Residents and community leaders of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State have rejected the alleged imposition of Lukmon Agbaje as the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate in next month’s council elections.
At a news conference, the stakeholders expressed outrage over the party’s decision, describing it as unjust, undemocratic, and a disregard for the performance of the chairman, Ladi Oluwaloni.
A community leader, Mrs. Busola Dada, said: “We gather here not out of anger, but out of a burning love for justice, fairness, and truth. We are compelled to raise our voices against what is clearly shaping up to be an unjust and undemocratic imposition of a council candidate on our people.’’
Mrs. Dada noted that the chairman had demonstrated competence and effectiveness in just two months in office.
She said: “The good work of the incumbent chairman, Ladi Oluwaloni, has proven beyond doubt that leadership is not about occupying space, but about delivering value.”
She cited prompt salary payments, improved staff welfare, and a renewed administrative direction as evidence of Mr. Oluwaloni’s impact. According to her, workers’ morale has significantly improved, and the community now feels “seen and heard”.
“From launching a weekly sanitation and waste management programme to clearing blocked drainages and illegal dumpsites across Ayobo, Megida, Baruwa, and Ipaja, the chairman has restored purpose in governance,” she added.
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Mrs. Dada added that road palliatives had commenced on several neglected roads, including parts of Ishefun, Megida, and Baruwa, easing access to markets and schools.
Another community leader, Segun Olufilo, also condemned the alleged imposition and urged APC leaders to reverse the decision.
“Within just two months, this chairman has supported market women and artisans with a micro-grant scheme, benefitting over 507 residents,” he said.
He praised Oluwaloni for prioritising inclusive governance by engaging Community Development Associations (CDAs), religious groups, and stakeholders in regular feedback sessions.
“Renovations have started at primary health centres, an ambulance has been provided, and the chairman has taken practical steps to place health on the agenda. These are not slogans; they are results. In just two months, he has done what others couldn’t in years,” Olufilo added.