Chairman, Ikales in Lagos Forum , Otunba Sola Olatunji in this interview with Dailyfocus News Online , expressed optimism that the incoming government of Lagos State led by Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu , has what it takes to perform better than all the previous administrations.
He also set agenda for the incoming government on how to surpass the achievements of the outgoing Governor, Mr Akunwunmi Ambode.
Otunba Olatunji also affirmed that the forum will support the governor elect , in his quest to transform and add value to the state.
What is the numerical strength of the forum in Lagos state?
We are scattered all over the 20 local government and 37 LCDA in the state. We have been able to sustain the forum and were able to organise a big rally to support the emergence of Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu as the incoming governor of Lagos State. Our records during the rally revealed that over 2000 Ikales in Lagos were in attendance at a short notice ; during official working hours. As a matter of fact , Ikales are more than 2million in this Lagos and if we had gotten longer notice , the hall at Ikeja wouldn’t be able to accommodate us during the rally. At the end ,our outing was fantastic and the incoming governor and the party leadership in the State were full of praises for our massive support. Our incoming governor has pledged to support the forum and we are optimistic that he will keep to his words.
What do you intend to achieve with this forum viz a viz the objectives of your group?
Our primary objective is political. It’s to project and promote individual members with political aspirations and even inspires members. Engage government constructively on good governance and collaborate where necessary in to usher in an egalitarian society where there is equity, justice and fair play.
Give us a brief history about the Ikales in Lagos?
The Ikales are the most honest people in the whole world. They migrated from the south senatorial zone of Ondo State . They migrated from Irele, Okitipupa,part of Odigbo and even extended to Ijebu East Local government Areas. They were part of the early settlers in Lagos when our forefather migrated with log of woods put together on the waterways down to Lagos. Like Ilajes, Ikales are majorly owners of wood businesses in Lagos , especially when it comes to timber and mahogany production. Today you find them in different professions and businesses. They have been in Lagos for several decades.
Usually during elections periods, we always conduct ourselves peacefully by going to our respective polling units ,cast our votes, and go back home. We are progressive minded people but we still have some of us voting for other party but in minority. In the last election, I saw that it was necessary to organise our people ahead of the election so that we can mobilise bulk of our votes for the progressive party in Lagos. I started the movement in December, 2018 and at the end ,the result was unimaginable.
For how long has the Ikales in Lagos forum been in existence?
The forum started in December 2018 and within that short period , were able to spread our reach across the 20 local government and 37 LCDA in the State. To even surprise you ,people came all the way from Akure ,Okitipupa, Irele ,Odigbo even at no notice because they were waiting for the opportunity to be organised. To God be the glory over 2000 members were in attendance at the rally then but as we speak based on the success story ,more people are joining our group to avoid us limiting our potentials.
How do you think the incoming governor will be able to empower this forum considering the fact that your people went all out to support him?
We are optimistic that the incoming governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu and the party in Lagos will reward us for supporting him and the party to victory during the last election.
In what capacity do you think you can advice the incoming governor?
Our incoming governor is a man of pedigree, humble, workaholic, and ready to deliver the dividends of democracy to Lagosians at jet like speed.
Our incoming governor should pick his cabinet members from arrays of stars available to him and all must be ready to work 24/7 at jet speed that the incoming governor is known for.
I believe very strongly that Lagosians will achieve the smart city status of our dreams under Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu.
It appears you are seeking for political appointment from the incoming government of Lagos State?
Not true. I have been a private sector player all my life so i wouldn’t abandon my business at this time. We shall be willing to recommend when the opportunity comes and optimistic that the incoming governor will keep his words.
Why did Ikales in Lagos voted massively for Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu because we had prominent and progressive individuals in other political parties ?
The Ikales as i earlier stated are coming from the progressive background and we can’t change our ideology overnight and support conservative group. Again, Lagos is the home of the progressive politics in Nigeria and the state has been on the move in the last 20 years.
To be honest with you ,Lagos is the talking point around the country and all over the world too because of the rapid transformation it’s experiencing in the last 20 years and it’s still work in progress so Lagos don’t have room for experiment and can’t afford to change the winning team’. Lagos under Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu, I know and believe will be more transformed in a jet like speed during his tenure.
