Jimoh Olatunji, a member of the All Progressive Congress, is the lawmaker representing Alimosho Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
He was first elected as a member of the House in 2023.
Before becoming a lawmaker, he served as a local government secretary in Alimosho.
Early life and education
Mr. Olatunji was born on August 12, 1972. He hails from the Idimu/Egbeda (Awori) area of Lagos state.
His late father Alhaji Jimoh Akanbi Laka Orelope was a farmer, businessman and politician. The name ‘Orelope’ is synonymous with Alimosho politics and remains influential across Lagos. Alhaji Orelope’s house was a significant venue for critical state leaders’ meetings, especially under the leadership of Alhaji Jakande.
Mr. Olatunji completed his primary education at Oore-Ofe Primary School and his secondary school education at Oniwaya High School, both located in Lagos.
In 2016, he earned his bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Lagos. In 2022, he earned a masters degree in public administration and international affairs from the same university.
He is the brother of Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the special assistant to the President on sustainable development goals.
Mr. Olatunji is a sports enthusiast who plays football and enjoys travelling.
Political career
In 2004, Mr. Olatunji was appointed as chairman of the committee on transportation in Alimosho local government council. In 2011, he was appointed as secretary to the same local government.
In May 2022, Mr. Olatunji contested the APC House of Assembly primary for the Alimosho seat. However, misinformation and distrust among some APC members led to violence during the election. The vice chairman of the Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA) was injured, staff were assaulted, vehicles and other items were damaged.
The council requested increased security for the primaries, which was eventually conducted and 35 ad-hoc delegates voted. Barrister Rotimi Ogunwuyi polled 19 votes while Mr. Olatunji polled 15 votes.
Although he did not poll the highest votes in the primary election, Mr. Olatunji went on to represent the APC in the general election. Mr. Ogunwuyi, the winner of the primary, was considered for a cabinet position in the Sanwo-Olu administration but was later dropped.
In December 2022, Mr. Olatunji paid a courtesy visit to the APC Apex Leader in the Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Hon. Jimoh Ajao. The visit was part of his consultations with party leaders in the Alimosho constituency concerning his campaign for the upcoming 2023 general elections.
In September 2023, he was appointed as the chairman of the House committee on civic engagement.
Legislative work
In December 2023, Mr. Olatunji distributed food items and cash to his constituents and politicians across his constituency in a bid to empower the community during the Yuletide season.
“To ensure a joyful celebration for the good people of my constituents, irrespective of religious bias and political caucuses, myself and my team have come up with a plan to send our widow’s mite to the good people of Alimosho in the form of cash and food items as ‘Christmas package’ from me to them,” he said.
In February 2024, Mr. Olatunji gave food palliatives to people living with disabilities in his constituency. They were participants in a training organised by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment to learn skills such as shoemaking, barbing, phone repairing, and hairdressing, amongst others.
In August 2024, as residents sought to protest the high cost of living in the country, Mr. Olatunji urged the youths in Alimosho to choose peace and not violence. “Your voice matters, but violence silences it. Don’t let anger and frustration lead you down a destructive path,” he said.
“Shun violent protests and embrace peaceful ways to express yourself. Remember, change can happen without chaos.”
Mr. Olatunji has been credited for facilitating the reconstruction of Olaniyi Street in Egbeda, Alimosho.