Kunle Adelabu
In what could be likened to a case of vote of no confidence, residents of Ikorodu, have voiced out on public social media platforms in total condemnation of the representation of Hon. Gbolagan Ogunleye, the representative of Ikorodu Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA).
Hon. Ogunleye who is a son of the former deputy governor of Lagos Stare, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, emerged through a controversial primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party’s candidate and won the election to represent Ikorodu, after Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, the former Majority Leader of LSHA’s 16 years of representation.
Since the inauguration of the House about three years ago, residents have been complaining about his lack of representation without any communication from the lawmaker until the last weekend when his media office issued a statement appealing for residents’ understanding.
The statement tried to excuse him being a first term lawmaker and informed constituents about his proposed stakeholders’ meeting.
Rather than abate the criticisms, the condemnation after the release intensified, with residents questioning where he has been in the last three years without anything to show for his representation while his Ikorodu Constituency II counterpart, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA) keep impacting positively on the socioeconomic progress of his people and constituents.
They reasoned that his statement three years after his election was due to another electioneering period around the corner and his desire to return back to the House.
Alaba Isiaka Ogunleye, who posted the release from Hon . Ogunleye’s office, in his effort to convince the protesting residents after his post of his principal’s genuine intention, further emphasised on the proposed stakeholders meeting by Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye.
He stated that the underperforming lawmaker meant well with the proposed meeting and urged them to give him a chance.
”Thank you for the constructive feedback.
”Honourable Gbolahan Ogunleye is already putting plans in place to deepen engagement. All stakeholders across Constituency 1 will soon be personally invited to a forum where there will be a sincere, heart to heart discussion on expectations, priorities and the way forward.
“The need for this dialogue cannot be overemphasised and we will work to make it happen urgently.
”The meeting will be convened as a matter of urgency. We are already working on the necessary arrangements to ensure it holds promptly, and there will be no delay in making it happen.”
He assured the angry electorate that the lawmaker would soon turn a new leaf to being who they would be proud of.
He agreed that his principal has not been visible and added that he has used his first term to make contacts and prepare himself for the real representation.
”Yes, you have a representative that you will soon have all the reason to be proud of. Just a little patience remains. Our stakeholders meeting will unravel a lot.
“This is not even about defensive politics, but about being truthful and sincere with our people. We have always aimed to present the exact picture as it stands, rather than exaggerate or mislead.
”While Honourable Gbolahan Ogunleye may not have been highly visible at every moment, this first term has been strategically used to make significant progress: important groundwork has been laid, key connections have been established, and strong networks are now in place. These are some of his major accomplishments so far, and moving forward, he will leverage them to drive the changes and development that Ikorodu Constituency 1 truly deserves.
”We ask for understanding as we transition from groundwork to impactful action,” he pleaded.
Mr Murphy Wallace Ifesanya, a social commentator reacting said that he had preferred a good representation from Hon. Gbolahan from the outset instead of asking for time. However, he welcomed the stakeholders initiative proposed by the lawmaker.
”I’ll prefer a quality representation from the outset rather than being mute.
”He should create an avenue for dialogue within the constituency now. He should not waste time to do that now.
“Because people are complaining about him.
”I even asked on my Facebook account whether we have a representative from Ikorodu Constituency 1 at LAHA …”, Mr Ifesanya said.
Kehinde Mickey Lamina, a former aspirant for Lagos State House of Assembly, enjoined residents to focus on returning President Bola Tinubu and performing Sen. Tokunbo Abiru and Rep. Babajimi Benson and ignore the Ikorodu Constituency I lawmaker who he said cares less about the constituents.
”Where are these media team persons in the past years now, if I may ask.
”Same to the lawmaker, ” he asked.
”Our performing President, House of Representatives member and our Doing Good Senator should be our focus to channel our energy to, not a representative that doesn’t care for us.
“Ikorodu for Governor should also be another thing we should look into, ” he appealed.
Another community developer and public commentator, Comrade Julius Oloyede, while also welcoming the statement and the frantic efforts by the lawmaker’s aide to defend what many have described as an abysmal performance, said he wanted him to stop making fool of the people.
”Your response and defence are not negative in any case.
“But people are not deceived. It’s rather belated now.”
Mrs Bisi Bello Mustapha, a retired school head and public commentator also commenting said that the communication from the lawmaker is to secure his second term in office and sarcastically stated that people are ready to welcome his re – election process.
”Ema lagun jina (You don’t have sweat in explaining your principal’s intention). We all know how women dey born pickin.
“Oga for 2nd term. We are ready Jare. Let us begin the process.”
Haqqman, a critic and public commentator in his own reaction entirely condemned the sudden realisation by the representative of Ikorodu Constituency 1 that he now owns the electorate explanation after his first tenure is gradually coming to an end.
”Is this realistic?”
“When your tenure is about to end, that’s when you remember to call on stakeholders dialogue, so we .should be the one to tell you what to do?
”Did he even have a manifesto before emerging as an Ikorodu 1 representative?
”I laughed when I read the part that says “he is already putting plans in place to deepen engagement. What is he deepening when his tenure is about to end?
”If I may ask, has he been asleep since 2023 when he was elected? Now he wants to deepen engagement, ” Haqqman further asked.
While acknowledging that the former Ikorodu Constituency I lawmaker, Hon. Agunbiade who was removed for him may have his own shortcomings, Haqqman was of the view that Hon. Gbolahan does not in any way come close to what Hon SOB Agunbiade did as a representative of Ikorodu Constituency 1 in the LSHA.
”Agunbade may have his shortcomings ooo but his music is heard in Ikorodu 1 then Ki a ma fi iku we orun.”
Oluwatosin Oyeniyi also reacting said the aide who.posted in defence of Hon Gbolahan Ogunleye is doing more damage to his principal’s image with his comments.
”Haaaaaa, I feel you’re doing more damage to your Principal’s reputation this way Sir. E ranti pe Political Season l’awa ooo.
“You’ve made a valid point with your first response, I salute your Principal for owning up to his shortcomings as contained in your earlier response. He’s promised to do the needful as you’ve stated…move on Sir….
“You’ll be shocked your Principal will deny ever sending you this when the damage done is being pointed out.”
Another social commentator and lecturer, Mr Ekundayo Hassan (D1) while also welcoming the lawmaker’s statement, stated that his appeal for time is not tenable to him. He alleged that he has done nothing to preserve the capacity established by the former holder of the office.
”I appreciate your message. However, the appeals for patience is coming rather too late when opinions have been formed.
‘Let it be clear that institutional learning and representation is measured by visible impact and measurable results not docility.
“Being a first-term legislator does not exempt you from demonstrating effectiveness, especially when the previous holder of that seat elevated the constituency’s standing within the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“I agree with you that relationship building is important, but it must translate into tangible motions, bills, constituency projects, and stronger legislative presence. In your bown conscience, has he achieved any of these?”, he asked.
He also condemned the comparison of the lawmaker with President Bola Tinubu and emphasised that his impacts would have been felt if he is really doing anything positive and impactful.
”It is an insult to compare Honourable Gbolahan Ogunleye’s situation with that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He hit the ground running as a Senator with a clear long-term strategy and visible political footprints. Mind you, we are not asking for noise. But, only performance, real influence, and improved ranking that reflects active representation.
”Patience should not replace accountability. While your claim of engagement behind the scenes is commendable, the people of Ikorodu Constituency I deserve transparent updates, clear legislative achievements, and evidence that their voice is strongly projected within the Lagos State House of Assembly.
”Constructive criticism is not hostility, it is democratic responsibility.”
Hassan further stated that every other elected officer from Ikorodu Division has proven and shown his or her qualities and also commended them for their responsiveness. He criticised Ogunleye for failing, for being underperforming.
”All the current elected officers representing Ikorodu Division have shown commendable openness in engaging the public on issues affecting the division. They respond, clarify, and participate in discussions that concern their constituencies.
”Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Honourable Ogunleye, who is allergic to public discourse on matters affecting his people.
”The member representing Ikorodu Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly (AMA) consistently responds publicly to issues relating to the House and his constituency, demonstrating accessibility and accountability to the people,” Hassan lauded AMA in conclusion.
