Considering how the former Lagos State Governor and National
Leader of All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu usually
makes reference to the former two terms commissioner of Agriculture in Lagos
State and now the APC vice chairman, Lagos East Senatorial District Asipa Kaoli
Olusanya, in public; any reasonable person would want to know why this,
especially, due to the position of the National Leader in Nigeria politics, not
just only in Lagos.
During the Flag-off of BRT Buses operation on Ikorodu-mile
12 road and commissioning of primero complex at Majidun, ikorodu in the year
2015, when the incumbent Governor of Lagos State, Mr.Akinwunmi Ambode led
Asiwaju Tinubu, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who was then the Executive Governor of
the state of Osun, and other leaders to the event. Asiwaju Tinubu surprised the
gathering by making an astonishing revelation about Kaoli Olusanya.
Asiwaju Tinubu advising the youth in his political party
(APC) described Asipa Kaoli Olusanya as a man with a very rare humility,loyalty
and love for his people (the people of ikorodu). He stated that he knew the
time Kaoli wanted to serve at Local Government level and was not allowed by the
leadership of the party. He said his attempt to become a member of the House of
Assembly was also truncated by the party leadership.
This national leader revealed that despite all this, Asipa
Kaoli Olusanya did not leave the party due to his loyalty to the party and it’s
leadership. He said he knew kaoli’s love for his people was what prompted him
to seek a platform, where he can faithfully serve their interest; therefore he
made him a commissioner in his cabinet when he (Asiwaju) became the Governor of
the state. He enjoined everyone in the party to emulate the loyalty and
commitment of Kaoli Olusanya to the party and its leadership.
After that first shocking revelation Asiwaju made in the
presence of all Royal fathers from Ikorodu division and other dignitaries
present at the event; he has not stopped either commending or recommending
Asipa Kaoli Olusanya as a loyal party member whose love for Ikorodu division is
superb.
Recently, when this National leader, met his party faithful
at Police College, ikeja, he did the same thing when he mentioned Asipa Kaoli
Olusanya as part of the delegation of party leaders who picked the preffered
candidate for Lagos East senatorial District, Hon. Bayo Sikiru Osinowo.
Obviously a reasonable politician who understands politics
and the politics of Lagos State in particular which has become a pace setter
for other state in the federation, would know that before arriving at a
decision, leaders of concerned zones would have brainstormed together on the
bothering given issue or subject; aggrieved and disagreed many times to reach a
common goal.
According to reliable source, this was what happened before
Asipa Kaoli Olusanya’s emergence as the vice chairman, Lagos East senatorial
District. This also was what was done before Hon. Bayo Osinowo emerged as the
Apc flag bearer for lagos East senatorial District for the 2019 National
Assembly Election. The choice of sanwoolu also followed the same process.
Therefore, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya cannot be said to have
betrayed his people of ikorodu by allowing the will of the majority of them who
decided on preferred choice of the district before relating it to their
National Leader, to prevail. Though he is the vice chairman from the zone;
still he must recognize the fact that a tree does not make the forest. Also,
that before his assumption of office as vice chairman, there were apex leaders
and they are still existing. One should also know that in politics there are
those who know the best permutation that would favour their political party and
regardless of some leaders agreement on a choice of a particular candidate,
their view is inevitable.
Asipa kaoli olusanya has shown that he has the interest of ikorodu
at heart by representing the people of ikorodu selflessly for two term in
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s government as an active commissioner for Agriculture. He
has also made the National Leader of APC to believe, trust and hold the sons
and daughters of ikorodu in high esteem, due to his loyalty, truthfulness,
commitment and competence; attested to by the National Leader.
Also, accepting the position of the vice chairman,
representing Lagos East Senatorial District , was in the interest of ikorodu
division. Within short time he has been in office, ikorodu politicians have
started benefitting, as some of them made the list of various campaign
organizations, including that of APC gubernatorial candidate in the state, Mr.
Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu. He had also intervened into political crises that
could have caused major havoc in ikorodu. His timely reconciliation meetings
have yielded good unity and progress amongst Apc Aspirants, candidates and
other party faithful; to the extent that many residents who are not politicians
noticed this and commended his efforts of ensuring peace in the division.
Also those who witnessed the peaceful and successful Apc
mega rally felt flabbergasted at the end of the event which took place at
ikorodu ferry terminal; due to the kind of unity and cooperation that
characterized the event, which it was speculated in some quarters that would
lead to much anticipated violence in ikorodu.
This is the time ikorodu should give more support to APC,
because Asipa Kaoli accepted the job in their interest, majorly to end
marginalization of ikorodu division, in terms of elective positions and
political appointment. Though, the emergence of Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu would
show how far he can achieve more political appointees for ikorodu division.
Independent National Electoral commission (INEC)’s
postponement of the general election last week should not deter any resident of
ikorodu from coming out to cast his/her vote for APC; as all APC candidates are
ready to serve electorates selflessly, with best dividends of democracy; and
Hon. Bayo Osinowo will not be an exemption. People of ikorodu should keep the
hope of “ikorodu for Governor” alive by continuing to vote and support all APC
candidates. One person from ikorodu will soon occupy that number one seat at
Lagos State House, Ikeja . Name calling or blackmailing one another cannot do
it, it can only draw a long-large gap between this.