In the bustling streets of Ward 9 in Abeokuta North Local Government, where survival is often forged through grit and daily hustle, Afeez Akindele insists his story is being deliberately distorted.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) member has found himself at the centre of a growing political whisper campaign branding him as jobless, an allegation he firmly rejects, describing it as a calculated attempt by “mischief makers” to edge him out of grassroots relevance.
Speaking with Newsbarrelng, Akindele offered a different narrative, one rooted in labour, resilience and modest enterprise.
“I am not jobless,” he said plainly. “I am an artisan, a vulcaniser by profession. I deal in the sale of vehicle tyres, and I also own a shopping complex where I collect rent.”
For Akindele, the accusation cuts deeper than mere political rivalry. It touches on dignity, on the pride of earning a living through honest work in a society where appearances often overshadow substance.
In a community where flashy lifestyles can easily mask economic realities, he pushed back against what he described as performative wealth among his critics.
“Wearing expensive clothes doesn’t make anyone a big man,” he remarked. “Many of those spreading these lies are living fake lives.”
Yet beyond the personal defence lies a broader struggle, one that reflects the often-intense contest for control at the grassroots level of party politics. Akindele alleges that those behind the claims are seeking to “hijack the party structure” in Ward 9 for selfish interests.
Despite the pressure, he remains defiant.
“I will continue to stand for my rights and for the people of Ward 9,” he said, adding that attempts to silence him would ultimately fail.
Still, in a tone that tempers defiance with responsibility, Akindele called on his supporters to resist provocation.
“I urge my followers to remain calm and peaceful. They should not be tempted, no matter the situation,” he said.
His message reflects a familiar reality in local politics, where personal reputation, community standing, and political ambition often collide. For Akindele, the battle is not just about clearing his name, but about asserting his place in a system where perception can be as powerful as truth.
