With the Local Government elections in Lagos State scheduled to take place on July 12, 2025, former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development as well as Commerce and Industry, Hon. Rotimi Ogunleye, has delivered a thought-provoking message to all political aspirants across Ikorodu Division.
Speaking to Ikorodu News Network (INN) on the 27th of June 2025, Hon. Ogunleye urged all candidates to conduct themselves with maturity and campaign strictly on issues and developmental programmes that offer genuine benefits to the electorate.
He emphasized that politics must rise above personal ambition and focus squarely on public service.
“The campaigns should be done with maturity, based on issues and programmes that each party has for the people,” he stated.
As voters prepare to go to the polls, Ogunleye admonished those who will be elected to see their positions not as opportunities for self-aggrandizement but as platforms to serve the people with integrity, discipline, and accountability.
“Those that will be ultimately elected should see their election as an opportunity to serve the people and not an avenue for self-elevation against the common interests,” he cautioned.
Ogunleye particularly highlighted the importance of adherence to the law, stressing that elected officials must operate transparently and be guided by the Lagos State Public Procurement Law, which regulates spending and project execution.
He also warned against falling under the influence of “gluttonous self-acclaimed leaders” who may attempt to hijack local governments for personal gain.
“They should refuse to be deceived by gluttonous self-acclaimed ‘leaders’ who would want to use their governments as appendages of their personal businesses,” he declared.
Touching on governance priorities, Ogunleye urged the incoming local administrations across Ikorodu Division and its Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to address the alarming infrastructural deficit, with a focus on road construction, rehabilitation of markets, and development of parks and other public spaces.
He strongly discouraged the imposition of needless levies on citizens, especially at a time when residents are facing economic hardship.
Instead, he encouraged local councils to promote an enabling environment for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to thrive.
“They should avoid needless levies which can only increase the suffering and poverty level but rather look for means of enabling the environment for SMEs to thrive,” he added.
Hon. Ogunleye’s timely message serves as a call to conscience for all aspirants and political stakeholders across Ikorodu Division, as residents prepare to cast their votes on July 12, 2025.
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