A coalition of Ikorodu Division leaders and stakeholders, under the aegis of Ikorodu Division For Governor 2027, has insisted that it is the turn of Ikorodu Division to produce the next Governor of Lagos State.
The stakeholders comprising representatives drawn from the traditional institution, community development associations, youth groups, and APC chieftains and party members have been meeting since last year to discuss and strategise on how to accomplish their missions.
The stakeholders at their meeting held on Monday, 20th April at the Ikorodu Town Hall were unanimous in their agitation for the consideration of an indigene of the Division as the APC governorship candidate, ahead of the party’s primaries in May.
While reiterating their position, the group clarified that it was not considering shifting its decades long loyalty from the ruling party but insisted that the Division has been marginalized for too long.
The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Engr Kabiru Adewale Shotobi who spoke on behalf of his fellow royal fathers; Oba Engr Basiru Aremu Sotonwa, Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba David Raji Balogun, Eweye of Isiu and Oba Moruf Ogunnaike, Alagura of Agura clarified that they were not politicians but supported the group’s agitation, in response to the calls from residentsand indigenes of Ikorodu Division communities.
The royal fathers however mandated the Ikorodu Division Apex APC leaders to heed the calls of residents by presenting an Ikorodu Division consensus candidate to the party.
Ikorodu Division apex APC leader and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye and his counterpart, Asuwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun who also attended the meeting also aligned with the group’s position but counseled that the agitation must ve well guided such that the party’s is not compromised.
The two leading APC chieftains, however, charged interested Ikorodu Division sons and daughters who are interested in the Lagos State Governorship ticket to throw their hats into the ring.
Bobakeye of Ikorodu, Chief Banjoko, in his remarks, advised the group to screen prospective candidates and present a consensus candidate that would represent Ikorodu Division in the governorship primaries.
Founder and CEO of Ikorodu Oga Radio & TV, Omo’ba Peju Akinyemi and other speakers at the meeting aligned with the suggestion of Chief Olowu, while noting that presenting a united front would help the Division in actualizing its mission.
After very robust deliberations, the group resolved to write an open letter to the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to formally present the position of Ikorodu Division residents and stakeholders to him for his consideration.
In demonstration of its resolve, the body sponsored a centrespread open letter, addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to drive home their demand.
The open letter, signed on behalf of the good people of Ikorodu Division by the Chairman of the Ikorodu Division for Governor, retired Col. Dr. Bolaji Titilola Onafowokan and a former Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Sir. Otunba Ayodele Elesho, KJW Publicity Secretary, highlighted Ikorodu Division’s numerous contributions to the successes of the progressive party since the return of democracy in 1999.
They equally cited Ikorodu Division’s several outstanding results recorded for the party during the 2023 general elections and the recently concluded APC e-membership registration exercise, where the Division recorded over 98,000 membership registration, making it the highest across the nation among other sterling performances.
The strategic stakeholders meeting was attended by a former Lagos State Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon. Lanre Balogun, a former Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Hon. Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola and the Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele.
Also in attendance was a former Commissioner for Information, Sir. Otunba Ayodele Elesho, KJW Others were the Publisher of Oriwu Sun Newspapers, Alh. Monzor Olowosago and many youth representatives.
