By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In a dramatic turn of events, former Minister of Defense and Lagos Central Senator, Musiliu Obanikoro, stepped in to allow key All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders access to a local government stakeholders’ meeting in Ikosi-Isheri, following an attempt to exclude them allegedly orchestrated by the Council Chairman, Samiat Abolanle Bada.
The incident was brought to light on Friday morning by Princess Bola Kazeem, a former Ikosi-Isheri LCDA Vice Chairman, who shared a video recounting the incident. According to Kazeem, she, former Vice Chairman Abiodun Anna Martins, and other APC leaders were barred from entering the council premises, where the Governance Advisory Council’s committee was conducting an inspection across the Local Government and Local Council Development Areas.
Kazeem alleged that Bada deployed political operatives to prevent the group from attending the meeting, accusing the council chairman of using intimidation tactics. “Senator Musiliu Obanikoro quickly intervened and instructed that we be allowed to attend. Myself, Princess Bola Kazeem, Abiodun Martins, and other party leaders were locked out,” Kazeem stated, expressing gratitude for Obanikoro’s prompt action.
In the video, Kazeem voiced her frustration, attributing the hostility to her own role in Bada’s rise to office, a decision she now regrets. “She did not perform well and has resorted to intimidating and harassing party leaders. This is why she locked the gate,” Kazeem remarked, underscoring her disappointment in the council chairman’s actions.
Similarly, Mrs. Abbey Martins, also a former Vice Chairman, condemned the incident as a “humiliation” and an insult to long-standing party officials. “It’s a big embarrassment,” she stated, noting this wasn’t the first time APC leaders had faced such treatment under Bada’s leadership.
The media team for Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, including Bada’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Shina Aminu, has yet to respond to the allegations. The incident underscores growing tensions within the APC’s local ranks in Ikosi-Isheri, with leaders calling for more accountability and respect in party governance.