By Vanessa Obioha
More and more Lagosians are throwing their weight behind Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor), the convener of the Lagos4Lagos movement as the 2023 general election draws near.
At a recent Ikorodu tour, the Lagos State governorship hopeful was endorsed by religious and political leaders.
The two-day tour saw him visiting the Oriwu Central Mosque first, where he joined the congregation in saying the 2:00 pm prayers, after which he was called upon to address the congregation.
In his speech, he declared his intentions to work with Lagosians to deliver a working Lagos State where the voice of every Lagosian is heard.
“Even if they (APC) don’t accept me, I believe a strong opposition will absorb me. But first, we must lay down the groundwork by sensitising our people to realise that the power truly belongs to them, and not a political figure who dictates the processes,” said Adediran, whose ambition to crush the political stronghold of the state is no secret.
He paid a similar visit to the house of the Chief Imam of Ikorodu Central Mosque, Alhaji Seifudeen Olowooribi, who, alongside Imams from the other LCDAs, acknowledged his intention and offered words of prayer and guidance.
Later that evening, a private meeting with the political leaders in Ikorodu was held for close to two hours. There, he emphasised the power they wield as community leaders to enact the change they want to see happen.
Publicly, most of the leaders endorsed him despite having strong ties with the APC National Leader Bola Tinubu. This implies a growing acceptance following his successful campaign in Alimosho Local Government.
The following day marked an interactive meeting with members of the Ikorodu community. The event was chaired by Princess Adenrele Ogunsanya, the apex chairperson of the movement.
In her keynote speech, the Ikorodu-born princess highlighted the vicious circle of ‘stomach infrastructure’, a short-term measure used by politicians to gain loyalty.
“The once-in-every-four-year support they show by shamelessly dangling short-term incentives are not worth your time. We have been locked in this cycle that benefits only those in power. It is time to break loose and take charge of our destinies. We all deserve a working Lagos State.”
The revered royalty also encouraged the crowd to stand behind him on his quest.
