That serious politicking is in progress in Lagos East Senatorial District in a bid to fill the vacuum created by the sudden and unexpected demise of Late Senator Osinowo Sikiru(May his soul rest in peace)is not anyway in question.
The late Senator until his death last month was the Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District in the Red Chamber.
For the avoidance of doubt, the late Senator occupied the now vacant Seat as a candidate of KOSOFE Local Government.
To start with, we must have full grasp of the fact that Lagos East Senatorial District in Lagos State is constituted by five Local Government. Namely, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Kosofe and Somolu respectively.
It is noteworthy that of the 5 local governments that makes up the Lagos East Senatorial district, Ikorodu LG & Epe LG are 2 of the LG’s from Lagos East Senatorial that makes up the Ibile division(5). Ibeju Lekki was carved out of Epe thereby giving Epe & Ibeju Lekki more automatic representation and voice leaving Ikorodu the same way. This in itself is an injustice in the politics of governance in Lagos State.
The political structure and arrangement of the Lagos East Senatorial District like in many other states of the federation in order to enhance equity and balance as well as dousing any fear of marginalization is on rotational basis.
Meaning in this case that the five local governments areas are to share elective offices among themselves one after the other.
This is the dream of the founding fathers in ensuring a democratic and all inclusive government is guaranteed.
It is also a recipe for trust , collaboration and consensus building in any diverse social-political terrain like ours among other plethora of benefits that naturally attend the system, if practiced with sincerity.
It is in line with this lofty arrangement that DR. AYANTUGA of blessed memory became a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was an indigene of Epe local Government area of Lagos State.
Senator Anthony Adefuye became a Senator under the SDP umbrella, the gentleman was the favoured candidate from Somolu Local Government of Lagos State. Baba Adefuye is still alive and kicking.
Hon. Justice Abiru from Ikorodu also represented at the Red chamber.
While, Senator Kingsley Adeseye Ogunlewe also ran and won the race to the Upper Chamber as a candidate of the Alliance for Democracy. Uncle Seye used the slot of Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State.
After a term in office Prince Seye Ogunlewe was replaced in the Senate by Dr. Olorunibe Mamora from Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Senator. Gbenga Ashafa’s two term as a Senator from Ibeju-Lekki is a recent we shouldn’t sweat to relate with.
The Same Seat was bequeathed and occupied by our dear Late Senator Oshinowo Sikiru from the same KOSOFE Local Government.
Without any attempt at political correctness, we are of the opinion that no local government in Lagos East Senatorial District will be correct in their assertion that they have never had a shot at the Senatorial Seat.
As I write, Political horse trading is at fever pitch all in the bid to fill the vacuum created by the sudden death of Late Senator Sikiru Oshinowo.
And around this same period Ikorodu people in their wisdom and patience have devotedly supported their neighbouring Epe local Government to be Governor twice in 1992 and 2015 respectively.
Mamora became a Speaker of the LAGOS state House of Assembly with the help of our son from Ijede at the expense of another Ikorodu candidate.
Bar. Adeyemi Ikuforiji became speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly for Ten good years, enjoying the support of Ikorodu from the start to finish.
Not to mention the Governship stinct of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
Endless is the list of many instances of how our Epe neighbours have enjoyed our loyalty and good brotherhood to their advantage and at our detriment.
It is not suppose to be one good term deserves another,Don’t we deserve a pay back time?
The point that power is not served has been made elsewhere. Fine it’s fought for and wrestled or at best snatched.
This is the huge challenge circumstances has thrown at the Ikorodu division leaders of thoughts both politician and non politician not leaving behind our Royal Fathers.
Now we youth want them to lead the charge.
Mobilize every resources at their disposal to ensure this Senatorial ticket is won and this sackcloth of marginalization is stripped off and burnt.
It will be an insult to our collective intelligence in Ikorodu Division if we miss out on this.
Our take is simple, insult is a gift, but we as a people have a choice to accept or reject it. And we are sure the latter will be our collective response.
If we accept the former, more and more insult unfortunately will be served on us and it will be too late and most unfortunate for us to say no when the consequences of our inactions start catching up with us.
The time to say no to this recurring real and perceived marginalization, injustice and denial of Political right is now.
Political pacifism is treacherous, criminal and sinful. We youth and people across the nooks and crannies of Ikorodu Division are revved up and ready to appeal, persuade any institution or persons albeit intellectually to press home our demand.
Every well meaning IKORODU freeborn should lend their ‘fearsome’ voice to this course. Let the vibration be heard from all over Lagos and beyond.
It is time to live that heroic panergyric attributed to our forebearers .
Are we not ‘ omo ake’nigbo keru’oba ara ona’ again.
The message should be clearly couched, sent and delivered and received at the appropriate quarters.
‘it is not going to be business as usual’.
We are not ignorant of the efficacy of persuasion and bargaining as a potent political tool.
But in the event the failure of the two, arming ourselves with hardline posture is a credible alternative.
This is our Clarion call to every concerned Ikorodu Division citizen to rise and ‘fight’ for what is rightfully ours. And our motto should be ‘never again’ for no logical reason should any institution or persons deny us our legitimate ticket at any level.
We are convinced that the needful will be done by our leaders in order to forestall the further desecration of our Political alter.
It is on this note that we appeal to all Ikorodu sons and daughters, politicians and non politicians, traditional rulers to support the Ikorodu Division for Lagos East Senatorial seat agenda.
Signed
De Vanguard Political Movement
