Meet Atebo Yusuf Owolewa, the human developer who wants to change the face of Ikorodu
As the 2025 Lagos council elections draw closer, several aspirants have continued to show interest in contesting for the chairmanship seats of the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Areas in the state.
In Ikorodu, different individuals have also signified interest in vying for the top job but one man has continually stood out of the lot based on his antecedents and outstanding style of campaign.
Popularly known as AYO, an acronym of his name, Atebo Yusuf Owolewa has brought about a unique way of articulating his vision to see Ikorodu become one of the most developed LGAs in the state. With his AYO Nbo mantra, Atebo has disclosed that his mission is to see Ikorodu return to her lost glory which brought about the slogan; IKORODU MUST BE GREAT AGAIN.
Who is AYO?

Atebo Yussuf Owolewa was born in Ikorodu into the family of respected Islamic cleric; Alhaji Abduaziz Atebo. His primary and secondary school education were gotten at the Ijomu Muslim Primary School and Yewa Grammar School respectively before he proceeded to the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (now Lagos State University of Education) to obtain his National Certificate of Education in Islamic Studies and Political Science.
AYO then proceeded to the prestigious Lagos State University for a degree in Political Science.
In a bid to get further knowledge and international exposure, Atebo proceeded to Northumbria University in London, United Kingdom for a Masters in Business and Human Resource Management.
Professionally, AYO has worked as a teacher, administrative officer and brand expert. After years of working with different organisations, Atebo established his branding firm which specialises in printing, publishing and outdoor advertising. The success of his business led him to diversify into agriculture as an agropreneur. He also runs a logistics company based in Lagos.
An employer of labour, AYO believes a local government chairman should do more than just paying salaries and focusing on less impactful projects.
A welfarist par excellence, Atebo has over the years taken it upon himself to give aid to impecunious families and indigent students, many of whom he placed on scholarship. Asides his monthly financial support to several people, Atebo also focuses on ensuring and helping people acquire skills which can earn them substantial means of livelihood. Since he began his campaign, many have revealed being benefactors of his good deeds.
As an activist from his students days, Atebo whose colleagues and followers referred to as Awo due to his sagacious takes on issues has maintained that politics should be about bettering the lives of the people. His message to the people has been that Ikorodu has been a shadow of itself having fallen off from the pedestal it was in times past. Atebo reveals Ikorodu needs to have an evolution in areas like infrastructure, education, ICT, citizens welfare among others.
The question now is; how does AYO intend to make these changes if elected?

Atebo Owolewa Yusuf is set to unveil his ‘E SHIFT’ agenda which captures his ‘New Mindset, New Frontiers’ six points plan to move Ikorodu Local Government from where it is stagnated at the moment to where it ought to be.
‘E SHIFT’ which hasn’t been unveiled according to Atebo will address every major issue needing attention in order for the Ikorodu LGA to become one of the best in the state.
The last few months have had the ancient town of Ikorodu agog with excitement with chants of AYỌ̀ ŃBỌ̀ meaning “Joy is coming” on the streets and social media. Everybody who is enthusiastic about the growth of the town founded by the iconic Oga have also joined in the excitement as they show support for Atebo Yusuf Owolewa who has now become the leading candidate in Ikorodu.
Ikorodu Must Be Great Again!
AYỌ̀ ŃBỌ̀