Kunle Adelabu
A chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), and former Minister of Works, Sen. Kingsley Adeseye Ogunlewe, has denied endorsing the representative of Ikorodu Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye for another term in office.
The elder statesman said the visit of Hon Gbolahan Ogunleye to his (Sen Ogunlewe) Apalura country home on Wednesday was a courtesy visit and purely a consultative one in respect of his political aspiration but he never endorsed him as being reported by some online news media (not THE IMPACT).
Hon. Ogunleye who is seeking re – election for another term is a son of another GAC chieftain and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye. He was elected in 2023 and recently purchased the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to seek for re – election.
In a rejoinder by Sen. Ogunlewe titled, “EJOINDER: SEN. ADESEYE OGUNLEWE DID NOT ENDORSE HON. GBOLAHAN OGUNLEYE,” he vehemently denied the reportage.
“Our attention has been drawn to a misleading publication circulating online alleging that former Minister and Distinguished Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe has endorsed Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye for a second term to represent Ikorodu Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“To set the record straight: Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye’s recent visit was a courtesy call and consultation regarding his political aspirations, not an endorsement as falsely reported.
The statement also emphasised that the GAC chieftain has no authority to endorse:
“Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe is a respected political leader and member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) from Ikorodu Constituency. By party structure, established convention, and democratic practice, he as an individual does not have the authority to impose or officially endorse any aspirant from Ikorodu Constituency I. Dragging his name into Constituency I’s affairs is deceptive, misleading, and appears to be a deliberate attempt to confuse party members and the public.”
It further argued that the lawmaker should allow his performance to speak for itself instead.
“If Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye had delivered impactful representation and effective leadership during his first term, his re-election bid would naturally attract widespread grassroots support. Genuine performance does not require manufactured endorsements or sponsored media narratives.”
The statement also warned those behind the alleged endorsement to desist from such acts.
“We have confirmed directly with4 Senator Ogunlewe that he never endorsed Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye for a second term. Those behind this’ falsehood should desist from invoking the name of this elder sister’s statesman for personal political gain.”
Senator Ogunlewe further emphasised that under the Electoral Act and the democratic principles of our party, no individual leader has the constitutional power to endorse or impose. Candidates emerge either through consensus agreed upon by stakeholders or through direct primaries conducted by party members.”
While advising aspirants to engage people in the grassroots and secure their support, Sen. Ogunlewe also emphasised the Ikorodu electorate cannot be deceived by propaganda and falsehood.
“No leader can impose or endorse any aspirant. My advice to all aspirants is to go to the grassroots, campaign across all wards, and present themselves to party members who will ultimately decide.”
“The people of Ikorodu cannot be swayed by cheap propaganda or fabricated endorsements. They deserve honesty, accountability, transparency, and credible representation, not recycled falsehoods and media theatrics.
“We therefore urge party faithful and the general public across Ikorodu Division to disregard the publication in its entirety. It does not reflect Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe’s position.
“A lie may travel fast, but the truth will always prevail,” the statement concluded.
