The Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Associate Professor (Dr.) Taiwo Lasisi, has reaffirmed his longstanding relationship with the grassroots structure of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), making an unannounced appearance at the party’s Polytechnic Zone meeting and extending financial support to members.
Dr. Lasisi, who was accompanied by the institution’s Registrar, Dr. Taiwo Olajide, was received with enthusiasm by party leaders and members, who described the visit as a demonstration of loyalty to the political structure from which the Rector had risen.
The visit, coming amid the demanding responsibilities of his office, was viewed by party stakeholders as a symbolic reconnection between the academic administrator and his political roots.
Before his appointment as Rector, Dr. Lasisi had been actively associated with the APM structure in the Polytechnic Zone, Ward 11 and the broader Ibadan North political constituency. Over the years, he has participated in the party’s organisational activities and, according to party members, contributed to its mobilisation and electoral efforts.
His involvement has also extended to youth mobilisation and grassroots engagement, with members recalling his financial and logistical support for party activities and individuals at various times.
Welcoming the Rector, the APM Polytechnic Zonal Chairman, Mr. Ojetola Ezekiah, expressed appreciation for Dr. Lasisi’s continued connection with the zone despite the demands of his current office.
Ojetola said the Rector’s visit was particularly significant because of his longstanding relationship with the structure.
“Daddy, today you have once again proved that you are truly one of us. From your days in an acting capacity as Rector, you have consistently demonstrated that you are a father to this political family. What you did for the party before becoming Rector has continued even now that you are a substantive Rector,” he said.
Responding, Dr. Lasisi expressed appreciation to the party leadership and members for their continued support, goodwill and prayers.
He attributed the zone’s previous political successes to collective effort, stressing that sustainable political organisation is built on the strength of relationships between leaders and followers.
“There is no leader without followers,” the Rector stated, while urging members to remain united and avoid politics driven by bitterness or personal antagonism.
He further called on members to protect their relationships across political and social divides, emphasising that political differences should not destroy longstanding bonds.
“We would always need one another. Therefore, protect your relationships with others jealously,” he advised.
Dr. Lasisi also reaffirmed his commitment to the success of APM candidates, expressing support for the party’s candidates across various elective positions and urging members to work collectively towards the party’s electoral objectives.
Earlier, the APM Zonal Woman Leader, Mrs. Oladeji Temilade, described the Rector’s presence as a source of pride to the Polytechnic community and the political zone.
She noted that Dr. Lasisi represented a unique blend of institutional and grassroots experience, having begun his teaching career at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, while also maintaining longstanding ties with the political structure.
“Rector sir, you are internal by starting your teaching career from this great institution, and still politically internal to this zone by being one of us. This has never happened before,” she remarked.
Also speaking on behalf of the members, Deaconess Phinero Adeleye acknowledged Dr. Lasisi’s longstanding contributions to the zone, particularly his financial interventions and assistance to members at critical moments.
She said his various forms of support had remained significant to the members and prayed for continued good health, wisdom and strength for the Rector in his leadership of the Polytechnic community.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Lasisi expressed satisfaction that some of the benches he had previously donated to the zone were still being used several years after.
He reiterated that his relationship with the members remained cordial and assured them that his doors would remain open to them.
The meeting ended on a note of solidarity, with Dr. Lasisi making a cash donation to members of the zone. The Registrar, Dr. Taiwo Olajide, also demonstrated solidarity with the Rector by making a cash donation in support of the members.
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