By Damiete Braide
Veteran banker and grassroots politician, Habeeb Omowunmi Anibaba, has officially declared his intention to contest the chairmanship position of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The declaration, held at the Ejigbo Mini Stadium, drew a sizeable crowd of supporters, community leaders and members of his political caucus, ‘The Mandate Movement (TMM).’
He described his decision as a reaffirmation of his roots and lifelong commitment to the Ejigbo community, where he has lived for over 30 years.
“With all humility and a heart filled with purpose, I formally declare my intention to contest for the position of Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA under the APC,” he stated.
A former executive at Zenith Bank, Anibaba recounted how he stepped away from a successful career in finance to answer the call of public service, saying, “My political journey has been one of learning, loyalty and service. I did not leave the private sector to chase titles, I left to make a difference where it matters most; at the grassroots,” he said.
He praised the TMM shadow primary held in April 2025, describing it as a milestone for internal party democracy. He commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise and said it demonstrated Ejigbo’s readiness to embrace democratic ideals without violence or discord.
“We’ve shown that politics can be dignified, inclusive, and issue-driven,” he stated, highlighting the primaries as a reflection of Ejigbo’s political maturity.
While acknowledging the contributions of the incumbent Chairman, Monsurudeen Oloyede-Bello, he pledged not to discard existing achievements but to build upon them with renewed vision.
“I step forward not to replace but to continue and elevate,” he said, promising to prioritise inclusive governance, transparency and accountability. “I am here to be a servant-leader, not a ruler, guided by the aspirations of the people.”