End Of godfatherism In Alimosho Politics

Fact remains that Abiodun Isola Ejigbadero, a son of the soil who is from the family of late Alhaji Jimoh Ejigbadero, the original landowners in Alimosho, part of Akowonjo, part of Egbeda, Iyana-Ipaja, Alaguntan and Mosan - a vast landed property including the area where Alimosho Council Secretariat is situated. Alongside being an established real estate manager, Ejigbadero is also a stakeholder in Alimosho politics, and as such, whenever there is a political crisis in the locality, the so-called political leaders in Alimosho have always called on him for intercession - a role he had brilliantly carried out. He had always intervened in his own way, and if required, he would do so with his personal funds.

According to him and with available facts, during the times political unrests in Alimosho, these so-called party leaders would approach him with a series of promises to his followers, which had always been a motivating factor for Ejigbadero and his followers, encouraging them to give their very best in sustaining peace in Alimosho. These promises has made his followers to remain committed, owing to the trust they have in him but it is unfortunate that when the time comes for the dividends of their commitment and efforts to be obtained, these cunning politicians withdraw and begin to come up with some flimsy excuses. These selfish leaders will, afterwards converge in their shrine where they have always shared the commonwealth of the people, abandoning the electorate after getting what they seek from the people. It is also unfortunate how they forget that the rainfall that brought them to Ejigbadero's doorstep the first time will make them knock on his door again and again. It is no longer accepted that the butcher's son continues to feed on bones. In his words, Alhaji Abiodun said, "we have paid our dues by fulfilling our part of the bargain, so we deserve to get our rights as they promised when they were seeking our support and votes. We cannot continue to serve and be treated like nobodies, and our rights be held on to by a few." He went further to say, "at this juncture, we need to know their criteria for selecting leaders and other political appointees, including candidature for political offices in Alimosho. Among my followers, there are graduates and others who are equally qualified for these offices and other appointments but it is still a mystery how, from nowhere, they keep enrolling people who do not have political histories and have never been involved in any struggle in the locality."

On his personal sacrifice and commitments, Ejigbadero had done much more than most of the so-called leaders for the sustenance of the party in the community. He said, "I have invested heavily in Alimosho politics, with my personal funds, time and other resources. In the process, I have lost two committed and diligent followers, who were shot by hoodlums from the opposition party, both in their efforts to ensure the party prevails in Alimosho. There was a time I travelled out of the country and had to abort my stay and plans in the United States, just three days after leaving Nigeria. I received several calls from these dictators that there was a crisis in Alimosho and my attention was required to forestall it before it escalates."

On his personal ambition, Alhaji Ejigbadero clarified as follows, "personally, I do not have any political ambition and am not aspiring for any office, at least, not yet, though I am qualified to aspire. I have followers and I have their interest at heart. These people made promises to me that my followers would be gainfully employed and I believed them, not knowing they are not different from those at the other side of the fence. To say the least, I am highly disappointed in these folks and I am beginning to regret ever associating with them. I want to advise these cabals to face the matter at hand and stop mixing issues up. This is not a battle for aspiration but for liberation".

The story is almost the same with Prince Idris Balogun, Oluomo of Isheri. His family owns the vast area of land covering Isheri- Olofin-Idimu area. Their vast expanse area of land also covers the space on which Egbe-Idimu Local Council is sitting. He is also an Awori, a son of the soil but these cabals have continuously sidelined him despite his declaration of interest in political appointments and governance in the land. They have refused to recognise him and others in the game of politics. On several occasions, he had shown interest but because he is not in their caucus, they have always imposed their anointed candidates on us. As far as land occupancy is concerned in this area , these fellows are tenants to us, and by asking for our inclusiveness in government, I do not think we are asking for too much.

Their mode of operation is no longer strange to us as whoever challenges their authority, with regards to imposition of candidatesand negligence of non-caucus members and other party members, automatically becomes an enemy and is swiftly labelled as engaging in anti-party activities. We know in a couple of days, they will resort to attacks and insults, simply because we are demanding for our rights. Since they have continuously failed in managing the constituency as a whole, we are requesting that they allow the respective LCDAs to operate independently and desist from controlling all the LCDAs.

As far as these demand are concerned, we are determined to put an end to godfatherism and poor governance in Alimosho. We are bonafide members of the APC and are determined to fight this cause to the end.

What is good good for the goose, is good for the gander