Odiolowo/Ojuwoye stakeholders oppose protest in LCDA, commend council boss
Stakeholders in Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Wednesday unanimous took decision not to participate in the proposed nationwide protest slated to begin on Aug. 1.
The stakeholders took turns to speak against the planned demonstration at the stakeholders’ meeting conveyed by the Chairman of the council, Honourable Razaq Olusola Ajala.
The summit was to to sensitise the people of the area on the need to maintain peace and tranquility and not allowed external forces cause mayhem and chaos in the council area.
The event brought together various groups and blocs including religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth leaders under the aegis of the National Youth Council of Nigeria; leadership of transporter unions; market men and women; security agents and parents’ forum.
Other are leadership of the Community Development Committee (CDC), staff and management of the council.
The stakeholders unanimous took a decision not to protest on the council.
Speaking, the Chairman of the council chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Venerable Dr EO Babatunde Durowoju told the gathering that CAN in Lagos had unanimously said “no to protest”.
“This is a message from our leader in Lagos State, Reverend Stephen Adegbite. All of us in CAN have decided against any form of protest and we’ve communicated this to our branches and our members,” the cleric said.
His message was echoed by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Aselapa and his counterpart from the traditional worshippers.
Speaking, the Area Commander of Area D police command, Assistant Commissioner of Police Bamidele Awoniyi expressed appreciation to the council boss for organising the parley, saying that it has reduced some of the burden of the police.
“We want our people to maintain the peace and ensure that there is no chaos and violence in this area,” the police boss said.
Comrade Okeyale who spoke on behalf of the NYCN, told the gathering that youths in the state have decided to engage in constructive dialogue with government on any issue.
“It’s the same line we are following here in Odiolowo/Ojuwoye. The Chairman of this council is also taking good care of us just as the Governor is taking good care of us at the state level.
“Thus, it is our unanimous decision not to engage in any protest,” Okeyale said.
The Iyaloja General of the council, Alhaja Mufliat Abimbola Adebunmi; the traditional ruler of Odiolowo, His Royal Majesty Sikiru Williams Apena; the Vice Chairman of the Council, Seyi Jakande; the Leader of the Council Legislative Arm, Honourable Rilwan Ajenifuja; and the representative of Mushin State Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Nureni Akinsanya all spoke with one voice on the need to avoid actions and utterances that lead to violence.
Responding, the council chairman expressed appreciation to the people for answering his calls.
“I also want to say thank you all for speaking unanimously against protest. It’s not that we’re against protest.
“No! Protest is part of democracy and it’s the constitutional rights of the citizens to protest.
“But experience has shown that this kind of protest has political undertone and designed to cause chaos, mayhem and looting. We should not allow this to happen,” he said.
Ajala appealed to the people to have patience with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration noting that the President is working assiduously to make life better for the people.
“It has never happened in the history of Nigeria but the Tinubu administration has started giving students loans for their education and just yesterday, the new minimum wage was signed into law by the President.
“We are getting there and soon we’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he assured.
He reminded the gathering of what happened during the EndSARS protests noting how a legitimate protest over alleged police brutality was hijacked by fifth columnists and turned it into a political tool to settle political scores.
“The destruction unleashed on Lagos during that period is still reverberating. But remember, we bear the brunt of the destruction, you and I because the money used in purchasing most of the items and materials is the taxes we pay,” he said.
Ajala assured the people that he would not relent in putting smiles on their faces.
