Kunle Adelabu
The Ikorodu Division Peoples Forum has called for fair treatment for the division within the Lagos State political arrangement.
The group, which called a town hall meeting which had the presence of stakeholders in Ikorodu, also resolved that there is need for more political involvements and continuous engagement with the Lagos State Government, as way out for the division to regain its political relevance in the state.
These are some of the positions taken at the meeting held at the Regal Hall, Olu – Odo, Igbogbo/Bayelu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, on August 3, 2023.
The meeting was called in response to the one slot given to lkorodu in the proposed cabinet of Governor Babajide Sanwo – Olu, for his second term administration.
Ikorodu Peoples Forum, about two years ago, organized a similar town hall meeting where the people of the division, loudly voiced their opinions against the merger of the division with Kosofe and Shomolu, by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The group also established that the forum will be a continuous exercise to agitate for better position for Ikorodu.
Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, Chairman, Ikorodu Peoples Forum, speaking with THE IMPACT, said that the dissatisfaction by residents of Ikorodu, at the proposed cabinet list sent to the Assembly, necessitated the meeting.
The convener said that residents of Ikorodu Division delivered for the ruling party and deserved to be treated fairly, while calling for increased number of cabinet slots allocated to Ikorodu.
“We are here to look at what is happening politically in terms of political appointments. What we realized in the last few days is that the one Commissionership slot given to Ikorodu, is not satisfactory to our people at all, particularly with what we did during the last general elections”, Otunba Abiru said.
“We did all that we could to ensure that the APC won the elections, and one would have expected that, at least, we have two Commissioners with Special Adviser and other appointments. We are not rightly treated and we are appealing to the government peacefully to consider the pains the leadership in the division are facing from their followers. That is why we have come together to see how we can engage the governor to give us more appointments.
The convener, who is also the Executive Secretary of Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Limited (IDPIL), also alleged that the division has been suffering marginalization since the inception of the republic in 1999, and added that the group is joining voices with the political leaders in Ikorodu, in requesting for more cabinet positions and fair treatment.
“Since 1999, Ikorodu has been suffering under representation and marginalization from the government, and this is what we think that should be addressed. The government must appreciate that we have the population and the capacity, but we will not do anything that would damage the state, but we would continue to dialogue”, he said.
“I know that the leadership of the party had visited the governor to submit a letter. What we are doing is to add flesh to what the political leaders are doing. Honestly and fairly, Ikorodu must be treated fairly, because we have done so much.
“Of all the indigenous towns, it is only Ikorodu that has never be in the opposition. Epe had, so also is Ibeju Lekki and Badagry. So, how do you want to treat a division that has been loyal since inception? You cannot treat them as if they are not needed; as if they are persona non grata and as if they are politically not relevant. This why we have come together to let the government know and we would continue to agitate for our rights”, he said.
Abiru also stated that the position of the indigenous people in the state, is not that indigenes of the state should occupy all the available political and other positions, but it must be done in such a way that would not be detrimental to the interests of the indigenes.
While also stating that he believed that the present administration in the state, will make necessary corrections and acknowledge the contributions of Ikorodu division, to its emergence, the convener also warned that the government should not force Ikorodu into turning back on the ruling party.
“We are not saying that the indigenes should have everything in Lagos. The cosmopolitan nature of Lagos dictates that some other people from other states should have positions in government, but honestly, we are thinking that 70% of the positions allotted should go the indigenes and 30 to non – indigenes or at worst 60: 40 ratio. That is what we are craving and fighting for. We are not saying that we want to get everything. Live and let others live. We pray and hope that the government will take compassionate consideration of our case and do what is right and that would encourage Ikorodu people to vote massively for the party in the next elections”, he said.
“The 2025 local government election is in the corner, so also is the 2027 governosrhip elections. If Ikorodu Division people continue to be treated in this way, I don’t know what will be their reactions in 2025 and 2027, but I hope and pray that it will not resort to that. We have confidence in Mr Governor and the Deputy Governor, and in this administration, that they will right the wrong”.
Otunba Abiru charged youths against social media engagement alone, but to make themselves more available for physical and strategic engagement in charting positive course of action for Ikorodu division.
“Unfortunately, the youths that we are fighting for will only be on the social media to write grammars, but you will not find them where they are needed to support the struggle, they are never available. I am disappointed in their attitude. This is a platform for them to come around to brainstorm and contribute their ideas”, he said.
A chieftain of the group and the Agbaakin of Ikorodu Kingodm, Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elseho, KJW, speaking during the session called on the political leaders to be sincere with the people of Ikorodu Division, by placing their interest above personal ones.
He also charged political leaders to speak with one voice in the interest of the division.
Otunba Elesho, who wondered the sins that the division might have committed to deserve being marginalized, also requested that the Ikorodu should be considered for more cabinet slots.
Barr. Saheed Osuolale Kolawole Shillings, the General Secretary of the group, also speaking with our reporter, said that the Ikorodu Division is expecting the governor to review the list submitted to the Assembly, and give to her what is due.
“Recently, the governor sent the list of his (cabinet) nominees to the State Assembly, and we found out that he only gave Ikorodu Division, one slot which is not acceptable to our people”, he said.
“Several emissaries have been sent to him and as a body, we will be holding a press conference and other programmes reasonably under the law to redress the situation.
“We are expecting the governor to reverse the situation and give us what is due to us, and if he does not do that, we will know the next line of action to take”, he said.
Different participants that spoke at the town hall meeting also called on the state government to stop marginalization of Ikorodu Division, in term of political appointments and infrastructures.
Many of them are also of the view that Ikorodu should consider going into opposition against the ruling party in the coming Local Government election in 2025 and the 2027 General Elections.
