The Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State and leader of the party in Lagos East Senatorial District, Otunba Amid Adekunle Oduborisha, has dumped the party as he joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at a rally in the Ikorodu area of the state yesterday.
Oduborisha, who is the President of the prestigious Oriwu Club, Ikorodu, returned to the APC family which he left several years ago.
Oduborisha and his AMIKO group were formally received into the APC at the flag-off ceremony of the campaign of Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, a representative of the Ikorodu Federal Constituency who is seeking re-election.
Benson who was received by a mammoth crowd at the event held at the Ikorodu Ferry Terminal, urged the people of Ikorodu to continue to keep faith with the APC. He called on them to vote massively for all the party’s candidates in the 2023 general elections, from the presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, Senator Tokuboh Abiru, himself and the House of Assembly candidate, Gbolahan Ogunleye, during the elections.
Speaking at the rally that was attended by prominent party leaders from across the state, Oduborisha confirmed his defection and explained that he is in the APC to contribute his quota to the presidential ambition of Asiwaju Tinubu. “Yes, I am returning to the APC and not decamping like others. This is where I belong and I am coming back home. It is indeed my re-integration into the APC. I am here to ensure the victory of Asiwaju Tinubu and all other APC candidates. Hon. Benson has given me reasons to believe in APC again with his performance. He has shown what it is to use the mandate of the people for the people effectively. The people of Ikorodu are blessed to have Jimi Benson and I am happy to be here today,” he said.
Speakers at the event which had Fuji maestro, Wasiu Ayinde (K1) on the bandstand, eulogized Benson as they recall the many democratic dividends he attracted to the constituency since his emergence as the representative of the people. Mentions were made of his monthly ‘Mercy Bag’ distribution which is the first ever Food Bank in Nigeria, the numerous infrastructure interventions all over Ikorodu and his many legislative efforts on the floor of the lower chamber. “JB is an unusual lawmaker. He listens to the people and go out of his way to ensure he pleases them,” Hon. Sesan Daini, Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, said.
Prince Olamilekan Ojo Martins, a public affairs commentator and leadership advocate revisits the current succession controversy in Constituency 1 in Ikorodu Division ahead of 2023 and questions a clandestine arrangement by some unforeseen socio-political cabals that excludes the good people of Ikorodu West LCDA.
I spoke on the roles that leaders must play to engender unity in my weekly Instagram-live entitled: “Nigeria, Some Defining Issues for the Future.’’. In my live broadcast I stated emphatically that equity, justice, and fairness for all segments of society are imperative in the pursuit of unity in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State.
As a former LGA Youth Leader of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) I am of the conviction that any fear or allegation of marginalization or discrimination on account of tribe, residency, religion, ethnicity or political affiliations must not be overlooked by any community as its long term negative effects are better imagined.
“Political and traditional leaders in Ikorodu Division must do the difficult work of educating their publics about the need to live together and ensure political positions and patronage are circled amongst the three entities that makes up Constituency 1 and 2, in this case for Constituency 1 are Ikorodu West, Ikorodu North and Ikorodu Central”. In constituency 2 brothers are pitching against one another, neighbors against neighbors …so the story goes.
“It is the elites, leaders that will do the onerous job of ensuring unity in our communities.”
In my previous writeup with the title, “The Propaganda Plights of LCDAs in Lagos State”, I tried to show how Greater Ikorodu West LCDA made up of Ipakodo, Owutu, Agric amongst others have been reduced to the political weeping child of Ikorodu Division. This is due to the worst form of political marginalization foisted on the people before, during and after the creation of LCDAs in Lagos State.
Expectedly, the writeup attracted mixed reactions. In that writeup, many pertinent questions were raised challenging proponents of centralization in Ikorodu Central to provide evidence as to when and who sat together to draw the agreement on such arrangements (written or unwritten).
While many hailed the logicality of the argument, some people with opposing views made feeble attempts to counter the argument even as they were lacking in facts and failed woefully to provide answers to the basic questions raised. Their best attempt was to say that both Ikorodu West and Ikorodu North were merely created from Ikorodu Central and they have to call the shorts and that it has come to stay! We shall return to that later.
In this my second intervention, I basically want to present further historical evidence to buttress the point that, by reason of equity, justice and fairness, Ikorodu West LCDA, whether by “cultural zone” or old divisional structure (or even affirmation), should be supported to produce the next Lagos State House of Assembly Member for Ikorodu Constituency 1. Power can still shift to Ikorodu North LCDA afterwards. By so doing, equity is still serve.
Activities of the past years has only revealed how some stakeholders have been neglected in Ikorodu Constituency I. which is made up of Ikorodu Central, Ikorodu North and Ikorodu West)
House of Assembly Ikorodu Constituency I Short history 1999-Till Date
20011- 2015. Hon. SOB AGUNBIADE ( Ikorodu Central)
2015- 2019. Hon. SOB AGUNBIADE ( Ikorodu Central)
2019- 2023. Hon. SOB AGUNBIADE ( Ikorodu Central)
Ikorodu North and Ikorodu West we have waited enough…
We call on Our party Leaders and Traditional Leaders to speak out. If Ikorodu Constituency 2 can tinker with rotation , Ikorodu Constituency I should also lead by example.
It’s time for Rotation 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️……..
The unique and constitutional position of the trio is longed recognized by the laws of Lagos State as equal entities but the injustice vehemently experienced as shown in the case of the Lagos State House of Assemble leaves so much to be desired. We live in a complex web of multi-layered social, cultural, economic and political synergies playing out in Ikorodu and that is most unfortunate to the LCDAs.
Despite the scale of the challenges facing us, unravelling this web of commonality as proposed by enthusiasts of disintegration and some greedy politicians is a cure that is worse than the disease.
This is why we must understand that even though managing diversity can be politically and administratively onerous, diversity itself is an economic strength and harnessing it properly is hugely rewarding, if properly harnessed, our diversity could ensure lasting prosperity for all.
The true wealth of nations in the 21st century is human capital, societies that set out to attract and retain the most diverse pool of skilled human resources are ordained to prevail in the race for prosperity.
It is a matter of interest that the most prosperous economies in the world are typically diverse. With diversity comes a broad range of cultural, philosophical and intellectual approaches for solving problems; innovation can only flourish in this kind of setting. Ikorodu West indeed has qualified and experienced professionals who can occupy any post.
This is why the apex leadership in Ikorodu Division must understand that even though managing diversity can be politically and administratively onerous, diversity itself is an economic strength and harnessing it properly is hugely rewarding. Let’s give Ikorodu West LCDA the opportunity to ensure a refreshing legislative agenda.
Prince Olamilekan OJO MARTINS (Mnipr) wrote in from Texas, USA @hrhmartins@gmail.com
ASSEMBLY ASPIRANT PICKS FORM, SAYS HIS CANDIDACY WILL SHOCK MANY
A foremost contender for the Ikorodu Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly seat in Lagos State, BABAWALE Bisiriyu Alogba, has picked his expression of interest and nomination forms under the All Progressive Congress (APC) as part of activities towards the 2023 elections.
The aspirant, while picking the forms at the party’s Secretariat, said his campaign and eventual mandate will be hinged on the cardinal areas of development carried out by Government of Lagos State as a world class Mega City.
Alogba said his aspiration is born out of deep responsibility to the people of Ikorodu Constituency 1, which is also encouraged by the populist political ideology of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu.
Hon Babawale Bisiriyu Alogba pose with APC Lagos State Secretary, Hon Sunmi Odesanya
The professional financial expert turned politician swore to preserve the ideology of the populist government and give his Constituency a fresh perspective to governance as a lawmaker by putting premium on the people’s welfare while he represents the interest of his constituency at the State Assembly.
When asked on his chances of becoming the party flag bearer, Babawale said ” I am a technocrat and have served the party in various capacities, the outcome of the primaries will shock many“
” The people during consultations saw my pedigree and programs and concludes that it’s inline with their need for a fresh breath in the political space hence, the overwhelming support” Babawale added.
Push News 24 International reports that as the ruling All Progressives Congress APC opens nominations forms collection several aspirants have also gone ahead to purchase their expression of intent and nomination forms.
2023 : IKORODU WEST IS NO LONGER A CATCHMENT AREA FOR DESPERATE POLITICIANS
As all is getting set for political parties to conduct their primaries as various aspirants under different political platforms have started scheming through various clandestine means to woo party delegates towards becoming candidates of their parties.
Expectedly, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which is at the center of Ikorodu Division governance is not left out of the frenzy.
Party stalwart and former LGA Youth Leader of Ikorodu West LCDA, Prince Olalekan Ojo Martins has reacted to the passived marginalisation of Ikorodu West LCDA in the scheme of political nominations and appointment in Lagos State.
Bebenlo as he is fondly called flared a situation where Ikorodu West is seen as a mere additional catchment area of some desperate politicians in the division who would rather patronise the LCDA to score political patronage.
” It’s unfortunate that Ikorodu West LCDA has not benefitted directly from any major State appointment despite contributing largely to the center”
” Our people are given crumbs during every political season and used as instruments of cheap political maneuvering, this will no longer continue as our people are wiser” he said
Martins sighted the lopsidedness in State appointments, House of Representatives and moreso in the front burner is the Lagos State House of Assembly Constituency 1 which has been at the fiery advantage of Ikorodu Central despite quality aspirants from Ikorodu West over the years.
“Enough of the monopoly of Constituency 1 Assembly, enough of the rhetorics other LCDA’s are stakeholders and must be given the opportunity just like Constituency 2 has maintained a steady progress” Martins said.
Push News 24 International can confirm that aspirants from Ikorodu West LCDA are living no stone unturned in ensuring a free and fair primaries is held, indicating readiness that the status quo will no longer remain.
The Chattered PR practitioner also stated that definite strategies are ongoing to ensure Ikorodu West LCDA delegates and stakeholders supports only candidates from the LCDA and ensuring that members of the enlarged community key into the mantra of dismantling the structures of desperate politicians.
ALOGBA TASK NEWLY INAUGURATED SUPERVISORS ON TRUST, CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT AND QUALITATIVE SERVICE DELIVERY
Newly inaugurated Supervisors in Ikorodu West LCDA in Lagos State have been tasked to serve and conduct the affairs of their people with the fear of God and employ the virtues of probity, accountability and transparency as their watch word.
In an exclusive chat with Push News 24 International during the swear-in ceremony of Ikorodu West LCDA Supervisors, this act according to a former LGA Officer of the LCDA , Hon. Babawale Bisiriyu Alogba has become imperative with a view to attract divine guidance that would help them succeed in the task ahead of them.
Alogba who is arguably the most popular choice for Ikorodu Constituency 1, Seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) come 2023 believed that capacity development and the adoption of such noble attributes would earn them the continued support and confidence of the electorates.
“It has become highly imperative for all those appointed or elected to strive hard to uphold the trust and confidence given to them freely by the people and make the fear of God and transparency their guiding light in order to succeed in the task ahead of them,” he stressed.
The banker turned politician further advised the Supervisors to always ensure synergy with the Councilors and work in harmony so that they can collectively bring about developmental activities that would take the people to the next level of peace, unity and economic prosperity.
Alogba further admonished all members of the new cabinet to always endeavor to treat all manners of people with dignity, decorum and respect while carrying out their responsibilities because their duties are simply to serve the people diligently in accordance with their oath of office.
To the members of Ikorodu West LCDA community, he appealed for continued support, co-operation and understanding from all party faithfuls and residents stressing that they should keep it at the back of their minds that the Executive Chairman cannot do everything for them.
Alogba also congratulated the Council boss, Hon. Sulaimon for his resounding victory at the polls and urged him to continue to see the mandate given to him by the people of Ikorodu West LCDA as an opportunity to serve them diligently so as to engrave his name in gold.
Meanwhile, the Glassgow MSc in International Banking and Finance graduate reiterated that his decision to legislate in 2023 on behalf of Ikorodu Constituency 1 is premised on the fact that the people need a more inclusive representation and he is poise to provide that pathway through fresh perspectives.
