Kunle Adelabu
A concerned resident of Igbogbo, Prince Adesegun Mathew Fatola, has stated that Igbogbo deserves a fair share of political positions and opportunities allocated to Ikorodu Division, and pointed at what he termed disunity among the leaders of the town as reason for the marginalization.
The outspoken Prince of lgbogbo, who is the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, argued that leaders in Igbogbo have failed to unite towards demanding strategic political power for youths in Igbogbo, for better positining.
He called out the leaders on “Itesiwaju Igbogbo” WhatsApp platform, on Tuesday, while reacting to the news of Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje’s elevation/appointment as Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, by the Governor of Lagos State, titled, “Sanwo -Olu Elevates Dr Nurudeen Agbaje To Commissioner”. Dr Agbaje is from Ikorodu section of Ikorodu Division consisting of one Local Government and five Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
He tagged the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, HRM Oba Semiudeen Kasali; former Minister of Works and a GAC chieftain, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe; former Secretary to the State Gives and also a GAC chieftain, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Executive Chairman, IBLCDA, Omo’ba Hammed Aroyewun and CIIDU President, Mr Adeboye Dankuwo.
”My major concern, however, is the perceived imbalance in the sharing formula and distribution of political opportunities within Ikorodu Division, particularly when it comes to ensuring that every community gets a fair sense of belonging.
”It is high time our leaders wake up to this responsibility. More importantly, they must learn to put aside personal grievances, political differences and internal disagreements whenever the collective interest of our people is at stake. We cannot continue to allow personal interests to overshadow opportunities that could bring development, recognition and greater political relevance to Igbogbo.
”Permit me to ask: How many of our sons and daughters from Igbogbo have occupied strategic positions in the Governor’s cabinet over the last eight years?”, Fatola asked.
While urging the traditional and political leaders in Igbogbo, to reassess the situations and in unity demand for better treatment for the community within the Ikorodu Division politics, Fatola stressed that Igbogbo has abundant human resources who are qualified and capable to serve in any capacity at the state and national levels.
”As another administration approaches, this is the time to reflect, reassess our political engagements and demand a more inclusive representation.
”Our people should not only be remembered when it comes to local government appointments or positions with limited influence. Our sons and daughters are equally qualified, competent and capable of occupying strategic offices across various ministries, departments and agencies of the Lagos State Government”.
He added: “We must begin to think beyond the immediate political benefits of appointments and consider the long-term advantages for our people.
”Representation is not merely about occupying an office; it is about having a voice where decisions are made, policies are formulated and opportunities are distributed.
”Igbogbo deserves a fair share. Igbogbo deserves stronger representation, and our leaders must begin to demonstrate unity of purpose, fairness and genuine commitment to the collective progress of our people.
”I, therefore, submit that the time to put our house in order is now. Our political differences should never be bigger than our collective aspirations”, Fatola urged.
