Abesan Estate hold election, elect new officers to run their affairs

CAPTION: L-R (standing) Vice president-elect, Babatunde Fapohunda, Adeyemi Tella, Biodun Balogun, Omotayo Adekeye, Seun Olukoya, Alhaji Keshinro A, Yinka Adeyemi, Engr. Awosoga Richard

Sitting(L-R): Ernest Wiliams, representing United Estates, President –elect, Elder M.A.O Kehinde, Former presidents, Pa. Arotiowa, Pa. Bisola Ogunyanwo and Chief Abel Badejo

The residents of Abesan estate on Saturday, 22^nd October elected new officers to run the affairs of Abesan Estate residents’ association (AERA) for the next three years.

The election which was held at the venue of their Town Hall meeting at 5^th avenue was attended by dignitaries including past presidents of the estate, chairmen of sectors, youth representatives, united estate representatives, security personnel including the Nigerian police, Neighborhood Watch, observers and delegates.

Notable people at the election include Chief Abel Badejo; a former chairman of Mosan Okunola LCDA and former president of AERA, Elder Bisola Ogunyanwo and Pa. Arotiowa; both former presidents of the estate, Mr. Ernest Williams, secretary general of united estates(all estates built by Pa. Lateef Jakande in Lagos), among many other.

A total of 11 people were elected into various offices. Those elected include Mr. Michael Kehinde as President, Prince Babatunde Fapohunda as Vice President, Mr. Taiye Akindein as Treasurer, Mr. Olufemi Odeyemi as Public Relations Officer (P.R.O) and Mrs. Ronke Afolabi as Assistant P.R.O. Others are Alhaji R. Alayaki as Chief Security Officer, Mrs. Grace Omolabake Azeez as Social Secretary, Alhaja Kudirat Afolabi as Auditor, Ms. Omolola Coker as Chief Education Officer, Comrade Joke Akinola as Welfare Officer, Engr. Ola Oni as Chief Technical Officer.

In his acceptance speech, the president-elect who is also the current president, Elder M.A.O Kehinde thanked everybody for the confidence in him and promised to do better in the new dispensation. He assured that the welfare of residents will be top priority in his administration.

Speaking at the elections, one of the observers and a former chairman of Abesan Electoral committee, Mr. Olumide Lewis noted that the election was open, transparent and peaceful. He admonished the electoral body to keep the ballot papers in safe custody. Other observers who spoke include representative of the youth, Mr. Bayo Babignton and a former president, Elder Ogunyanwo. They all noted the peaceful and near perfect conduct of the election.

Speaking with Abesan News after the elections, the chairman of electoral committee, Mr. Adekeye Omotayo expressed his happiness for a successful conduct of elections and thanked the participating sectors who followed the constitution of Abesan Estate Residents Association (AERA) by paying all their debts to be eligible, the first time such is happening in Abesan Estate.

“This is the first time the constitution of the estate is followed to the letter by any electoral committee and I am excited about it. The events leading to this election was interesting as several meetings were held including one at the police station, which made us follow the constitution completely. We were able to generate more than half a million naira from debts of sectors into the purse of the association. I am happy the elections went peaceful and everybody is happy.” Mr. Adekeye Omotayo, said.

The newly elected executive are to be sworn in on Sunday, 30^th October in a strictly by invitation ceremony at AMEN Centre, Abesan Estate.