil, a voice from the lineage of Fadu Onimewon the Elejigbo Awori Family, custodians of Ejigbo’s heritage. I have watched this land grow, danced with its hopes, and wrestled with its pains. And in all my years of keen observation, few men have worn the garment of leadership with as much dignity as Hon. Prince Tajudeen Shonde after the successful and impactful tenure of Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan (the former Executive Chairman, Ejigbo LCDA) who has left a remarkable legacy and impact on the lives of the people of Ejigbo Awori Lagos.

When power entered his hands, Shonde, just like Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan did not chain us with oppression like the wild elephant that tramples its own forest. He became a lantern that illuminated our paths. Àgbà kì í wọ̀lú kó ṣ’ẹ́kùn lọ́wọ́, ẹni tí ó bá jẹ́ kó rí jẹ́kí òkè ó, kò ní gbàgbé nígbà tí ìsàlẹ̀ yóò bà jé (A true elder enters a land to stop its tears; a just leader lifts the lowly, never forgetting their struggles). 

The Birth of a Vision

Recently, as I strolled past Ejigbo High School, my feet carried me to a sight that stirred my soul: a towering structure, bold, unbowed and a dream cast in concrete. It was meant to be a digital library, a citadel of knowledge for our children. A place where books would whisper wisdom and screens would open doors to the world. But then, as with many noble dreams, the river of funding ran dry. Most men would have walked away, leaving it to the weeds and whispers of decay. But not Shonde.

Òmùgọ̀ ń fi ọwọ́ rẹ̀ wẹ́ inú ògùrò, ògìdìgbó ni kì í fọ́gbọ́n s’ójà (The fool washes his hands in the dregs, but the wise man turns hardship into harvest). 

Shonde refused to let the sun set on that dream. He took the bones of that abandoned vision and breathed life into them. He turned the empty hall into a Free Coaching Centre, a cradle of hope for indigent students. And like a farmer who shares his seed, he went further:

Free JAMB and GCE forms for those whose pockets were empty but whose minds were full of light. A sanctuary for learning where the poor could dream without shame.

Storm on the Horizon

But as every shining moon attracts the gaze of owls, shadows began to stir. It is rather unfortunate development to learn that the CDC Chairman, Mr. Jelili Atiku, out of desperation appeared at the gates, claiming ancestral land, issuing threats and stretching his hands toward what was never his sweat. In spite of all, Shonde stood firm anyways, ignoring Jelili's strange drama.

Bí o bá jẹ́ wípé lóòtọ́ ló jẹ́ ti bàbá ẹ, níbo ni alákòrí rẹ̀ wà nígbà tá a ń tiraka? Àgùntàn tó bá s’ẹ́yìn agbo, ìkà kì í pa á; ẹ̀dá kì í gba ohun tí òun kò fi ọwọ́ ṣẹ́ (If it were his father’s, where was he when we labored? The stray sheep does not lead the flock; no man should seize what he never built.)

This was no personal empire; it was a state-backed gift for the children of Ejigbo. And Shonde vowed to hand it over to a credible committee, ensuring that no greedy fingers would soil its purpose.

His Footprints in Our Dust

But the Coaching Centre is only a chapter in his book of service. His pen wrote other stories:

1. Skills acquisition programs, arming our youths with tools of trade.

2. Boreholes, pouring life into thirsty streets.

3. Solar street lights, scattering darkness on Fatusi and Edagbeja like the morning sun chasing the night.

And through it all, Shonde remained what politicians rarely are: accessible. His door was never shut, his ears never deaf to the voice of the people.

When the Drums Go Silent

Now, his tenure has ended. The title is gone. But the light? The light still burns. Orúkọ rere sàn ju wúrà àti fàdákà lọ (A good name is better than gold and silver). 

While others leave office trailing the stench of greed, Shonde leaves the fragrance of service. His legacy is not etched in granite monuments but in the smiles of students, the gratitude of mothers, and the peace of streets he lit up. If leadership were a dance, many would dance for themselves. But Shonde danced for us all. And for that, Ejigbo will never ever forget.

Ìwà l’ẹ̀ṣin; ìwà rere ni òye àtàtà (Character is religion; good character is wisdom everlasting). 

Here is my parting shot and a poignant call to action. Let those who seek power learn from this: Be a lantern, not a chain. Let your season light lives, not lock them in bondage. For when the drums go silent, it is the echo of your deeds that the world will dance to. Ire o! 

©Prince Adeola Goloba 2025

EVELYN, GOLDEN SONGBIRD

Evelyn Osagie 

It came to me, a sudden blow,

A shock too deep, a heavy woe.

This loss has torn the tender air,

A heart so bright is no longer there.

This was not in our sacred talks,

Nor whispered dreams on winding walks.

Never did you hint, nor vow,

That you would take your final bow.

Evelyn Osagie, fierce and true,

A radiant light the world once knew.

A fearless voice, a rare, rare soul,

Whose craft brought life, whose words made whole.

She spoke of hope, she carried flame,

She lifted spirits in freedom’s name.

I still recall, in two-thousand sixteen,

Her courage stood tall, her fire serene.

Among the artists, bold and free,

She raised her voice in defense of me.

When justice faltered, she took her stand,

With fearless heart and open hand.

Our last deep talk, in twenty-four,

Dreams of poems and justice’s roar.

We dreamed of change through verse and song,

But fate has called your soul along.

Yet echoes linger, strong and clear,

Your courage sings, we still can hear.

In every fight, in every plea,

Your fire lives on, eternally.

So rest, dear bird, in heavens high,

Your gentle wings now grace the sky.

May God console, may strength abide,

For those you loved, who weep beside.

We’ll keep your flame, we’ll guard your name,

Through justice, freedom, truth’s bright claim.

Golden songbird, your spirit flies,

Beyond the silence, where hope never dies. 🌹✨

©Prince Adeola Goloba 2025

This poem reflects my deep grief over the sudden loss of a dear sister, colleague and friend in the Nigerian creative community, Evelyn Osagie, a fearless journalist and radiant soul whose voice championed justice and freedom. It honors her unwavering courage, her role in defending me during a difficult time, and the shared dreams we held for change through art and advocacy. Though her passing leaves a profound void, her spirit endures as a guiding light, inspiring us to keep her flame alive in the pursuit of truth, justice, and hope.

© Prince Adeola Goloba 2025

Photo Credit: Evelyn Osagie

A NEW DAWN RISES!

The Newly sworn-in Executive Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Hon. Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo receiving his certificate from the Lagos State Governor, Babajiide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on Sunday 27th July 2025. 

The ballots have spoken, the people have stirred,

In Ejigbo’s heart, democracy purred.

Today, we stood, not merely to vote,

But to sail with hope on a civic boat.

We cast our voice in silence and ink,

A moment to pause, reflect, and think...

Of dreams we share, of roads unpaved,

Of promises made and homes to be saved.

Now that the tide has ebbed and flowed,

And winners wear their victor’s robe,

Let it be known from shore to shore,

You’re called to serve, and then, so much more.... 

With purpose pure and vision wide,

May you lead with truth and none to hide.

Let honour be your daily guide,

And let no voice be cast aside.

To you, our new custodians true,

I raise my pen and hopes anew.

We stand with you, both firm and proud,

A people resilient, a voice unbowed.

May your steps be lit by wisdom’s flame,

And may justice dance in your noble name.

For Ejigbo’s sons and daughters dear,

The time is now...the path is clear.

May the spirit of our ancestors strengthen your hand,

As you build and lead this cherished land. 

Ejigbo Mekun, the land of the gallant royal tigers,

Where shadow dancers were born as brave fighters.

Undying spirits, fortified to check the excesses of infamous aggressors,

here, in the royal land of my ancestors. 

Now a new day dawns, let greatness grow...

Àṣẹ, Ire o, let Ejigbo glow!

©Prince Adeola Goloba 2025

My Reflection on the Themes and Messages in the above Poem:

In writing this poem, I sought to capture the powerful moment of democratic transition in Ejigbo Awori, Lagos State. At its core, “A New Dawn Rises” is a reflection on civic responsibility, cultural pride, and the hopes we share as a people.

This piece celebrates our collective action i. e the quiet strength in casting a vote and the loud message it sends. It speaks to the idea that democracy isn’t just about elections; it’s about purposefully participating in shaping the future of our community. By voting, we are not only choosing leaders; we are reaffirming our commitment to progress, accountability, and justice.

Prince Adeola Goloba after casting his vote on Saturday 12th July 2025 during the Lagos State Chairmanship and Councillorship elections in Ejigbo LCDA. 

This poem also serves as a call to those elected, a reminder that leadership is a sacred trust. I emphasize the need for honesty, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness. Every voice, especially the marginalized, matters. True leadership should be rooted in service and guided by wisdom.

The New Executive Chairman flanked by his Vice, Councillors and Council Leaders. 

Cultural identity plays a significant role in this piece. As a proud descendant of Ejigbo’s founding and paramount royal lineage Fadu Onimewon, I wove in references to our ancestral strength, bravery, and resilience. From the “gallant royal tigers” to the “shadow dancers born as brave fighters,” the poem honours the spirit of our forebears and reminds us of the legacy we are duty-bound to protect.

Ultimately, this is a hopeful poem. It envisions a brighter tomorrow, and one, where justice flourishes and unity prevails. It is a poetic blessing to our new leaders and a call to action for all of us to stand firm, stay proud, and continue building a more vibrant Ejigbo.

Àṣẹ. Ire o! 

©Prince Adeola Goloba 2025

Photo Credit:

 1: Public Affairs Unit, Ejigbo LCDA.

 3: Comrade Onadeko Damilola Edwards