We understand not to interfere in government affairs or affect how they discharge their duties, our job is to aid every administration for better development in the community we assist” Chief Ogunsanya replies Bldr Sesan Daini at the presentation of 20 million naira scholarship awards to beneficiaries.
The assertion by Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya, IDPIL chairman was in response to a statement made by the chairman of Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA during the event which resulted in mixed reactions.
While the 10th of September 2022 will be recollected for great effort propelled by Ikorodu division peace initiative, the day also spewed controversy over the existing relationship between the non-government organisation and the LG/LCDAs in Ikorodu.
First Acknowledging the feat of the organisation, Bldr Sesan Daini stated, “Ikorodu division reflects what Lagos state stands for, that’s why beneficiaries of the program are not only from Ikorodu. IDPIL, putting its capacity ahead and empowering the students is a huge gain for this region”.
He continued, “With the way our system works in hierarchy of the Federal, State and local government, we’re expecting the initiative to conduct its project executions properly with the council for a better synergy”.
“In working towards fulfilling its core objectives, the initiative should ensure to align itself thoroughly with the Local Government/LCDA with regards to the demands of the Nigerian Constitution” Bldr Daini expressed
The chairman’s speech earned instant criticism, especially from the royal traditional leaders who are noticeably in support of the enterprise community gestures from its inception.
Chief Ogunsanya proceeded with his response, stating that Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor of Lagos state is sufficiently aware of the initiative and its pursuits.
He also explained further that as a legal practitioner and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) he knows too well about the modalities to operate the organisation without affecting the operations of the local government and local council development areas in the division.
“When this initiative was created, we reached out to the local government but they never responded, nevertheless, we choose to forge ahead to help the communities while keeping the door open in expecting a positive response and synergy from them” Ogunsanya added
In a collective reaction from the traditional heads in the division, the kings called out the chairman, citing his remarks as wrong and uncalled for since the organisation is registered, recognised by the governor of Lagos State and also acknowledged by the Inspector General of Police.
They further added that whenever there is a problem in the land, people mostly go to the palace for solutions and prayers, not the council, instructing the council boss to give regard and honour to traditional leaders.
Further reacting to the chairman’s address, former Lagos State house of Assembly Clerk, Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru, executive secretary IDPIL dubbed the chairman’s comment before Royal Majesties from Ikorodu division as unfortunate and audaciously rude.
According to Otunba Abiru, the chairman of Igbogbo Bayieku LCDA polluted himself before the dignitaries at the IDPIL event in Adeboruwa’s palace.
Abiru continued, “The claim that IDPIL did not invite the chairmen at the embryonic stage of the formation of the operatives is mendacious and misleading”.
“We even went to Ikorodu Local government two or three times to discuss with them, Chief Asipa kaoli, Otunba Ayodele Elesho, Alhaji Babatunde Rotinwa, Engineer Kayode Shoderu, Hon. Akinsola and my humble self to discuss the modus operandi but because they had their motives, they did not co-operate with us. All of them till today are members of one committee or the other and to publicly deny it speaks volumes of his profile”.
“If because they have made money in office by their position, he should not be so inebriated with power that he should throw away emotional intelligence”.
“As rightly said by Ayangburen of Ikorodu, he will be there for a short period before he naturally departs from office and what he’s doing will determine his political future” Otunba Abiru added.
