Kunle Adelabu
Residents of Ikorodu have stated that they voted massively for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded 2023 General Elections to challenge the government in power to give Ikorodu more attention, especially in terms of infrastructural developments.
They also said that the relegation of Ikorodu Division in terms of political appointments has been of great worry, hence, the need to show their political relevance through the ballot box.
Ikorodu delivered 50, 353 votes for APC in the Presidential election two weeks ago, which was the highest in Lagos State. The 60, 890 votes that the re – elected member of the House of Representatives representing the Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Rep. Babajimi Benson also recorded was also the highest in Lagos.
High Chief Adeniyi Omotayo Ajayi, the Eletu of Okeletu who performed his civic right at Polling Unit OO1, Okeletu in Ijede Local Council Development Area of Ikorodu Division, speaking with THE IMPACT, said that Ikorodu residents are willing to change the narrative by using their votes to let the government know their political and economic worth.
“This Governorship and State House of Assembly elections, like the Presidential and the National Assembly elections, are important to us in Ikorodu. It is our way of proving to the government that we are appreciative of their projects and other things in Ikorodu. Most importantly, it is to further call the government’s attention to the need for more infrastructural developments”, Eletu said.
“In Ikorodu, we are people of enormous human and material resources and we have been using our human and other resources to help in developing the state and the country at large, but what we have been getting in terms of political patronage is not encouraging. Ikorodu deserves at least three Commissioners and headship/membership of important commissions.
“Why we have mobilized and committed to the election is to correct that, and also protect our values and heritage in Ikorodu and Lagos State at large”.
Eletu also commended INEC for what he termed excellent conduct of the poll and thanked residents for the orderly manner that they conducted themselves.
Mr Oluwaseun Elesho, General Secretary, Ikorodu- Oga Development Association (IKODASS), who corroborated Eletu’s statements, also described the election as peaceful.
“The election is very peaceful here at PU 36, behind Benson Estate. The INEC officials came around very early and at the dot of 8:30, we started accreditation”, he said.
“Here, the people have seen the government of Lagos State in action and we have been able to educate our younger friends and even non – indigenes on what to look out for before they cast their vote. We have educated them on the need to vote for someone that is concerned about their wellbeing and someone with relevant character, competence and capacity”.
Seun, who some weeks back grew beards to have access and changed some young guys, said that they delivered the unit for Sanwo – Olu, and the APC and they are only waiting for official results.
“We have voted and delivered our unit for Sanwo – Olu and APC. It is also the same thing everywhere in Ikorodu because of our expectations from the second term administration of the governor”, he said.
“We would also use the results of this election in Ikorodu to challenge the government for more interventions in Ikorodu. We are rising together. Lagos is rising and even rising to a greater height”.
Comrade Olu Omoniyi, former Chairman, APC Ward E1, also speaking with our reporter, said that residents of Agbede and Odogunyan in Ikorodu West LCDA, have also reaffirmed their trust in the APC government and are expecting that the re – elected government of APC, both at the national and state levels will reciprocate with developmental projects.
The community leader said that their campaign to the electorate was based on what the governor and representatives from Ikorodu have done and what they are still planning to do.
He said that residents of the areas have used their votes to ask for more government presence in Agbede and Odogunyan in terms of accessible roads, healthcare, schools among others.
