*OTOPE: Running to Serve Others.* By Isiaka Kehinde.

Honourable Temitope Oladimeji, popularly known as OTOPE, is a man blessed with a large heart. This rare attribute has remained one of the major pillars behind his all-round success and growing acceptance among the people.

When I received his phone call recently, i was first taken aback, knowing fully well my position before the primary that made him a candidate. He later paused, and his message served as a soothing balm. ” We are one. The primary is over, its high time we rubbed minds on how to win elections for the sake of our people who are ” shouting ” Ona Ara lokan” and turn their collective desires to see a quality representation to a stark reality. We should not let them down. ”

Indeed , OTOPE ‘s purposeful life is reflected in his humanitarian spirit and uncommon commitment to serving both God and humanity.
His way exemplifies the biblical injunction that true greatness lies in selfless service and faithful stewardship.

I probed further into why he is in the race to represent Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in 2027. His response was both profound and reassuring.
“I am passionate about this race because I dedicate the victory that will ultimately come to God. It behoves us to run to serve God,” he said.
Quoting Hebrews 12:1, he added:
“…And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

According to him, another reason for seeking elective office is the desire to advance the common good of his people.
“I believe being a lawmaker will offer me the opportunity to initiate and support laws that will positively impact more lives and improve the welfare of our people,” he explained.

OTOPE further noted that his participation in the race is also aimed at strengthening his party’s chances in subsequent elections.
“The victory of our party’s candidates in the presidential, senatorial, and House of Representatives elections will create a bandwagon effect that will open doors for other candidates, including our incoming Governor, Bimbo Adekambi, and others whose elections will come afterwards.”

His response reveals a leader who is not driven by personal ambition alone but by a sincere commitment to humanity. This aligns with the philosophy of the renowned German philosopher Immanuel Kants, who stated that :
“Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never merely as a means to an end, but always at the same time as an end.”

As OTOPE continues this race with a heart dedicated to God and service to humanity, it is the prayer of many that he ultimately emerges victorious, so that through his leadership, God may be honoured and the people may be better served. Since he has already been serving his constituent members through massive empowerment, ennobling giveaways, and cash support that have been tailored to the betterment of the people, if such a person is given more opportunity, he will surely achieve more. Says, Ona Ara ladies Forum – a political wing of APM.