Alebiosu: Hardwork, not Godfatherism, is Hallmark of Politicians’ Success

In a candid interview, Otunba Busura Adedeji Alebiosu, a prominent businessman and long-time associate of President Bola Tinubu, offers a reflective look at his multifaceted career, spanning business and politics. His narrative, rooted in a humble upbringing in Ijebu-Ode and professional training in the United Kingdom, underscores a journey built on hard work and strategic partnerships.

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I was born in Ijasi quarters, Ijebu-Ode. I attended Moslem School, Ijebu-Ode, thereafter came to Lagos and served as a gas station attendant around Denton, Ebute Metta, Lagos. From there, I went to the United Kingdom to study first at the Hammersmith College of Arts and Building and then proceeded to Paddington Technical College to study Welding Engineering, after which I worked briefly before returning to Nigeria with my bosom friend, Hon Justice George Adesola Oguntade, formerly of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, who studied law at Holborn College, UK. It was after we got back to Nigeria that we set up our own companies.

Alebiosu's account of co-founding Elios Engineering with Justice Adesola Oguntade highlights a successful entrepreneurial venture that thrived through diligent effort and sound financial management. This business acumen, he suggests, is a crucial, often overlooked, foundation for success in any field, including politics. His early political involvement dates back to 1976, aligning with significant political shifts in Nigeria, and he later served in the Lagos State House of Assembly during the Jakande administration.

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Well, we eventually named the company Elios Engineering. I saved some money from where I worked, and Oguntade also saved some money, and we both invested in the business. With my own engineering background and his own legal background and training, we decided to combine resources and form the company. Initially, we called it Skyline Metalworks, then changed the name to Helios Engineering. The business took off like a rocket, and we started making money. We were doing three shifts at the factory, morning, afternoon and evening. Our bankers were giving us credit facilities, and when we required and expanded remarkably, honouring all our obligations and contracts, life was good.

Speaking from his extensive experience, Alebiosu emphasizes that true political success stems from genuine hard work and dedication, rather than relying on patronage or 'godfatherism.' This perspective resonates with a desire for meritocracy in Nigerian politics, suggesting that aspiring politicians should focus on building substantive careers and demonstrable achievements. His reflections offer valuable counsel to the current political landscape, advocating for a return to principles of diligence and integrity as the hallmarks of effective leadership.

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I joined politics in 1976 with Chief Obafemi Awolowo in Somolu Local Government. At that time, Somolu had just been created out of Mushin Local Government.