By Bilesanmi Abayomi
As anticipation builds for the forthcoming local government election in Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Kosofe, all eyes are on Fatoki Ayobode Kehinde, the current Special Adviser on Environment, amidst speculations of his potential bid for the executive chairmanship position.
Fatoki’s political trajectory traces back to the 2017 Chairmanship elections, where he vied for the position under the All Progressives Congress (APC) umbrella but withdrew following party dynamics. Despite this setback, he later served as a supervisor during the first term of the late Engr. Abdulfatai Oyesanya’s administration.
In a strategic move, Fatoki threw his support behind the re-election bid of the incumbent Chairman, Samiat Bada, in 2021, which culminated in Bada’s landslide victory. As a result, Fatoki was re-appointed as Special Adviser on Environment and entrusted with significant responsibilities, including chairing the 2022 Ikosi Isheri Magodo Festival committee.
Although Fatoki has yet to formally declare his intention to contest for the executive chairmanship, his political affiliations and growing influence within the party suggest he is a formidable contender. However, when contacted by Kosofe Post regarding his speculated ambition, Fatoki’s response, illustrated by a 😱 emoji, hinted at a sense of apprehension or surprise.
In contrast to the solidarity shown by appointees in Kosofe Local Government towards the re-election bid of Hon. Moyosore Ogunlewe, political stakeholders in Ikosi Isheri LCDA express uncertainty over the incumbent Chairman’s tenure beyond 2025, citing factors such as service evaluation, constitutional limitations, or party dynamics.
While Fatoki remains tight-lipped about his political aspirations, other declared aspirants outside the LCDA cabinet, such as Prince Abidemi Akintunde-Stainless, have already made their intentions clear, setting the stage for an intriguing electoral contest in Ikosi Isheri come election day.