A member of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Henry Ajomale, has declared his intention to work against the re-election of Hon. Okey-Joe Onuakaluasi, who represents the Oshodi-Isolo II Federal Constituency in Lagos State. Ajomale's vow comes after Onuakaluasi faced widespread criticism for an empowerment initiative that allegedly favored his Igbo ethnic group.
Controversy Over Empowerment Scheme
Onuakaluasi, a non-native of Lagos and non-Yoruba, recently published a list of beneficiaries from his empowerment program. The scheme sponsored 29 individuals to study nursing, cybersecurity, food processing, and other fields in China and South Africa. However, scrutiny of the list revealed that 24 of the 29 beneficiaries were of Igbo origin, while only five were Yoruba, some with questionable names. This disparity sparked outrage among constituents and political figures.
Ajomale's Response
Expressing dissatisfaction with Onuakaluasi's conduct, Ajomale lamented that individuals from distant states are depriving Yoruba natives of opportunities rightfully theirs. Addressing constituents in Yoruba, he stated, “Whatever is required in this Isolo is what we will give, because some people can’t come from a long distance and steal our land from us… Yoruba land is more important to us. If they move irrationally, we will reduce them to size this time around.”
Ajomale attributed Onuakaluasi's emergence to internal conflicts within the All Progressives Congress (APC). He explained, “We made a mistake before and our boss didn’t lend us countenance. We also had in-fighting. But right now, I don’t see any fight within us.” He asserted that the party is now united and prepared to field credible candidates, unlike previously when a position was given “to an Igbo person to the point of becoming a House of Representatives member.”
Call for Yoruba Representation
Ajomale emphasized the need for Yoruba representation, saying, “When a Yoruba man was there, we were getting some benefits. But in the case of this man, he took everything to Nnewi. This time around, we want our own child to be there, so we can benefit from what belongs to us. An Igbo man mustn’t come here to slap our faces. This time around, things will be different.”
The Lagos GAC member's remarks highlight growing ethnic tensions in the constituency and set the stage for a contentious political battle ahead of the next elections.
