Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku is a prominent figure in Lagos State politics, often referred to as “Baba Eto.”
While he is a religious leader (a Cardinal in a Christian denomination), he is widely recognized for his significant political influence and role as a grassroots mobilizer within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He has been a long-standing ally and confidant of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and plays a crucial advisory role within the party in Lagos. He holds a position on the Governors Advisory Council in Lagos State.
He’s also the Founder of the Celestial Church of Christ, City of God, Akiode, Lagos, a center of powerful manifestation of God’s power and glory. Traversing the political terrain, Odunmbaku was appointed Patron of Lagos State Community Development Council in 1992. He has been a pivot of development in the community as he effectively galvanizes residents towards harmonious and peaceful co-existence.
It is interesting to note that his flair for mobilizing people at the grassroots for political strength and development has earned him the sobriquet, ‘Baba Eto,’ in the political circle both in Lagos and beyond.
His political journey has seen him become a prominent member of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) from 1978 to 1983; Special Adviser, Hope 93’ of the Social Democratic Party; Vice Chairman, Lagos West, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); Deputy Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Chapter; and member, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) from 2003 till date through which he offers beneficial strategies on good governance in Lagos State.
In the political circle in Lagos and at the national level, Odunmbaku is popularly known as a thoroughbred grassroots mobilizer, remarkable strategist and a formidable force to be reckoned with.
His contributions to national development in terms of community activism, conflict resolution, grassroots mobilization, leadership, and human resources management cannot be over emphasized.