Olusegun Ariyo
With the commencement of campaigns for the local government elections by political parties, Olusegun Ariyo examines the critical issues that will shape the forthcoming polls at Mosan Okunola Local Council Development Area and the upcoming Local Government Election In Lagos State
Lagos state appears to be at another critical juncture – preparing to ascend another transition of power, a hurdle that requires more rigorous and preparedness. But like every other election season, the stakes are high; tension and uncertainty are also abundant. It is this uncertainty that has now given rise to concerns and worries about whether the upcoming local government Election will have more credible candidates who will understand the reasoning of the People even though it lays more emphasis on Mosan Okunola Local Council Development Area and by extension, the entire local government election in lagos state
From the political parties, electoral umpire – the state Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) – security agencies, voters and observers, not much can guarantee that there is an existing pathway to a peaceful and credible primary, and by extension, general election.
From tribal, religious, violence, insecurity, and abuse of electoral processes by those in habit of influence with the use of thugs for personal interest without having the best candidates, the personalities of the Aspirants coming from their strength, weakness opportunities and Tactics of navigating to ensuring good governance
To many, these are the critical issues that may make or mar the local government election coming up in Lagos state, given past experiences and trajectories, it is not certain if Africa’s biggest democracy can overcome those potential obstacles – laying in wait for the votes count. But when many remember that the same anxieties and fears had been expressed during previous election cycles and nothing sinister happened, they resolved to keep their fingers crossed.
Given the concerns thus far, Urban Express News Online lay bare the cards of some of those contesting the Position of chairmanship position of Mosan Okunola Local Council Development Authority and issues concerning the upcoming local government election in the state
1. Pharm Oduwole Fredrick. Came in under the Platform of All Progressive Congress As one of the Leading Aspirants, he has held strategic Positions for the Party such as Secretary of the Asiwaju Mandate group in Alimosho local Government, a very strong member of the party at the Grassroot of Alimosho, very loyal and committed. It is that in 2011 to 2015 Oduwole served as a member of the governing board of Ibeju lekki General Hospital, served as an inspector, of the Lagos State Inspection Committee of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria in 2007, member of, the local Government Health Authority, Mosan Okunola LCDA in Alimosho, secretary fund Raising committee of the All Progressive Congress, Ward D, LCDA, and Special Adviser on Special Duties Mosan Okunola between 2017-2021 and financial secretary, Tinubu Nigeria fronts.
He holds a bachelor of Pharmacy from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and a master of business Administration from the Lagos State University, Lagos, a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, served in many capacities as a Community Pharmacist whose leadership qualities have Stood him tall. He is said to be loved by many inhabitants who are part of those requesting him to come and contest the Position of Leadership of Mosan Okunola in the belief that Professionals In governance are what the Local council needs in meeting the good governance and dividends the People of Mosan needs Now
2 HON DAYO OSHINOWO (Papa D), currently serving as Vice Chairman: farmer, cerebral thinker, socialite and public service award organizer desirous of succeeding his boss. Hon Oshinowo is well-read with a master’s degree, response to constituent’s requests is very controversial. Where many think that the Ijebu man should quit the stage with his boss, as he had nothing more to offer. A former legislator and two-term Vice Chair is being promoted by a section of religious leaders in the council, who believe it is their turn to steer the ship of the Council. Papa D is of the Mandate Movement caucus in APC. He is said to enjoy the confidence of his boss.
3. HON AYO ORIMOLADE (Agbajo-Owo) an insurance tycoon, serving his second term as Secretary to the Local Government, “Orims” is popular with the youths across the council, who sees him as one of their own, he enjoys the confidence of leaders across the board, he is a gentleman, some adjudged him as joining politics solely for Mosan Okunola LCDA Chairmanship seat. Orimolade comes from Abesan 2,. He is also of the Mandate Movement caucus in APC.
4 HON ADUNNI OPEYEMI AKINDELE. Charismatic “Adunni in the neighbourhood” served two terms as Vice Chairman and Executive Secretary, and was former Executive Secretary of Mosan Okunola LCDA, she was said to close with former Deputy Governor Mrs Orelope Adefulire, who made her Mosan Okunola LCDA APC Chairman, but latter pathed ways with her mid-way and align with the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, who appointed her as Senior Special Assistant in the office of the speaker. If the speculation is rife that Adunni will Contest the Council Chairmanship, it means that she must resign her position as the Mosan Okunola LCDA Party Chair, so she may Contest the Position
5. YUSUF OLADIPIPO OLASENI. South Africa-based businessman is being called to throw his hat in the ring. He is still consulting, he contested the APC ticket of Alimosho federal constituency House of Representatives seat in the last general elections and lost. he made a great name recognition for himself in pursuit of this and was nominated to the APC Presidential Campaign Council, serving as a presidential campaign at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inauguration ceremony. He was said to have left Mandate Movement to Justice Forum last year and has since become a force of reckoned with in the caucus.
6. HON OPENE UZOR ADESIOYE two two-term Councilor, and a real estate person, is currently in the USA to stabilize his family business frontiers, he is said to be one of the hopefuls for Mosan Okunola LCDA. He is said to be on the ground in all the political activities. “Opene lo le se’ (Opene can do it) is a slogan he earned as a result of his exemplary community service over the years. He is loved by all.He has successfully contested elections in Mosan Okunola LCDA APC and won as councillor of Abesan 2 Councillorship.
Beyond these concerns, there are fears as to how sentiments would influence the elections of who will be the flag bearer that will fly the ticket in the poll, many observers believe Professionals should be encouraged to manage governance at the council level hence the call by many that since the understanding of President Tinubu is allowing the local government to work, and in showing example, he took the matter before supreme court for interpretation, what political parties should support is ensuring that core professionals are allowed to fly its tickets
For instance, the emergence of the Supreme Court verdict is very clear in the area of having a Proper federal system, the challenge of governance according to John Struss Mill is ensuring the Pedagogical of every Local Government supports for Proper functional system that will enhance quality governance and that which indicates that such drivers must be a core professional whose understanding in research is eldorado
According to JS Mill, “Many issues will affect the local government system One of them is the collapsed economic and social life of people at the grassroots The failure of the APC government can raise and Support Professionals In Local Government Politics may raise the importance of good leadership. The insecurities that Nigeria is grappling with many observers believe can adduced to the inabilities of a functional local government system that the president has just given new life too
If history is our guide, the pathway to saner Local government primaries and a general election is better Party Primaries and having Professionals with good grounds of those aspiring for local government as justification for party flag bearer will be nebulous and daunting; but the onus to make the Primaries credible rests with Electorates and Nigeria democratic institutions – INEC, parties, voters and state agencies. It is a fight between vested interests and the people; urban and rural; tribal gangs and patriots.
