Kunle Adelabu
The Ijebu Obas in Lagos State have charged the Lagos State Government and the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the need to ensure that the forthcoming Local Government election is free, fair and in strict adherence with democratic principles.
The royals spoke with THE IMPACT at the meeting of the Ijebu Obas in Lagos State, hosted by the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Emugoriade II, at his palace in Igbogbo.
They enjoined aspirants to be selfless and think of how they are going to use their offices to develop their councils.
Oba Kasali commenting on the elections said:
“I will implore the government to make the forthcoming local government elections democratic in the true sense of it. They should let the best candidates emerge from the parties.
“For the aspirants, let them be prepared to serve and nothing more. Service is all about being able to deliver on promises. I wish them all the best,” the Kabiyesi said.
In his own contribution, the Ranodu of Imota, HRM Oba (Dr) Mudashiru Ajibade Agoro, FCA, also calling on the authorities and the aspirants, said:
“We want a transparent, fair and free local government election and we want the aspirants to think of nothing except development.”
The Alayandelu of Odo – Ayandelu, Ikosi – Ejinrin, Epe, Oba (Bldr.) Aderibigbe Asunmo, while declaring for the APC, also advised the party leaders against imposition of candidates.
He charged political leaders to have inputs of the traditional rulers in their domains when deciding on whomever should emerge as candidates to prevent protest votes in the forthcoming elections.
“We Obas are for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State and we are enjoining everybody to vote for the party.
“We are enjoining the party leaders not to impose candidates on the party. They should allow free and fair processes to prevail so that we don’t experience what we witnessed at the last general elections In Lagos State again.
“We must prevent any form of protest votes or things that can cause division and not make us deliver the 20 Local Governments and 37 LCDAs to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
“We want the political leaders to consult very well with traditional/natural rulers and other stakeholders in their domains in making their decisions,” Oba Asunmo charged.
