HIGH CHIEF OLAREWAJU BASHORUN (LARRYBASH):
THE GRASSROOTS GENERAL WITH A PROMISE BEYOND POLITICS
In the ever-evolving political theatre of Ado Odo Ota Federal constituency, where ambition meets expectation and promises are constantly weighed against credibility, one name has steadily risen from the chorus of contenders to a voice of conviction and action — Olanrewaju Bashorun, fondly known across the streets and communities as Larrybash.
His emergence into the race for the Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency seat is not merely another political declaration; it is, by many accounts, the continuation of a lifelong commitment to community service , one rooted deeply in tradition, generosity, and proximity to the grassroots.
At a widely attended Meet-the-Press Programme, High Chief Bashorun delivered what many political observers have described as a defining moment of his candidacy. With clarity and unusual boldness, he declared:
“I will not wait for allocation from government before giving my people what they deserve.”
This statement, drawn from sentiments echoed across media archives and public discourse, immediately set him apart.
In a political culture often characterized by dependency on federal allocations, Bashorun’s stance signals a shift — a promise of proactive leadership driven by initiative rather than bureaucracy.
The Grassroots Advantage
As the Seriki of Ota Kingdom, Bashorun’s identity is inseparable from the people he seeks to represent. His traditional title is not ceremonial; it is functional — a bridge between leadership and the lived realities of the masses.
He emphasized that his position as a High Chief offers him a unique advantage:
Accessibility: “I am already among my people. They see me, they reach me, they know me.”
Accountability: “Leadership must be answerable, not distant.”
Trust: Built over decades of visible community impact.
Unlike many aspirants who must first introduce themselves to the electorate, Bashorun’s story is already woven into the social and cultural fabric of Ado-Odo/Ota.
At the heart of his message lies a pressing concern — youth unemployment and economic stagnation. Bashorun did not merely acknowledge the problem; he presented it as a personal mission.
He pledged to:
Drive massive youth empowerment programs
Facilitate skills acquisition and vocational training
Create employment pipelines through private-sector partnerships
Leverage his national and international business networks to attract investment
His approach reflects a hybrid model of governance — one that blends public service with private-sector efficiency.
Bashorun is quick to point out that his ambition is not born out of political convenience but from a history of service.
“My journey of community development did not begin with politics.”
From supporting human capital development initiatives to grassroots interventions, his reputation — often summarized in one word, generosity — precedes his campaign.
He further outlined plans to revive dormant institutions within the constituency, including:
*The ILO training facility The Technical School in Igbesa*
These, he believes, can be transformed into hubs of innovation and productivity, restoring dignity to education and technical advancement in the region.
As the 2027 general elections approach under the supervision of Independent National Electoral Commission, the political atmosphere in Ado-Odo/Ota is intensifying. With options of direct primaries or consensus candidacy on the table, aspirants are engaging in strategic consultations and grassroots mobilization.
Within this charged environment, Bashorun’s candidacy is gaining what observers describe as a “steambath” — a surge of momentum fueled by public interest, grassroots acceptance, and a narrative of credibility.
Perhaps what makes Larrybash’s story compelling is the seamless fusion of tradition and modern governance. He represents a model of leadership that does not abandon cultural roots but instead uses them as a foundation for progressive change.
He has consistently reassured supporters that:
“My traditional responsibilities will not hinder my political service — they will strengthen it.”
As the contest for Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency unfolds, one truth remains evident: High Chief Olanrewaju Bashorun is not merely contesting for office — he is presenting a philosophy of leadership.
A leadership that is:
Immediate in action
Visible in presence
Measured in impact
Whether this vision will translate into electoral victory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain in the narrative of Ogun West politics, Larrybash has already written himself into the conversation as a force that cannot be ignored.
In a time when many wait for the system, Bashorun proposes to outpace it.
