The Importance of Getting Involved with Local Politics – A Conversation with Rebecca Otitoju

“I think that everyone should sit on council for one term. It’s something you need so that you know how to be able to help your community,” White City’s Deputy Mayor Rebecca Otitoju recently told MCoS when we sat down with her to discuss the upcoming municipal elections in Saskatchewan.  

After serving 12 years on town council in White City Otitoju mentioned that she feels it’s time for her to step aside and see new people come in and fill those seats now. She plans to continue to serve her community going forward but admitted she’ll be taking more of a background role. 

Her interest in local politics started long before her and her husband moved to Canada. Back in Nigeria, when election time rolled around they would give their community members rides to the polls to ensure that everyone had the opportunity to place their vote.    

“If you don’t vote, you don’t have the right to criticize,” Otitoju said. 

 After moving to Canada she noted that often as an immigrant it can be difficult to see ourselves as a part of a community because most immigrants are still tied to their lives back home.  

“Nothing will change that. But if we do not work to become a part of the community we’ll always be on the side lines complaining, thinking that people are not doing the right thing. We all have wisdom, but coming from where you come from and being who you are brings a uniqueness,” Otitoju said, encouraging everyone to share that uniqueness with their community.  

“There are no words to describe how important being a part of your community is. This does not mean that, for those of us who are immigrants that you forget home, no, this is where you are today, be a part of it, and bless it with the gift that you’re bringing to this community as well.” 

We asked Rebecca if she had advice for anyone who might be interested in getting involved in their local politics and she suggested starting by attending council meetings. “They’re public meetings, go there out of curiosity. That’s one thing I never did and looking back it’s the one thing I would encourage others to engage with. Watch to see all that goes with the position.” 

She also expressed the importance of discussing this endeavor with your family too if you’re considering running for council. Are you prepared for the commitment and are they prepared to support you through that were two questions Otitoju posed. “You have to campaign, you have to go to the community and convince them you have something to offer and that you want to serve in that community,” Otitoju said. “Prove yourself. And even when people say they won’t vote for you, you still need to take that graciously. They can’t vote for everybody.” 

“Not everyone will like what you do but you need to push on. Especially immigrants, we need to be a part of this country and give our wisdom, talents and gifts to this community. It’s one of the ways you introduce change, if you speak from your own perspective,” Otitoju added. 

Otitoju offered words of encouragement to those who are running in the municipal elections this year, “Congratulations in advance and at times it’s not about winning but the courage to come out. Congratulations for even thinking about it and if this time is not meant to be your time, don’t give up. Just look at what you need to do for the next time and try again.”