The All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship Candidate for Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Akindipe Olalekan Olu, popularly known as “Lampholder,” has dismissed allegations of document forgery and age falsification leveled against him by a political group within the council area.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, 8 July, 2025, Hon. Akindipe described the claims as baseless and politically motivated attempts to tarnish his image ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in Lagos State.
A group identified as Ajeromi-Ifelodun Progressive Associates had earlier petitioned the APC, accusing Akindipe of falsifying his age and submitting inconsistent information about his indigeneship.
“There is no inconsistency in any of the documents I submitted to the party,” Akindipe stated. “The APC thoroughly screened all aspirants during the nomination process. I did not forge my birth certificate or any other documents. These claims are false and intended to mislead the public.”
He maintained that all documents submitted during the party’s screening, including certificates from professional courses, are authentic and verifiable.
Reflecting on his personal background, Akindipe said, “I come from a humble background. I was raised in a family of six. My mother is a reverend, my father a pastor, and I am an evangelist. My father is 80 years old, and my mother is 76. I believe my emergence as the APC candidate is by divine arrangement. Since I became the flag bearer, some individuals have relentlessly tried to pull me down. But whom God has chosen, no man can discredit.”
Addressing the specific accusation of age falsification, he clarified: “I will be 45 years old on September 17. I meet the age requirement for this position. Our party’s constitution stipulates a minimum age of 30 for chairmanship aspirants. I am not underage.”
On claims of defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Akindipe debunked the allegation, affirming that he has been a committed member of the APC since 2014.
“The first false claim was that I defected from the PDP. That is untrue. I joined APC in 2014 when the party was formed through a merger to rescue Nigeria. My APC membership card is available for public scrutiny,” he said.
He alleged that the smear campaign was orchestrated by individuals within the APC who are uncomfortable with his background. “There are people within our party who believe that individuals from humble backgrounds like mine should not rise. But I call on them to work together with us to ensure victory for the APC in all 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs in Lagos State.”
Urging residents to participate actively in the upcoming election, Akindipe pledged to run a people-oriented administration if elected.
“The people of Ajeromi-Ifelodun know me. I’m not a stranger here. When I was younger, they called me ‘Omo Iya Ologede’ (Son of the Plantain Seller). I will not fail my people. I will run an open-door administration where the dividends of democracy are felt by all,” he assured.
