One of the strong contenders for the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo stool, Prince Lameed Otunola Salami, says the desire to transform Ajase-Ipo and uplift its people informed his intention to vie to become the next traditional ruler of the town, located in Irepodun local government area of Kwara State.
The Olupo stool became vacant following the demise of Oba Sikiru Atanda Woleola II who joined his ancestors on died on Friday, 21 February, 2021, at the age of 69.
Already, no fewer than 20 princes from eligible ruling houses have expressed interest to succeed the late monarch. However, only about three of them are being touted to clinch the position and one of them is Prince Lameed Salami who hails from the Alebiosu ruling house.
Prince Salami is a trained Mechanical Engineer and successful businessman, who runs different companies, with hundreds of workers in his employ. Born on June 14, 1970, Lameed bagged a Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin in 1995. He had earlier attended Kulende L.S.B.M Primary School, Ilorin, Ajase-Ipo Comprehensive High School, Ajase-Ipo and Offa Grammar School, Offa, for his primary and secondary education.
He exudes humility, professionalism and hard work, which has translated into the success of his various business interests. He is the chairman LAMSALAM Farms, Ilorin, Saltoks Nigeria Limited and Three Zeros Investment Limited located in Lagos. Prince is a philanthropist, who loves to put smiles on the faces of the people
Ahead of the commencement of the selection process by the kingmakers in Ajase-Ipo, Prince Lameed in a brief chat with newsmen over the weekend, disclosed that his main intent of jostling for the Obaship position is to develop the town and uplift the people.
The prince, who lamented the slow pace of development of Ajase-Ipo, said he was always concerned and unhappy with the plight of the people. He however praised the late Oba Sikiru, for his contributions towards the peace and progress of Ajase-Ipo, saying that he would consolidate on his achievements and those of his predecessors, and the town to greater heights.
Speaking on his philosophy, Engineer Lameed said he was always happy reaching out to the people especially the downtrodden, noting that this has been the secret behind his success in the business world.
He said: “I am a prince from Alebiosu ruling house. So, I’m eligible to vie for the throne. I am always concerned with the plight of our people in Ajase-Ipo. I am also not comfortable with the current pace of development in our beloved town. I, therefore, intend to use the Obaship position to transform by pursuing rapid social and economic changes and also maintaining the peace and stability of the town.
“Each time I visit home (Ajase-Ipo), I feel so bad about the condition of the community. It’s nothing to write home about. As we speak, there is no single commercial bank in Ajasse Ipo which I believe we should have, as it has had affected economic activities in the town. Through my connection both at the national and international levels, I should be able to make things happen,” he said.
He added that his mission is not to enrich his pocket. “I thank God for His blessings on me, I may not be very rich but I’m not hungry. I’m not coming to enrich myself but to improve on Ajase- Ipo through support and cooperation from different quarters.
Continuing, Prince Lameed said age was still on his side and has all the energy and capacity to rule Ajase Ipo and achieve his goals for the town.
“Age, to me, is in my favour. I don’t think I’m too young nor too old because I’m still in my 50s. I have the energy and capacity to rule Ajase and achieve my goals for our beloved town. 11 years ago, I contested alongside the late Oba Sikiru Woleola to be the Olupo, but as fate would have it, he was appointed ahead of me and other contenders at that time,” he said.