A stakeholders’ meeting organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos, was thrown into disarray on Monday following protests against the alleged imposition of a chairmanship candidate.
The gathering, which began peacefully at 7, Ijaoye Street around 4 p.m., was interrupted when some disgruntled members stormed the venue, chanting slogans and accusing party leadership of sidelining local contenders.
The protesters, visibly angry, accused the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, of pushing for a candidate from Agege to lead Ojokoro.
They shouted phrases like “We won’t accept this!” and “Who knows Sanusi?” while demanding fairness in the selection process.
One of the protest leaders, Olusegun Akinoso-Olawaye, said the meeting was meant to endorse a candidate who lacks ties to the Ojokoro community.
He emphasized that anyone aspiring to become chairman must be a known figure in the area, with a track record of participation in local party activities.
“We can’t accept someone who doesn’t live here or who hasn’t worked for the party in Ojokoro. All aspirants deserve an equal platform to show their capacity,” he said, noting that about 18 chairmanship hopefuls had shown interest.
Mrs. Bola Ojetayo, another participant, criticized the leadership for placing personal interests above community choice.
“We won’t allow a stranger to be imposed on us. Leadership decisions must reflect the will of the people, not the influence of outsiders,” she said.
Ojetayo also warned against external interference, saying those outside Ojokoro should not decide who governs the area.
In response, former lawmaker James Owolabi, who represented Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency, urged protesters to express their dissatisfaction without resorting to violence.
“Let your voices be heard, but do so peacefully. There is room for everyone to speak within the party,” he said.
Among the APC chieftains present were current council chairman Jelili Oseni, former Assembly member Ipoola Omisore, and other local leaders including Alhaji Amosu Aminu, Chief Oriyomi Olaogun, and Akindele Aremu.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has scheduled the local government polls for July 12.