Facts have emerged on the reasons why the out-going member, Ifako-Ijaiye Federal constituency, Hon James Adisa Owolabi polled two votes during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election held in Ifako-Ijaiye, thereby failing to secure a second term ticket to represent the party in the forth-coming election.
Hon Owolabi lost the APC ticket for the Ifako-Ijaiye Federal constituency to Mr Benjamin Olabinjo, a former Special Adviser, Civic Engagement to ex-governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
He polled 2 votes to Olabinjo’s 35 votes while Mr Dayo Saka-Fafunmi scored 14 votes and Mr Adekunle Olayinka (KOPI) polled 4 votes.
IfakoIjaiyeNews went behind the scenes and spoke with some highly placed sources within his camp, as well as some stakeholders within the party on how ‘Elewedu’ as he is fondly called, failed to secure the buy-in of party bigwigs.
Lack Of Political Sagacity
One of the accusations against Hon Owolabi that led to his failed second term ambition is that he takes most decisions on his own, without consultation with major stakeholders in Ifako-Ijaiye.
A highly placed party leader in Ojokoro, who spoke anonymously with IfakoIjaiyeNews, said that Hon Owolabi informed stakeholders via a letter of his second term ambition.
He said, “The primary election has come and gone and we are looking ahead to a resounding victory for the APC from the presidency level to all other positions. However, we can also talk about how Hon Owolabi lost his second term bid so others coming after him don’t make the same mistake. We initially heard rumours that he would seek a second term in office until his letter arrived informing us of his intentions. Some of us felt disappointed.
“As stakeholders, we expected more. Some of us felt insulted. What happened to having everyone together in a place and telling us in person? We would have expressed our reservations and even chipped in one or two inputs. As I said, the primary election is over but we can’t ignore the lessons. Going into the primary election without the support of key stakeholders was an exercise in futility and we saw the end result. He didn’t play his politics well.”
A stakeholder in Ifako-Ijaye, who also didn’t want his name mentioned because of the sensitive nature of the matter said Hon Owolabi failed because he became a Reps member on a platter of gold.
“We know the story of how he became the member, Ifako-Ijaiye Federal constituency, and they say what you don’t labour for, you don’t know the worth. He did his best but it wasn’t enough. As party stakeholders, some of us do sample opinions of the people stylishly and the feedback we got about him was not encouraging. He didn’t meet up the expectation of the office.”
Hon Temitope Adewale’s Numerous Programmes
Another factor that dwarfed the impact of Hon Owolabi and contributed to the negative feedback from people was the many successes achieved by the member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 01, Hon Temitope Adewale Adedeji.
Hon Adewale has raised the bar of governance through many impactful programmes for residents of his constituency, despite being a lawmaker.
One of the aides to Hon Owolabi who spoke to IfakoIjaiyeNews on the condition of anonymity said they couldn’t keep up with the different programmes initiated by Hon Adewale.
He said, “The truth is that Hon Adewale made us look like we are not doing enough and that is not so. Anytime Hon JAH (Adewale) launches any programme, our phones will not stop ringing. People will ask us what we are doing, especially since our Oga (Hon Owolabi) is representing Ifako-Ijaiye at the Federal Level. Hon Adewale made us look bad.
“It was one of the reasons we did the education empowerment programme where we gave school bags and exercise books to students. When people say we didn’t do enough, I just laughed. Hon Owolabi did a lot. He gave Obawole community a primary school in its history; he distributed transformers to communities that needed them. He did empowerment programmes. He raised motions in the House regarding Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency. He did his part but the people wanted something more.”
People Are More Politically Active
The last factor, according to a Ward party Chairman in Ojokoro, who also begged to remain anonymous, is that the people are more politically conscious.
“Gone are the days when elected politicians will just be in office and not do anything for the people. We saw what happened to Hon Makinde and how he didn’t score a single vote. People are more politically conscious and will vote out anybody they feel is not doing enough for them. This is a good thing as politicians will now think more about the people that elected them.”
Realtor. Kayode Olabode
October 5, 2022 at 1:09 pm
Hmmmmm…. To be fair and honest, Hon. Owolabi did his best, let’s forget his short comings. No one is perfect and there is no way one can pleases and satisfy everyone. He left behind good legacy that will outlive him. He make good history.
I give it to him, government is continum, let whomever coming after him outshine his commendable records. It is a known fact that the present APC house of Reps was once Ojokoro LCDA Executive Chairman,and SA to the governor on Civil Engagement what has been his tracked record while in offices and contribution to the Ifako Ijaiye and Ojokoro within those period aside building his political team?…