We have taken notice of recent publications and attacks on our frontline and well-respected Leader, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State by a few misguided persons masquerading as representatives of coalitions in the riverine areas of Ojo Local Government and in particular, Oto-Awori LCDA. The writers seem to suggest that Hon. Ojelabi's decisions are driven by a desire to block others from the riverine communities of attaining prominent political positions in the areas. While we respect their right to free speech, we cannot let their wrong assertions and malicious attempt to misinforming right thinking members of the public go without a response.
To set the record straight, a crucial meeting was held by all the political leaders in Oto-Awori LCDA on Thursday, April 24, 2025 where a decision was reached that the duo of Hon. Kareem Azeez Abiodun, the current Vice Chairman of the LCDA, and Hon. Moses Aina, current leader of the legislative arm be adopted as consensus Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship candidates respectively for the upcoming Lagos State Local Government Elections 2025. This decision was reached by the leaders to ensure seamless electoral process and to achieving total victory for the Party at the Polls.
For the avoidance of doubt, those present at the said crucial meeting and affirmed the collective decision included Pastor Ojelabi himself, former members of Lagos Assembly, Hon. Lanre Ogunyemi and Hon. Sodiq Abayomi, current Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Rural Development, Hon. Bolaji Kayode Robert, Hon. Surajudeen Tijani (Emir) representing Ojo Constituency II, Council Chairman, Hon. Musibau Adekunle Ashafa, APC LGA Chairman, Hon. Moses Olaleye, LGA Women Leader, Princess Felicia Aribikolasi, and Alhaji Muka, the Apex LGA Leader for the Party. Others present include all five APC Ward Chairmen, Apex leaders of Wards, all Councilors and Supervisory Councilors in the LCDA. These respected leaders cut across all tendencies within the Party and are all alive today to fact-check this information. So, we ask, how does this collective decision amount to one person impeding some others from ascending certain political status or is this a case of political vendetta?
Since it has been resolved by the leaders that every Ward in Oto-Awori LCDA will produce the Executive Chairmanship position, and as we all know, only Ward “C” and “D” are left in this arrangement. So, if the leaders in their wisdom have chosen to pick or support a candidate from Ward C, all we need to do as loyal party members is to applaud them for being fair and impartial, and not vilify them. It is crucial to recognise that leadership, especially in a diverse Local Council like Oto-Awori LCDA, involves complex decision-making that goes beyond mere rotation of positions. The leadership, as the conscience of the Party is tasked with ensuring the stability and growth of our political milieu, and may have legitimate reasons for supporting candidates who they believe will best serve the interests of the Local Council Area, even if they do not align with prior expectations.
While we note that all the Wards have indeed produced several notable leaders, this does not necessarily disqualify them from producing another competent and experienced candidate. The question is, does the candidate and in this case, Hon. Kareem Azeez Abiodun have the vision, experience, leadership skills, and ability to serve the people of Oto-Awori LCDA? Of course, the answer is a big YES!!! Therefore, we urge the dissidents to consider the bigger picture and the needs of the people of Oto-Awori LCDA. Leadership should be about serving the people, not just about zoning or rotation alone. This narrow-minded approach to leadership is a recipe for stagnation and underdevelopment. We believe that Pastor Ojelabi's leadership is focused on serving the people, and we support his efforts and that of other leaders to building a stronger, more prosperous LCDA for all.
Therefore, the hatchet writers' attempt to paint Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi as a dictator who disregards the will of the people is laughable. It is clear that they are more interested in advancing their own agendas than in serving the people of Oto-Awori LCDA. Their claims of Pastor Ojelabi's alleged bias against the riverine communities are unfounded and therefore, lack substance. It is evident that the writers are being sponsored by individuals or groups outside of the leadership of the Party with ulterior motives. Their writing style and tone suggest a lack of genuine concern for the people of Oto-Awori LCDA. Instead, they seem to be driven by a desire to discredit Pastor Ojelabi and advance their own interests. More laughable is the nattering nitwits' threat that Pastor Ojelabi will "look at his back and won't see people" is a hollow one. It is clear that they are out of touch with the reality on the ground. The people of Oto-Awori LCDA are not naive; they know who their true leaders are and who is working in their best interests.
To our fellow citizens of Oto-Awori LCDA, particularly those from the riverine communities, we urge you to put aside any differences and join hands with the Party to move our beloved LCDA forward. Let us support our party's consensus candidates, Hon. Kareem Azeez Abiodun for Chairmanship and Hon. Moses Aina for Vice Chairmanship positions respectively. These candidates were unanimously adopted by all leaders of the LCDA at a meeting held on April 24, 2025. This decision reflects the collective wisdom and desire of our leaders to present a united front and ensure the party's victory in the upcoming elections. We urge the people of Oto-Awori LCDA to see through this propaganda and continue to support leaders who are genuinely working for their benefit.
We understand that there may be differences of opinion, but we urge you to give peace and unity a chance. Let us work together to ensure that our LCDA prospers under the leadership of our consensus candidates. By supporting Hon. Kareem Azeez Abiodun and Hon. Moses Aina, we are not just supporting individuals; we are supporting a vision for a better Oto-Awori LCDA. Let us join hands to build a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.
To conclude, we state that the so to speak “riverine coalitions” feeble attempt to smear Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi's reputation is a laughable exercise in futility. Their incoherent ramblings and baseless accusations are a reflection of their ignorance and lack of understanding of the issues at hand. It is clear that they are merely pawns in a larger game, being manipulated by more sinister forces. The writers' obvious bias and lack of objectivity are therefore, hallmarks of sponsored propaganda. They are nothing more than mouthpieces for their paymasters, spewing out vitriol and half-truths to discredit him. Their lack of credibility is palpable, and so-called coalitions’ threats against Pastor Ojelabi are empty and pathetic. They are akin to a flea trying to bite an elephant. Their impotent rage and frustration are evident in their shrill tone and hysterical language and it is clear that they are not taken seriously by anyone with half a brain.
Signed:
ASEJERE MOVEMENT 2025
MEDIA TEAM
Nice write up
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