My Role In Alimosho Politics - Alhaji Yisa Yusuf (YY), On His 60th Birthday

On 28^th March 2016, Alhaji Yisa Yusuf Olatayo Ajiboye, popularly known and called YY will be 60 years old. A political giant in Alimosho, he is loved and revered by many. To some, he is Adedibu of Alimosho, to many others, he is the Jagaban of Alimosho.

What does he think of himself at 60? Alimosho Standard caught up with him at his residence to have a chat with him on his birthday, his foray into politics, Alimosho politics, his role in Alimosho as a King Maker and many more. Enjoy the excerpts.  

Alimosho Standard: Congratulations on your birthday sir, how do you feel being 60?

Alhaji YY: I am Alhaji Yisa Yusuf Olatayo Ajiboye, I was born on March 28, 1956. On March 28, 2016, I will be 60. I pray we all live long to see the day and many days after.

Alimosho Standard: You will be 60, yet very strong and agile. What is your secret?

Alhaji YY: I am happy. My fear was that I would have been dead before now because there are many enemies in politics. May God give us victory over our enemies. I am happy I am alive to witness this special day in my life and my parents did not bury me.

Alimosho Standard: Do you still have parents?

Alhaji YY:  I have lost my dad but my mother is still alive. I am married, I have children and I have grandchildren.

Alimosho Standard:  People refer to you as Adedibu of Alimosho, can you tell us why?

Alhaji YY:  Those calling me Adedibu of Alimosho should be asked what they saw. For me, I am just doing what God sent me to do.

Alimosho Standard:  We understand whenever people come to your house, they eat and drink, and this happens every day. What is the reason for that?

Alhaji YY:  About 10 years ago, Aregbe (Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state) asked me that same question. Maybe last time I came to the world, I died of hunger, so I don’t like seeing people hungry. Whenever anybody visits, I ask if the person has eaten. I believe if food is out of one’s problem, the others will be easy to solve. After food, if there is money, we enjoy ourselves.

Alimosho Standard:  Tell us about your journey into politics and how you became very influential.

Alhaji YY:  I was doing very well as a business man and then I discovered Alhaji Lateef Jakande was born in my state when he wanted to be governor. I went home to find out and coincidentally, he was also looking for a link to his route. He wanted someone to give him the story of where he was born. So, I decided to go and look for him. He was very happy when I told him where I am from. He just held on to me and didn’t leave me.  He told me there was someone giving him updates about occurrences from our side but he didn’t see the person again. I told him the person was dead. I told him the whole story and that was how we became very close. I became a politician and joined UPN. I later joined Sarumi Group, after then I met Aregbe and Ayo Akinyemi, we started a group that we are now in till today. Ayo Akinyemi has left us though.

Alimosho Standard: People know you as a Kingmaker. There is virtually nobody in Alimosho that aspires into a political office that doesn’t come to you. Why haven’t you thought of being an office holder yourself?

Alhaji YY:  Thank you. A kingmaker doesn’t become a king. If I wanted to take up an office, I would have fumbled. You see many of the office holders, before 4 years, they would have fumbled. That is why it is better to be a kingmaker.

Alimosho Standard: Why do you think people love you so much?

Alhaji YY:  You will have to ask those that love me. God leads me through everything I do.

Alimosho Standard: Whats the origin of YY as your nickname?

Alhaji YY:  Sarumi is the person that first called me that name. My name is Yisa Yusuf. One day he called me YY and it stuck. Since then, people started calling me YY.

Alimosho Standard: At 60, will you say you have achieved everything you set out in life to achieve?  

Alhaji YY:  When my last born gets married, I would be fulfilled.

Alimosho Standard: It looks like governor Ambode has good plans for Alimosho residents. With what we are seeing, he means well for the people that voted him in. what do you have to say to that?

Alhaji YY:  I am telling you before governor Ambode finishes his 4 years, he will surprise the people of Alimosho.

Alimosho Standard: What is your message for your loved ones on your 60^th birthday?

Alhaji YY:  I am praying for all my loved ones including you, that God will give them long life. In politics, it’s not all about elective posts. There are other benefits you can get from politics. I pray that God will let them reap the benefits of politics. I know those that love me are more than those that don’t love me.

Alimosho Standard: We can’t leave without asking you your take about people complaining of hardship since president Buhari came into power. They are saying things were better when former president Jonathan was there. What do you have to say to that?

Alhaji YY: Of course, it has to be so. Things have gone really bad. Don’t forget the saying that Tita riro lan kola, to ba jina, adoge.  After this little hardship, I am sure everybody will enjoy and Nigeria will be great again.