By Sunday Ani
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State, Wale Oluwa, has cautioned against what he described as a narrow and misleading interpretation of marginalisation within the Badagry Division.
Oluwa, who also holds the traditional title of Maiyegun of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, warned that equating Badagry Division solely with Badagry Local Government Area risks distorting political realities and sidelining other critical stakeholders.
Speaking with journalists, he stressed that Badagry Division comprises multiple local government areas and council development areas, as well as diverse communities bound by shared history, culture, and political aspirations.
He noted that the long-standing agitation over marginalisation in the division must be viewed within its full geographical and political context, especially as calls for equity, justice, and fair political representation continue to gain momentum in the state.
According to him, narrowing the conversation to a single local government is not only misleading but could also undermine efforts to achieve fairness and inclusiveness.
Oluwa argued that such a restricted narrative may be deliberate and could alienate other communities within the division that also have legitimate claims to inclusion and recognition.
“Only a holistic and inclusive framing of Badagry Division can guarantee fairness and credibility in ongoing and future political engagements,” he said.
The APC stalwart, who was a chairmanship aspirant in Ajeromi-Ifelodun during the last local government elections, urged political actors to avoid sectional narratives capable of breeding distrust and division.
He called for a fact-driven and inclusive approach that reflects the collective identity and interests of the entire division.
Beyond politics, he is regarded as a grassroots mobiliser and development advocate, with a track record in enterprise and humanitarian initiatives aimed at community empowerment.
He also expressed confidence in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a seasoned political strategist committed to fairness and inclusiveness.
“Asiwaju Bola Tinubu remains a father to all within the party. His leadership is anchored on justice, inclusiveness, and a broad appreciation of political realities,” he said, adding that attempts to distort facts would only serve as distractions.
He warned that misrepresentation of the marginalisation narrative could undermine party cohesion at a critical period marked by evolving political alignments ahead of future elections.
He called on party members and stakeholders to prioritise unity, discipline, and strategic coordination to sustain the dominance of the APC in Lagos State and strengthen its national standing.
“Our great party requires discipline, unity, and shared purpose at this moment. This is not a season for division, but for consolidation and strategic alignment,” he added.
