Kunle Adelabu
The Governor of Lagos State is, at the moment, not in the good book of Ikorodu residents as his administration continues to receive bashing from the people who have described his administration as not favourable to the division, especially in the area of infrastructures and political appointments.
They came hard on the governor for considering just one person for cabinet appointment out of the 39 that the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, announced in a statement on Friday, and which has been sent to the Lagos State House of Assembly, for ratification.
Although, the CPS did not reveal the list, but the list that has been in circulation on social media since yesterday, shows that only the former Commissioner for Agriculture in the first term of Gov. Sanwo – Olu, is the only nominee from Ikorodu Division.
Others on the said list are: Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Mr. Rotimi Ogunwuyi, Mr. Gbenga Oyeriinde, Mr. Lawal Pedo (SAN), Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Hon. Ibrahim Layode, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Abdulkabir Ogungbo, Engr. Abiola Olowu, Dr. Adekunle Olayinka, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, Mr. Idris Aregbe, Mr. Yakubu Adebayo Alebiosu, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Hon. Bola Olumegbon, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, Mr. Kayode Bolaji Robert, Mr. Moruf Akinderu Fatai, Mr. Seun Osiyemi and Mrs. Barakat Bakare
Also on the list are: Prof. Akin Abayomi, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Engr. Olalere Odusote, Dr. Rotimi Fashola, Mr. Mosopefolu George, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, Mr. Yomi Oluyomi, Mr. Sam Egube, Dr. Jide Babatunde, Mr. Olalekan Fatodu and Mrs Solape Hammond.
However, the aggrieved residents did not spare the political leadership while blaming Sanwo – Olu for the alleged marginalization of Ikorodu.
Owolabi Anifowoshe, a former aspirant for the Ikorodu Federal Representatives and political commentator, was blunt in his reaction, saying that Sanwo – Olu’s government cannot give Ikorodu, the deserved consideration for development.
“I think the Ikorodu division deserves more than a seat in the Lagos cabinet… with our last electoral outing….”, he said while commenting on the alleged list for the Commissioner and Special Adviser positions in the second term cabinet of Sanwo – Olu.
“This our indivisible lkorodu as one LGA, is not good for us politically. lkeja and lsland divisions have about four or more each… Mainland alone got 2 slots. Seriously and sincerely, Ikorodu can’t get the deserved developmental attention we needed with this cabinet…. I must be proved wrong.
“Ikorodu division needs serious infrastructural attention, and a lone voice in a state cabinet can’t be that effective. There will be more pressure on someone like Jimi Benson. Our two state reps are still new.. so, who will negotiate for lkorodu division, on the table…. Abi in the menu?”.
A public analyst, Tayo Odesanya, who appeared not surprised, blamed the political leaders and followers for always being interested in party and personal interests, rather than the divisional interest.
“Well, that’s just the issue that has always repeated itself, and we can safely conclude on our cluelessness; we’ll always be downplayed”, he said.
“For as long as Ikorodu’s political leaders and followers alike continue to push PERSONAL instead of collective agendas, we shall remain rooted in the bottom of the ladder, especially you shameless vuvuzelas born to praise-sing and defend your oppressors, just so you may be individually singled out for favour, read this; KÒ NI JÒLÒ FUN YÍN!!!”, Odesanya angrily stated.
Ogunsanmi Muruf Hassan, a tourism expert and public commentator, also contributing, said that the government is taking Ikorodu for a ride despite its people consistently supporting the ruling party.
He charged Ikorodu youths to continually engage the government on the need to respond to the need to deliberately support the development of Ikorodu.
“It’s painful to canvass and work day and night for the government, thinking with the kind of competition in the last election that this government will come out with surprise and build our confidence to face opposition, yet the government takes us as a child that doesn’t know the next thing”, he said”.
“But there’s a lot to do even if Nigeria will be better, not only the government that will do it. It’s even obvious that the government is a scam, so, the youths need to use all the tools to change the government’s mindset to better the lives of the people.
“I bet you, this government does not mean well”, he said bluntly.
The Chairman, African Action Congress (AAC), Comrade Michael Olasoji, who is also a resident of Ikorodu, charged Ikorodu people on the need to change their political directions before it’s too late.
“Ikorodu – Oga, Ikorodu – Oga, Ikorodu no de carry last, hmmm. Oga is now lamenting, becoming Omo ise (slave)”, he said.
“We need to change our political mentality to that of oga , not a slave or puppet.
“Let lkorodu breathe. Ikorodu deserves good governance and growth”.
Bayode Treasure Olawunmi, another public commentator, reacting, said:
“Awon leaders wa ti ta slots waa (our leaders have traded our cabinet slots). As long as they are OK, they care less about the division and the people. Know this and know peace. When they push you to get the votes out, they do that for them to look good to their benefactors. If they fight for the people, ‘won ma fa ra ya’, but because it is about them, they go with cap in hand”, he alleged.
“A bi, what is the use of GAC membership if you can’t use it to push the agenda of your people?”, he queried.
The senior legislative aide to Hon. Wale Raji, Epe Federal Constituency and prominent Ikorodu youth leader, Mr Oluwakemi Hassan (Bashexy), also charged residents on the need to constantly engage their leaders and not just follow.
“We cannot continue to laboriously work for leaders who are not factoring our progress and interest in the scheme of things. We want leaders who will fight for the progress of their followers, and not use their loyalty to oppress them through perpetuation of their hegemony”, he said.
“Our leaders must be made accountable for their misdeeds. Sheepish followership will continue to stunt our growth and atrophy our democracy. Any leader who has not been seen or adjudged to have fought for the empowerment of his followers and development of his Community, should not be worthy of our support”, he alleged and warned.
The Co – Coordinator, Concerned Ikorodu Division Youth (CIDY), Oke Godwin OlaOluwa (OGO), said that the massive votes by Ikorodu residents were done in recognition of the good work by Sen. Tokunbo Abiru and Rep. Babajimi Benson whom he charged to present the disappointments of Ikorodu people to the Governor, on the nomination for his second term cabinet.
“The truth is, the governorship votes of the opposition parties were suppressed in other areas in the last elections. Elections in Ikorodu were peaceful, we trooped out in our numbers without financial inducement to vote for the ruling party”, he said.
“We did it for the sake of @Rep JB and Senator Tokunbo Abiru. I hope they relate our grouse to the governor. We may not listen to them in the future elections”, he warned.
Comrade Soyiga Samuel, Emeritus President, National Association of Ikorodu, demanded that Ikorodu Division should be respected, considering its contributions to the development of Lagos.
“Ibeju Lekki LGA, Badagry LGA, Kosofe LGA have more commissioners than Ikorodu.
“Even if we are not being treated as a Division, we should be treated like other LGAs , with consideration that Ikorodu Division remains loyal, even in votes. It’s painful”, he lamented
Meanwhile, the Chief Administrator of the Forthright Platform and a public commentator, ‘Dayo Hassan, in his protest letter, titled, ‘Complaint about Marginalization of Ikorodu in Commissioner Appointments’, said that the under representation of Ikorodu Division raises serious concern for the people.
He said that the division has contributed immensely, and as well supported the ruling party during the last general elections and expected to be rewarded for its loyalty.
“As a concerned resident of Ikorodu, I have observed with great dismay that despite our region’s significant contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State, there appears to be an evident lack of representation in the executive leadership of the government. This underrepresentation raises serious questions about the inclusivity and fairness of the commissioner appointment process”, he said.
“Ikorodu, being one of the largest and most populated areas in Lagos State, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the advancement of the state in various aspects, including but not limited to commerce, education and infrastructure development. Our residents have shown unwavering support and loyalty to the government over the years. Ikorodu recorded one of the highest votes for themselves and other APC candidates during the last general elections, and we believe that we deserve equitable consideration in the distribution of key positions.
“Only one (1) representative (Ms. Ruth Abisola Olusanya) from Ikorodu Division, is among the appointed commissioners. This has sparked feelings of neglect and disillusionment among our people. We fear that this marginalization might further deepen the disconnect between the government and the residents of Ikorodu, eroding the sense of belonging and loyalty we have worked hard to foster”.
He charged the governor on the need to redress the situation to make the people of Ikorodu, have a sense of belonging in the affairs of the state.
“Your Excellency, I implore you to take prompt action to address this issue, and ensure that the people of Ikorodu are fairly represented in the Lagos State government. We believe that a diverse and inclusive leadership team will not only promote unity, but also enhance the government’s ability to understand and cater for the unique needs of different regions within Lagos State”, he said.
“I kindly request you to consider another Commissioner nominee from Ikorodu, to make the representative two (2). Ikorodu is blessed with individuals who possess the necessary qualifications, expertise and dedication to serve as commissioners. By doing so, you will send a strong message of inclusivity and fairness to all citizens of Lagos State.
“As the next phase of governance begins, I remain hopeful that you will take our concerns into account, and work towards a more balanced and representative administration. I appreciate your attention on this matter and eagerly anticipate positive steps to address our grievances”, Hassan said.
