By Charles Abere
Prominent philanthropist and politician, Hon. Tokunbo Ajila-Jakande, popularly known as TAJ, has expressed dissatisfaction with the low number of women in Nigeria’s National Assembly, while dismissing recent reports of an endorsement deal as “100 percent fake news.”
Speaking on women’s political inclusion while addressing journalists at the NUJ Secretariat, Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, TAJ said the current figures fall far short of the 35 percent affirmative action target.
“As you can see in the National Assembly, in the Green Chamber, I don’t think we have up to 20 women out of 360. In the Red Chamber, I don’t think we have up to 12 out of 109,” she stated.
She noted that 35 percent of 109 Senate seats should be about 40, while 35 percent of 360 House of Representatives seats should be about 150. “That’s not the case here,” she said.
Focusing on Ekiti State, TAJ pointed out that all nine current National Assembly members from the state are men. She recalled that only three women have represented the state in the Senate: Senator Biodun Olujimi, Senator Fatima Raji-Rasaki, and Hon. Wumi Ogunlola.
She appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing him as “a lover of women” who “understands the female gender and respects them.” She urged him to ensure that at least two women from Ekiti emerge in the next National Assembly, either in the House of Representatives or the Senate.
TAJ also called on the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to push for greater inclusion. “I’m using this opportunity to beg Mummy Remi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, to please ensure that at least a woman or two women from every state should be included in the National Assembly,” she said.
She affirmed women’s support for Governor Oyebanji’s administration and re-election bid, adding that ongoing sensitization efforts are aimed at highlighting women’s electoral strength and capacity for empathetic representation.
“Women are the largest number of voters. Women are the ones that have the empathy when it comes to bringing things back to the state,” she noted.
On Endorsement Rumours, TAJ dismissed reports that she had been part of an endorsement for an incumbent lawmaker. She described the claim as fake news and explained that leaders were invited to hear results of a screening exercise, not for an endorsement.
“They reeled out the results and said even though they know that somebody like Taj is competent, they wanted them to endorse the incumbent, the reason being ranking,” she said. According to her, delegates with “integrity” refused to sign the endorsement document.
“Some of them said, ‘I’m close to 60, I’m more than 60. There’s nothing I want. We want to secure the future of our children.’ So they refused to sign the paper that was given.”
She urged journalists to fact-check and counter the report.
On Representation and Networking, Addressing her approach to representation, TAJ referred to herself as the “Natasha of Ekiti State,” in reference to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi State. “Natasha is one woman that has done well for the people of Kogi State. I might not be elected as a senator, but I know what I can do,” she said.
She stressed that effective representation hinges on networking and communication. “Representing your constituency is not just about greeting people. It is about networking and the ability to talk. When you can network well, you will be able to achieve and bring things to your constituency,” she explained.
TAJ said she has been building networks across Ondo, Osun, Kwara, and Kogi states, adding that political positioning begins before election. “Even the Speaker is chosen before you get there. I have sat down for 12 years doing something,” she said.
