A coalition of youths in Ogun West has called on Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to deliberately promote leadership renewal in the district, with a strong focus on the Ogun State House of Assembly seats.
The call was contained in an open letter addressed to the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and copied to Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, former governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, and the Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi.
Signed by the Coalition of Progressive Youths for Good Governance in Ogun West, the letter described the district as being at a critical political turning point, stressing the need to balance experience with innovation by creating space for younger and more energetic leaders.
While acknowledging the contributions of serving lawmakers from the district, the coalition listed Honourable Ajayi Bolanle Lateefat of Yewa South, Honourable Akingbade Jemili Adigun of Imeko Afon, Honourable Oyedele Adebisi Jacob of Ipokia, Honourable Yusuf Sherif Abiodun of Ado Odo Ota I, Honourable Lamidi Musefiu of Ado Odo Ota II, Honourable Adegoke Olusesi Adeyanju of Yewa North I, and Honourable Wahab Haruna Abiodun of Yewa North II.
According to the youths, with the exception of the Ipokia representative, all the listed lawmakers have served more than one term, a development they said calls for sober reflection in the interest of the district’s future.
“This is not an attack on any individual. It is a call of duty,” the coalition stated. “Ogun West needs to deliberately prepare the next generation of leaders by allowing space for younger, energetic and innovative minds to emerge.”
The group specifically appealed to Honourable Yusuf Sherif Abiodun of Ado Odo Ota I, Honourable Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi of Yewa South, and Honourable Akingbade Jemili Adigun of Imeko Afon to consider seeking higher responsibilities after years of service in the Assembly.
“These leaders have served diligently and deserve commendation. However, growth demands change, and we strongly believe they can contribute more effectively in higher echelons of leadership while mentoring the next generation,” the coalition said.
While noting that Honourable Wahab Haruna Abiodun and Honourable Adegoke Olusesi Adeyanju are also two term lawmakers, the youths said both still fall within the youth bracket and could continue to be regarded as part of the emerging leadership the district seeks to empower.
The coalition praised Honourable Lamidi Musefiu for recently announcing that he would not seek a third term in the House of Assembly, describing the decision as a display of political maturity and leadership foresight.
“Musefiu reminded the public that he became chairman of one of the largest and most industrious local governments in his thirties.”
“His example reinforces our belief that young people must be given opportunities to lead if progress is to be sustained,” he group said.
Raising concerns about Imeko Afon, the youths warned against what they described as a growing concentration of influence among older lawmakers, noting that a long serving representative is now approaching 70 and is reportedly functioning as the de facto speaker of the Assembly.
“There is a genuine fear that an Assembly dominated by long standing figures could pose serious challenges to a first time governor.”
“This concern is heightened by reports that some lawmakers from Ogun West are forming alliances to jointly lobby for return tickets, which could lead to the emergence of a powerful internal legislative bloc,” the group stated.
The group also cited Ado Odo Ota I as an example of constituency imbalance, stating that strong agitation is mounting for the next representative to emerge from one of the four rural wards, which they said account for over 70 percent of votes, while urban wards have produced Assembly members for the past 24 years.
Linking their demand to youth inclusion, the coalition recalled a meeting with Governor Abiodun at his Iperu residence ahead of his re election, where he reportedly assured youth stakeholders of their inclusion in his succession plan.
“This call is fully in tune with the governor’s promise,” the coalition said, quoting Abiodun as stating, “The youths will be included in my succession plan.”
The youths expressed confidence that their appeal would resonate at the national level, describing Tinubu as a youth friendly leader who has shown commitment to inclusion.
“For the first time, Nigeria has a truly youthful Minister of Youths in Comrade Ayo Olawande Wisdom. Several other young Nigerians, including Mr Kamardeen Yusuf, have also been appointed into strategic positions. This gives us hope,” the group said.
Concluding the letter, the coalition said its demand was driven by faith in the APC’s capacity to renew itself and strengthen democratic participation.
“Like Oliver Twist, we are asking for more. More inclusion, more opportunity, and more trust in the capacity of young people to lead Ogun West into a prosperous future,” the statement read.
The group urged the national and state leadership of the APC to urgently consider the peculiarities of each constituency as preparations begin for another election cycle, warning that decisions taken now would significantly shape the future of Ogun West, Ogun State, and the party.
