Kunle Adelabu & Jare Babatunde
That Ikorodu Division is expectant of political patronage in terms political appointments and projects from both the state and federal governments, is an understatement, because stakeholders and the larger populace in the division are actually expecting a significant improvement on what they are being offered since the beginning of this democratic dispensation in 1999. Before now, the Division is said to have been getting what commensurate their electoral value, however, the situation seems to have been corrected in the 2023 general elections, hence, the expectation for improved political patronage.
Ikorodu Division did not only play important roles in the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the re – election of Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwo – Olu, as the Governor of Lagos State, it was in the forefront of the political struggle and electoral outputs. Ikorodu is the only division out of the five that made up of Lagos State, with only one local government, and yet, performed better than others in the general elections, in terms of votes recorded for the APC.
In the Presidential election during which the ruling party’s chances were seriously threatened, Ikorodu stepped up. The council gave Tinubu the highest votes in the 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos State. Ikorodu LG/Division polled 50, 353 votes, to ensure that the APC Presidential candidate acquire the necessary 25% votes to ward – off the threats of its closest rival, Labour Party (LP).
It was also an outstanding performance by Ikorodu during the Governorship election in March, 2023, as residents delivered 64, 697 votes to shore – up the votes that sealed Sanwo – Olu’s re – election. These feats earned Ikorodu commendations from the President (when he was still the Presidential – elect) and Gov. Sanwo – Olu.
The Governor, while acknowledging lkorodu’s contributions to his re-election, while commissioning the newly constructed Oba Sekumade/Ogolonto road,in lkorodu, on Friday, March 31, 2023, said:
“We are here to say a big thank you to everyone in Ikorodu, both indigenes and residents. We thank you all. Our thanks know no bounds. Ikorodu has indeed been good to all of us. It has continued to remain a place of reference, heritage and a community that always stands out”.
“I came to thank you very well. You are the beacon and you are the light. Don’t worry, other divisions might want to compete with you, but we know where Ikorodu is. How much do we want to show it?
“Just yesterday, Mr Deputy and I received our Certificates of Returns as Deputy and the Governor – elected. What better place can we come and show and demonstrate that appreciation to the teeming population of Lagos, than to come to one of our heritages and roots in Ikorodu, Ipakodo, to come and show our sense of appreciation and to acknowledge all of the good things that we will continue to do together and also thank you”, an appreciative Governor Sanwo – Olu said.
After election, usually comes allocation of political positions, appointments and other benefits to the members of the winning party, same is expected across the country. This is the period people, regions and local governments are compensated in accordance wth the support and votes given to the winning party.
Top on the list of those that will be influential on who get what in Ikorodu and will eventually make recommendations to the Governor and the party leadership are: former Deputy Governor and chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; first Secretary to the State Government and GAC Chieftain, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun; former Minister for Works and Chairman, Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG), Sen. (Otunba) Adeseye Ogunlewe; Senator representing Lagos East, Sen. Tokunbo Abiru; Representative of the Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Rep. Babajimi Benson and former Commissioner for Agriculture and chieftain of APC, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty (Alayeluwa) Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi and the Divisional Council of Obas and Chiefs, are also expected to have inputs because of the roles they played in the victory of the ruling party.
In view of the Ikorodu’s electorate value which deserves compensation after years of short-change, many stakeholders are clamouring for about five Commissionership and Special Advisers’ positions.
With reference to the opinions of the populace and stakeholders, there seems to be general agreement that the duo of Ms. Abisola Olusanya, the immediate past Commissioner for Agriculture and Dr Frederick Oladeinde, who also served as commissioner for Transportation in Sanwo – Olu’s first term, may return to further assist the Governor in executing his THEME agenda, to consolidate on their respective prominent roles through their ministries in the first term.
It is also generally agreed that the duo believed performed very well and deserved to return.
Also in consideration is the immediate past Director – General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan, who also has a bright chance of retaining his position, if he’s appointed to serve as the Chairman of the Commission.
Also in contention for the cabinet appointment in the Sanwo – Olu’s second term are the immediate past Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly who represented the Ikorodu Constituency I, for 16 years with track legislative records, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade and Hon. Nurudeen Solaja, the representative of the Ikorodu Constituency II, between 2015 and 2023 and also the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts.
Their experiences and knowledge of the Assembly, many argued, will be a great value to the Sanwo – Olu’s government and advantage for Ikorodu.
Also, top on the list of many stakeholders, including those not into politics and majority of the youths, is Mr Muhydeen Sanwoola, a strategist, brand expert and silent grassroots mobiliser. He has been handling the campaign of Hon. Babajimi Benson, the incumbent representative of the Ikorodu Federal Constituency, since 2015.
Sanwoola also played a major role in the re – election of the governor. However, most people that are rooting for him are also of the opinion that he might not accept a political appointment.
Dr (Otunba) Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, Permanent Member, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB) and the Special Adviser to Senator Tokunbo Abiru, on Constituency Matters, is another top contender. In actual fact, many believed that he has been denied the opportunity to be a cabinet member, for so long, despite that he’s deserving, considering his capacity.
Ibikunle, who is an educationist, was a former Senior Special Assistant on Education to Mr Raji Fashola, SAN, when he was governor of Lagos State, and a former Secretary to the Ikorodu Local Government.
Another serious contender is Hon. (Chief) Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, a former Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing the Ikorodu Constituency II, and former Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture.
At the moment, Hon. Akinsola, who is the Olu – Omo of Igbogbo Kingdom, is a top woman leader within the Senator Abiru’s political group and chieftain of the APC in Lagos East Senatorial District.
Alhaja Abiodun Sheryl Ogunniyi, a former Principal of the premier College in Ikorodu Division, Oriwu College, who won the Presidential award as the Best School Administrator in Nigeria, after achieving the feat at the state and regional levels, is also a major contender, according to stakeholders and political analysts.
As a top and professional educationist, Alhaja Ogunniyi took Oriwu College to the zenith as one of best and major secondary schools in Nigeria.
She has been a major operative within the Hon. Abike Dabiri – Erewa’s political group, and now Sen. Abiru’s #DoingGood movement.
The State Scribe of the APC, Hon. Sunmi Olanrewaju Odesanya, is another major contender to represent Ikorodu, in the cabinet of Gov. Sanwo – Olu.
Sunmi, who is a former member, Lagos State House of Assembly representing the Ikorodu Constituency I, and a former Member, Lagos State House of Assembly Commission, is an experienced politician and can easily navigate his ways within the government circle.
Mr Fatai O. Lasisi, is a former Special Adviser to Gov. Adewunmi Ambode, (Non-Cabinet Rank) on Taxation and Revenue Matters.
He was also the former Chairman, Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG)/Ikorodu Town Hall Management Board (ITHMB).
The seasoned financial expert with many years of post-graduation experience in accounting, auditing, banking and taxation, had worked in various capacities as a banker, accountant and stockbroker.
Lasisi was with the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission as Head, Final Accounts (1988-1990); Head, Internal Audit (1990–1998), Treasurer (1998-2006) before he rose to the position of Director, Government Accounts Directorate (2006– 2012).
A graduate of University of Lagos, where he bagged an MBA and MSc degree in Finance, Mr. Lasisi is an Alumnus of LBS-Pan-African University (SMP3), and has numerous professional qualifications, including membership of the prestigious Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria (CPA), Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ACTI), Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
Mr Bayo Ajisebutu, a chieftain of the Mandate Group, is another capable individual which the political permutations of Ikorodu have not been favourable to.
Ajisebutu, like others, played important roles for his party in the last general elections. He is one of the few Ikorodu politicians that are close to corridor of power at the state and the federal levels.
He has the required capacity, considering his experiences in government as a former Sole Administrator, Surulere Local Government, civil servant and a grassroots politician.
Former Executive Assistant on Maritime, Prince Yommy Shopitan who was said to have initiated many of the government’s interventions in the maritime sector in the state, is also a major contender for the administration of the governor.
Hon. Fathiu Salisu, a former Chairman, Ijede LCDA, is also a contender for a position in the second term administration of Sanwo – Olu.
He’s a former aspirant for the Ikorodu Constituency II seat, Lagos State House of Assembly.
Matti Olakunle Alliasau, a chartered accountant, administrator, teacher, senior council official and community leader per excellence, was also an aspirant for Ikorodu Constituency II seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, in the 2023 general elections. He is also a senior civil servant with the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission.
He has great exposure, resourcefulness, outstanding antecedence in community and political arena, and enviable academic standing.
Matti, who is the General Secretary, Ijede Development Foundation (IDF), attended Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Yaba, Lagos, Business Administration, 1997 and 1999, Ordinary National Diploma (OND); Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Bachelors of Science (BSC), Accountancy, 1999 and 2003; Lagos State University, Ojo, Masters of Science (MSC), Business Management, 2009 and 2011.
He is a Member, Institute of Strategic Management; Qualified Accountant (CNA) and Student – Member, Certified Information System Auditors (CISM). He has many other certificates in Administration and Management.
He has a quite lengthened records of active political and community engagements.
Dr Adeola Jokomba, a two – term Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA is another big gun that is in contention for the cabinet position
Likewise, Dr Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, a senior civil servant are also formidable grassroots politician is another serious contention for the political appointment.
Barr. Adeboye Dankuwo, a senior staff at the National Assembly and a grassroots person, we gathered, is also in the race for Sanwo – Olu’s cabinet.
He is President, Community Initiative for Igbogbo Development Union (CIIDU).
Dankuwo is a social commentator and public analyst with a good grasp of law and politics.
However, it’s not about the bigwigs alone as there are many youths that are equally qualified with capacity, to represent Ikorodu and compete favourably with others anywhere if given the chance. This, coupled with the clamouring for youth’s inclusiveness in government, is an advantage that could brightened the opportunity of the youths for consideration by the Governor and the party.
Some of these youths played major roles during the APC electoral victories in the last General elections.
While they are capable of overseeing ministries if saddled with the responsibilities, stakeholders are of the view that they should be consider for appointments as Special Senior Assistants (SSA), Special Assistants, members of Commissions, Boards and agencies, due to limited cabinet positions.
Mr Hameed Olalekan Aroyewun, was an aspirant for the Ikorodu Constituency II seat and a major community and youth mobiliser in Igbogbo. He is well connected with various parts of Ikorodu. He is a Prince of Egbin and Ijede in Ijede LCDA, as well as indigene of Igbogbo and Imota all in Ikorodu Constituency II. He also hails from a royal family in Ikorodu.
Aroyewun was top on the list of Commissioner nominees sent by the leadership of the party in Ikorodu to Gov. Sanwo – Olu for consideration in his first term.
He has undertaken many assignments and saddled with numerous positions of responsibilities for the party and the community.
Aroyewun is a chieftain of the Igbogbo Youth Congress (IYC), Development Vanguard and Concerned Ikorodu Division Youths (CIDY). He is a member of the Igbogbo Development Association (IDEA)
He was trained as a teacher in Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education in 2002, and had his Undergraduate studies at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago- Iwoye, Ogun State, where he was awarded a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2007. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree at the University of Lagos, Akoka.
Prince Eniola ‘Wake – Up’ Adeyemi, is a son of the former political strategist and chieftain of the APC, late Asiwaju Segun Adeyemi (Wake – Up). The young entrepreneur and investor, like his late father, has a good grasp of the grassroots. His grassroots and street sense was fully exhibited during the electioneering process during which his campaign was massive.
Eniola is a graduate of Building Technology from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos. He is an alumni of the Government College, Ikorodu.
Afterwards, he lost the primary election of his party to Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye. Eniola worked closely with the party in ensuring that all APC candidates emerged victorious in the General Elections. This earned him the responsibility of a Collation Officer for the party in Ikorodu, during the election.
The young politician is a prominent member of the Ikorodu Ambassadors Group, with records and interest in community building and humanitarian services.
Mr Babawale Bisiriyu Alogba, is an entrepreneur, finance expert, politician and an Associate Chartered Banker (UK). He has Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Masters in Science (MSc).
He is a cerebral and reserved individual who engages in politics of intellect.
He was recently inducted into the Ikorodu Division Human Resource Development Group (IDRDG), a group of eminent and professional Ikorodu sons.
There is also Mr Oke Godwin Olaoluwa, an Economist, social media activist, analyst, community developer and a cerebral politician.
He is the General Secretary, Ikorodu Economic Council (IEC), and one of the brains behind the first- ever Ikorodu Economic Summit. He is also the Co – Coordinator, Concerned Ikorodu Division Youths (CIDY), a strong and intervention group of professional youths in Ikorodu.
He is well respected among the youths and eminent persons in Ikorodu, because of his intellect and contributions to the development of the Ikorodu Division.
Hon. Azeez Jimoh Olosugbo is a political strategist, agropreneur, businessman and community developer. He is a former Coordinator with Babajide Olushola Sanwo – Olu Professional Youths Support Group, a group that was initiated by the former Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abiola Olusanya. The group played a prominent role in the re – election of Gov. Sanwo – Olu.
Olosugbo is an experienced young politician who served the immediate past Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, APC State Secretary, Hon. Olanrewaju Sunmi Odesanya, and late political leader and strategist, Alhaji Mufutau Ajisebutu among others.
He was a former Council Leader, Ikorodu Local Government and a two – term Councilor.
He has an unequalled grassroots knowledge and mobilization skills.
He is currently a Special Adviser to the Chairman of the lkorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS).
Mr Seun Elesho is the immediate past General Secretary, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), and the immediate past President, Ikorodu Heroes (I – Heroes).
Elesho who is a grassroots mobiliser and developer with passion for educational development of Ikorodu, is a senior staff with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), is the Special Adviser to the IKODASS Chairman.
He is the Convener of the Ikorodu Legislative Debate which has been the only independent platform that has been engaging candidates aspiring for the National and State Assembly in Ikorodu. The debate is being organized through the R.E.A.L. Initiatives, a body he established.
He is General Secretary IKODASS Scholarship Board and Secretary IKODASS Constitution review committee.
Mr Bolaji Isikalu, a former aspirant for the Ikorodu Constituency I seat, is an Information Technology (IT) expert and entrepreneur.
He was the Secretary, Igbe Road Rehabilitation Committee that started the rehabilitation of the road which was eventually taken over by Rep. Babajimi Benson.
Isikalu is one of few young aspirants that really made their marks during the campaign.
He is a graduate of the Lagos State Polytechnic.
Other vibrant and capable youths for possible consideration for appointments are: Mr Owolabi Anifowoshe, a former aspirant for the Ikorodu House of Representatives seat and who played a significant role in the success of the APC in Ikorodu, Mr Samson Bisiriyu (a former aspirant, Ikorodu Constituency I), Mr Yinka Majekodunmi, (former aspirant for the Ikorodu Constituency I seat), Mr Bello Yusuf (former aspirant for the Ikorodu Constituency II seat), and Comrade Lekan Biliamin Oba, the State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), among others.
