Residents of UNILAG Estate, Magodo, Lagos have expressed disapproval regarding the purported annulment of their leadership election by the Chairman of Ikosi/Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Princess Samiat Bada.
They said Mrs Bada threatened to invalidate a properly conducted election that resulted in Mr. Oluwole Sowole’s victory.
The residents said the council chairperson lacked the authority to overturn the majority’s decision and impose a candidate, who was disqualified from the election, as an interim chairman.
At a news conference held in Lagos, Sowole denounced the unconstitutional and unlawful meeting convened on March 1 at the behest of Bada.’
Sowole said the meeting was conducted in flagrant disregard for the University of Lagos Magodo Residents Association (UMRA) Estate Constitution, which specified that UMRA monthly general meeting should be held on the last Saturday of every month.
He said: “The UMRA February general meeting has already been properly conducted, making this unauthorised gathering an inappropriate interference in the association’s internal affairs. Moreover, Mrs. Bada’s evident bias and undue involvement in our electoral process are alarming. Although petitions have been submitted to the Lagos State Government, she asserts that she is invulnerable.”
Sowole claimed Bada had falsely assumed the role of a mediator, despite that mediation had been formally declined by one of the involved parties.
‘’Nevertheless, she proceeded to meet with one side, overstepping the judiciary’s authority, and declared that the properly conducted and finalised election of November 30, 2024, which adhered to the UMRA Constitution, was null and void,” he said.
Sowole said the chairman remarked that such a declaration was not only deceptive, but also a direct challenge to the democratic choice of the majority of residents, which comprised approximately 703 households, in contrast to her meeting with significantly less than 10 per cent of them.
He expressed concern about her attempt to impose an interim chairman, who had previously been disqualified for violating electoral rules and regulations.
He noted: “In response to the backlash generated by this illegitimate declaration, she altered her approach and proceeded to select five individuals, who had signed a petition against the legitimate election on January 7, appointing them as ‘interim officers’, to assist her in organising another election scheduled for the end of this month.
“It is important to highlight that Mrs. Bada had previously asserted that elections within the estate could only take place in August of any term, unless supported by a law or executive order to the contrary. This evident inconsistency and alteration of standards reveal the arbitrary nature of her actions and her evident disregard for due process and the rule of law. The UNILAG Estate Constitution does not acknowledge her self-serving declaration nor does it grant her any authority to interfere in the internal governance of UMRA.
‘’Furthermore, Lagos State law explicitly prohibits her from intervening in any election petition beyond seven days following the election, as she has indicated.’’
Sowole said Bada’s actions and statements made on March 1 were setting the stage for disorder at the UNILAG Estate if not curtailed.
When asked about the measures taken by residents to uphold peace, he said they had submitted a petition to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, ‘’but we have not observed any change, as she continues to advance her agenda from various fronts.’’
Sowole said: “As the Executive Committee, we remain committed to the law. We assert unequivocally that the election held on November 30, 2024, is valid and binding, having been conducted in full accordance with the UMRA Constitution. Only a properly constituted court has the authority to annul it. An LCDA chairman has no legal standing in this matter.”
He emphasised that “Mrs. Bada lacks the legal or constitutional power to invalidate our election or to impose any interim leadership. The unauthorised meeting she convened and the decisions purportedly made therein are null, void and without effect.”
Sowole asserted that any further interference in UMRA matters by Mrs. Bada would not be tolerated, and they would pursue all necessary legal actions to safeguard the integrity of the UMRA Constitution and the mandate of residents.
“The local government autonomy, as endorsed by the Supreme Court, should not be interpreted as endorsing lawlessness. We urge all responsible members of UMRA and residents of Lagos State to reject any unlawful action from the LCDAs and to uphold democratic principles. Furthermore, we are steadfast in affirming the legitimacy of the elected leadership of UMRA,” he said.
He said UMRA would not be taken over by those who did not honour democracy, due process and the rule of law.
Responding to the allegations by UMRA, the chairman, Ikosi/Isheri LCDA said she was dedicated to fostering peace and promoting grassroots development.
Mrs Bada said she had mediated in the leadership conflict at UNILAG Estate Magodo Phase 1.
