Kunle Adelabu & Wale Jagun
-Council Chair says incident happened two years ago, not recently
-Video released to discredit Council Chairman – Council Leader
Following the viral video where members of the Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) were seen accusing one other of financial recklessness and theft of the council documents, the authorities have released statements to explained what actually transpired.
The video, which was released Friday evening across the WhatsApp platforms related to Ikorodu, was viewed with great disappointment by residents who condemned the Councilors’ act.
In the video, which people watched with dismay, the Council leader, Hon. Jessica Oba, was seen accusing his deputy, Hon. Batife, who was moving some files into his Lexus jeep, of stealing sensitive documents of the Council and being paid by the Council Chairman monthly.
In a counter accusation, Hon. Batife also accused the Council leader of taken law into her hand and conniving with the Council Chairman to sign overdraft and sharing the money.
However, in a statement signed by Hon ( Otunba ) Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, FCA, FCTI, Executive Chairman, Ikorodu-West LCDA, titled, “Rejoinder: Let’s Talk Facts, Not Fights: A Message from Ikorodu West LCDA”, the Chairman said that the said video was footage of what happened two years ago and not recently.
“Have you seen the video circulating online about an argument among the Councillors in lkorodu-West LCDA?”, he asked rhetorically.
“I would like to set the record straight here.This particular video is from way back, almost two years ago. There was disagreement among the Councillors, but it was resolved quickly.
“Any misunderstanding that might have happened at the Legislative house over 2 years ago doesn’t concern the Executive cabinet members, because the constitution stated the separation of power between the legislative and Executive arms”, he said.
Hon. Sulaimon, who said that it is natural for disagreements to occur, emphasized that the council has since focused on developmental projects.
“Sometimes, disagreements indeed happen, even among friends. But in Ikorodu West, we have always resolved to work things out and move forward”.
“In fact, if you look closely at the video, you’ll see the background of the building was unplastered. lt has been plastered now with interlock.
“That’s because we’ve been busy renovating the entire secretariat. See the photos and video of the new secretariat attached here”.
He pleaded for the stoppage of sharing of the old video and called for cooperation.
“Let’s not get distracted by old stories. Ikorodu West is moving forward with so many exciting projects, dotting the entire LCDA landscape.
“Rumors and arguments only divide us. We want to focus on the positive – making our community a better place for everyone. So, how can you help?”, he asked once again.
“Don’t share old videos that cause trouble. Spread the word about the good things happening in Ikorodu West!
“Let’s work together to build a brighter future, not focusing on the past. Together, we can make Ikorodu West a place where everyone feels united and positive!”, he said.
In her own statement, Leader, Ikorodu West LCDA Legislative Assembly, Hon. Enitan Jessica Oba, expressed shock regarding how the incident of two years ago was brought up as if it just happened.
She said that the matter was resolved by the leadership of her party and ALGON.
“I woke up this morning surprised to see a Video that occurred 2 years ago being circulated on WhatsApp platforms like it happened yesterday. The incident was as a result of address of redundancy of the Legislative Arm which resulted in serious arguments”, she said.
“The documents shown in the video were meant for an oversight function which was obscured. This prompted heated arguments.
“After the ugly incident, the Leadership of the party in Ikorodu division, set up a Disciplinary Committee to look into it and it was all resolved amicably. ALGON did the same and since then, we do not have any other issue. The Chairman has since then prioritised the Legislative Assembly in terms of public hearing on our bye laws, ward projects and welfare of our communities”.
Oba further explained that the video was shared with one of the political leaders who in turn shared the same with a Chairmanship aspirant whom she alleged of releasing it to the public.
“The video was shared specifically with one of the leaders who requested for the video evidence of the harassment, but surprisingly, it was shared it with a Chairmanship Aspirant”, she said.
“The surprising aspect is the fact that it was reposted by the same Chairmanship Aspirant in Ikorodu West LCDA, 2 years later just to discredit the current Local Government Chairman.
“The leadership in Ikorodu division already intervened and everything has been resolved amicably, and the Chairman has been more transparent and inclusive with his governance.
“Our loyalty to the party is non-negotiable and we regret the twist being experienced at the moment”.
