Kunle Adelabu
The apex leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikorodu Division, has written to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu, on the list of nominees for the state cabinet, sent to the Lagos State House of Assembly, last week for ratification, and which has only one nominee from Ikorodu.
It was gathered that the former Deputy Governor and the apex leader in Ikorodu, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, led the team to the State House on Tuesday, where the letter was presented to the Chief of Staff, My Tayo Ayinde.
THE IMPACT gathered that the political leaders reached the agreement to reach out to the governor, and make their concerns known following the massive protests from Ikorodu since the list was made public.
It was also gathered that the leaders also resolved to reach out to President Bola Tinubu on the matter.
We also gathered that the meeting was fruitful.
Some of the residents took to the streets on Monday, carrying placards with inscriptions to protest what they termed marginalization and injustice to Ikorodu Division, considering the support that the ruling party has been receiving from the division, especially in the last general elections.
Also in the team were: former Vice Chairman, Lagos East APC, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, former Chairman, Lagos State Local Government Commission, Basorun Babatunde Rotinwa, the two Assembly representatives among others.
In the same vein, other residents, individuals and groups have also written to the governor, seeking redress of the alleged marginalization.
One of such is the American –based lkorodu Princess, Aderoju Ladega who is a known community developer and activist, whom we gathered, submitted hers to the Governor’s office on Monday.
While expressing her disappointment at the said list, Aderoju said that Ikorodu deserves about four cabinet slots.
“I write this letter to express my dissatisfaction with the recently released commissioner list for your second-term administration. According to social media sources, the entire lkorodu division has only one slot, which has been given to a former commissioner known for her remarkable achievements in your previous administration. I appreciate your decision to bring her back”, her letter stated.
“However, I sincerely believe that allocating four (4) commissionership slots to lkorodu, would be a fair gesture. We believe we deserve this and more.
“Without delving too deeply into historical, geographical, and economic references, I’d like to mention a recent instance of lkorodu’s significance, which you also benefited from- the 2023 general elections, where you were re-elected as Governor of Lagos state”, she said.
Aderoju, who gave the figure for the last gubernatorial elections to proof that Ikorodu deserves more slots in the cabinet, stated that Ikorodu has capable and qualified individuals that can assist the governor in driving the ship of the state.
“In that election, our dear sister LG, Alimosho, received the highest number of votes (83,631 votes), but with a 46,495 vote margins between APC and Labour Party, which obtained 37,136 votes. Ikorodu LGA secured the second position with 64,697 votes and a 51,490 vote margin between APC and Labour Party, where the latter polled 13,207 votes. Mushin LGA came third with 52,249 votes and a 40,490 vote margin APC and Labour Party, obtaining 11,759 votes”, she narrated.
“We firmly believed in your commitment to fairness, justices, and equality, which is why we voted for you in such overwhelming numbers despite the perceived disconnect with the APC lad government across the nation. Therefore, we believe it is only fair not to be deprived of our rightful share.
“Dear Governor, the practice of appointing only one commissioner and SA/SSA to represent us as loyal party members is no longer acceptable. We have numerous progressive, competent, and capable individuals who could significantly contribute to the realization of your vision for Lagos state. I urge you to consult with the people, professional bodies, associations, religious, assemblies, youths, groups and other home-based organizations aligned with the ruling party, to recommend individuals (especially technocrats) whose positive impacts have been widely felt, even without holding foster unity.
“In conclusion, fairness, equality, and justices are the foundations of a thriving society. Embracing empathy and ensuring equal opportunities for the five divisions that make up our state, will lead to a future where no one is left behind, and everyone’s voice is heard and respected. This approach will undoubtedly foster unity”, she said.
