By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) is embroiled in political turbulence as outgoing Chairperson Samiat Bada faces fierce criticism from individuals and groups who once supported her administration. Allegations of abuse of office, reckless behavior, and questionable qualifications have now come to the fore, leaving the local political landscape in turmoil.
Despite years of criticism from media platforms like KosofePost, Bada’s supporters, including some now-turncoat allies, remained silent or actively defended her tenure. Their recent shift in stance has sparked accusations of hypocrisy, with critics suggesting their disapproval is less about public interest and more about self-serving political ambitions.
US-based commentator Sulyman Olayiwola, popularly known as “Opomulero,” reacted strongly to a video by APC chairmanship aspirant Tosin Hussein, who accused Bada of high-handedness and frivolous petitions targeting party members and market women. Olayiwola questioned the timing of such protests, emphasizing that many of Bada’s detractors had once shielded her from criticism.
“Where were you four years ago when Mayoress was disgracing the LCDA and misbehaving?” Olayiwola said. “Everyone crying today stood with her, defending her, while we did our best to expose the fact that she’s unfit. Now that God has turned the gathering of enemies against each other, they deserve no public sympathy.”
Olayiwola’s remarks echoed the popular sentiment that beneficiaries of a flawed system rarely recognize its faults until it no longer serves their interests. Critics argue that Bada’s adversaries, including female contestants who were once her allies, may perpetuate similar or worse governance issues if given power.
Further fueling the controversy is a past petition Bada filed against KosofePost publisher Bilesanmi Abayomi over an article unrelated to her by name. The move was criticized as an example of her alleged “reckless and power-drunk” tendencies. Detractors argue that Bada’s leadership style, marked by frequent confrontations and a lack of foresight, promoted discord rather than fostering peace and development.
As Ikosi-Isheri’s political class trades blame, many residents are left disillusioned. The unfolding drama serves as a stark reminder that the pursuit of public office must prioritize competence and integrity over loyalty to flawed systems.