By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Former Councillor of Ward B in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Bamidele Ajayi, has openly criticized his successor, Hon. Ganiu Oni, describing his recent political moves as a betrayal of trust and a departure from ethical leadership.
In an exclusive interview with Kosofe Post on Saturday, Ajayi, who served between 2008 and 2014, accused Oni of turning his back on key allies who played pivotal roles in his political rise.
“Oni has gone finally. He bit the fingers that fed him and abandoned his benefactor for his present boss,” Ajayi stated, referencing the rift between Oni and federal lawmaker Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, whose support was instrumental in Oni’s emergence as councillor in 2021.
Ajayi also blamed the current leadership of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA for influencing Oni’s actions. “The policy of Mayoress Bada is that whoever she has misunderstandings with, people around her should follow suit. Bad human management attitudes,” he said.
Recounting Oni’s political journey, Ajayi noted that the councillor had previously contested and lost several elections under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including two against him, before crossing to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“He only became councillor after defecting to the APC, with Hon. Kafilat Ogbara facilitating his nomination. I personally played a major role in declaring him the consensus candidate after thorough consultations with political stakeholders in Ward B,” Ajayi added.
Describing Ward B as historically peaceful and politically mature, Ajayi expressed disappointment over recent developments that have unsettled the ward’s reputation for stability.
The controversy follows the APC’s parallel councilorship primaries held on May 10, which produced two candidates for Ward B. The party has since resolved the dispute, naming Sobanke—reportedly backed by Hon. Ogbara—as its flag bearer ahead of the July 12 local government elections.