By Dele Mojeed-Ekelojumati

In recent weeks, I have closely followed political and governance developments in Kosofe Local Government,Lagos State. A great deal of information — and misinformation — has circulated, especially across social media. Much of this calls for sober reflection, historical context and objective analysis in the interest of the good people of Kosofe, including Agboyi-Ketu and Ikosi-Isheri communities.

Permit me, therefore, to share a perspective informed not by sentiment but by lived experience — from the early Somolu days to the evolution of present-day Kosofe– beginning from the days of DPN to the AD era in which I personally served as party Assistant Secretary for Somolu LGA(Democratic party of Nigeria) and later as Ward Secretary (Alliance for Democracy) in what is now Kosofe Ward C.

As a loyal party man and former appointee in this same local government, I am concerned that recent public exchanges, accusations and counter-accusations have shifted attention from governance to personal conflict. This situation deserves a more thoughtful and responsible approach.

BUSH IS CHOKING ME ” — Which Bush?

The difficult expression attributed to the council chairman, Barr.Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe — “Bush is choking me” — naturally raises concern and confusion among residents and political stakeholders alike

If this “Bush” is indeed a reference to Otunba Bushura Alebiosu — popularly regarded as the Bush of Africa — then it is important to place facts on record. This is a man who began public service as a councillor in old Somolu local government in 1976, later became a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly in 1979,and re-elected in 1983,under the leadership of the late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.

Baba Bush is a symbol of political endurance, grassroots organisation, and mentorship. To reduce such a figure to a social media metaphor is not only unfair to history, it is unproductive for present governance.

Political disagreement is natural in a democracy. However, it must be expressed with restraint, cultural understanding and institutional respect.

LEADERSHIP IS RESPONSIBILITY, NOT RIVALRY

Modern leadership —
political or administrative — is guided by four fundamental functions:

1. To guide and provide direction
2. To solve problems and manage challenges
3. To lead innovation and reform
4. To build and sustain relationships.

It is instructive to note that under Baba Bush’s broad guidance and moral authority, former council chairmen in Kosofe were able to seamlessly perform these four leadership roles with visible governance outcomes.
Kosofe, in its historical best moments, benefitted from a leadership structure where elders guided, administrators executed, and the party structure maintained cohesion.
This model worked because it combined wisdom, structure, consultation and collective responsibility. It was not perfect, but it delivered visible results.

BUSH: A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
There is no denying that the political school associated with Baba Bush produced notable leaders over the decades — not only councillors and party officials, but chairmen and state-level actors such as:

Senator A.O Mamora
[ Speaker, Senator, Minister]

*Senator Adeyiga Ajayi (Ikeja division: Agege, Somolu, Ikeja, Mushin etc)

Pa Solaja (Somolu Rep.1979)

*Pa Odunsi (Pioneer chairman Kosofe LG, not Kosofe 2nd coming)

Hon Sesan Olanrewaju, former chairman, Somolu LG

*Hon. Sulaimon Omoyele Abdhakeem (Oris)- first Executive chairman,Bariga LCDA

*Otunba Ademorin Aliu kuye (current MHR & former chairman, Somolu LG

*Hon. ‘Kunle Soname (first Executive Chairman Ikosi-Isheri LCDA)

*Chief Mrs Yetunde Arobieke – Yaro Malaika (first Executive Chairperson, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA)

*Barr. Ademuyiwa Adedeji (former Executive Chairman,Kosofe LG)

Between 2008 and 2011, Kosofe witnessed tangible transformation through road works with drains, school rehabilitation, market reconstruction, support for Community Development Associations, meaningful youth engagement, security initiatives, environmental management, health interventions,periodic and perceptible elderly/ women empowerment and capacity development for staff. All these projects and programmes were officially supervised by me as Cos (2008-2011.)
The era demonstrated that when political understanding and administrative focus align, governance can truly serve the people.
Even the immediate past council chairmen who initiated and completed legacy projects are all products of Baba,the likes of Mayor ‘Dele Osinowo , the ALGON National chairman Emeritus- Hon.Kolade Alabi ( from his vice chairmanship post at Bariga LCDA) and the recent Agboyi Ketu Chairperson, Hon ‘Tola Adunni Oyedele-Abubakar has shown a promising beginning with the council’s 100days.

MY FINDINGS

With the above long list of leaders who cut their political tutelage under this 89-year old Octogenarian-The Bush, how come Baba didn’t sit on their necks with their superlative performances?
What now went wrong that the pillar you ran to meet, to seek a ticket 4 years ago, is now the cornerstone of abuse at your early forties? ..
Kindly watch sir.!!

*PRESENT CONCERNS AND THE CALL FOR REFLECTIONS
Recent tensions in Kosofe, including disputes over appointments [legislative & executive], leadership responsibility (who were asked to bring their wards inputs from the grassroots) and Council allocation appear to have unsettled the political calm. It is natural for party members to seek clarity, fairness and transparency. Such questions should not be treated as rebellion but as part of democratic accountability.
Constructive criticism is not hostility. It is feedback — and feedback, when properly received, can strengthen leadership.
As a researcher, I have also observed developments in other parts of Lagos: Otto-Awori, Lagos Island,Bariga and Igbogbo-Baiyeku- which is an Urban-rural Council in the eastern part of lagos state. The administrative visibility, infrastructural presence and institutional organisation in these Local government council areas invite a simple, honest question:

HOW DOES KOSOFE COMPARE TODAY?

While financial empowerment initiatives have their place, governance history teaches that it is sustainable, visible and community-impact projects that truly define legacy.
Kosofe is ripe for such practical, enduring progress.

*AN ADVISORY APPEAL Advisory
This is not written in condemnation, but in counsel.
It is an appeal to the Council leadership to embrace consultation over confrontation; to choose institution-building over personality politics; and to recognise that true political strength lies in humility and inclusion — not isolation of your constituents
I also respectfully call on the true political ‘generals’ and stakeholders from Agboyi to Ikosi to Kosofe —
Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, Pa Adeola Oyedele,
Sanni Ganniy Okanlawon (Baba Adeeni), Hon Rotimi Agunsoye, Omooba Ademuyiwa Adedeji,
Chief Tunde Temionu,
Prince Adebayo Busayo,
Hon Ajibayo Adeyeye,
Barr. K.K. Eleshin
Chief Yetunde Arobieke,
Hon. Kunle Soname and a host of others to rise in bringing back our cultured Kosofe from political apprenticeship, misdirection and looming institutional decay; as well as providing guidance, stabilisation, and mentorship where necessary, in the interest of unity and development.

CONCLUSION

Kosofe’s strength has always been in its people, history, and collective wisdom. These must never be sacrificed on the altar of temporary disagreements.
The Bush I know built bridges, not walls. That, perhaps, is the most important lesson for us today..
E mabinu sir.

*Dr. R. Dele Mojeed-Ekelojumati, the first Chief of Staff, Kosofe Local Government is a Rural Capital and Poverty Reduction Policy Expert.