By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Agege Local Government chapter of the Renewed Hope Network (TRN), has faulted remarks credited to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Mudashiru Obasa, over claims that he single-handedly shaped the political rise of several figures in Agege and beyond, insisting that no individual could claim ownership of the political destiny of the people.
In a statement issued in Agege, Lagos, the group said the comments, if truly made, undermined the collective sacrifices of party faithful, community leaders, youths, women groups, elders, and progressive stakeholders who had sustained the dominance of the All Progressives Congress in the council area over the years.
While acknowledging the role of political leaders in party development, TRN maintained that it was “misleading and politically insensitive” for any individual to assume exclusive responsibility for the emergence and success of others within a democratic setting.
According to the group, the APC structure in Agege was built through collective effort, loyalty, and years of grassroots mobilisation.
“Politics, particularly within the APC family in Agege, has always been a collective effort driven by the sacrifices, loyalty, and commitment of numerous party faithful, community leaders, youth groups, women organisations, elders, and progressive stakeholders who have laboured tirelessly over the years to sustain the party’s dominance in the local government,” the statement read.
TRN further argued that the political history of Agege predated many current actors and was established through the contributions of respected leaders, grassroots mobilisers, and progressive families who devoted resources and time to strengthening the party.
The group warned against what it described as attempts to rewrite political history for personal glorification, saying such narratives diminished the sacrifices of long-standing stakeholders.
“No single individual can validly claim ownership of the political destiny of the people of Agege,” the statement added.
The organisation also expressed concern over what it described as growing dissatisfaction among party members and stakeholders due to “excessive control, exclusionary politics, and the pursuit of personal political interests over collective progress.”
According to TRN, the political climate in Agege in recent years had witnessed avoidable tensions and internal divisions capable of weakening party cohesion at the grassroots.
“It is no longer news that the political environment in Agege has witnessed avoidable tensions and internal divisions that have weakened party cohesion at the grassroots level,” the group stated.
It added that several loyal APC members who once worked passionately for the growth of the party now felt alienated, marginalised, and discouraged because of what it described as the concentration of influence within a narrow political circle.
Rather than promoting broad participation and harmony, TRN said the current political atmosphere had encouraged rivalry, distrust, and unnecessary friction among party faithful.
The group, therefore, stressed that it could not remain silent while narratives capable of deepening division within the APC were being promoted publicly.
TRN argued that true leadership should be measured not by claims of political ownership, but by the ability to inspire, empower, unite, and encourage independent growth.
“Great leaders build institutions and encourage collective ownership, not political dependency or personality cults,” the statement said.
The organisation also urged political actors in Agege to avoid comments capable of diminishing the contributions of others or portraying the local government as the political estate of any individual.
“The APC in Agege belongs to all members, not to a select few. The successes recorded by the party over the years were achieved through the shared sacrifices of numerous committed stakeholders across different wards and communities,” it added.
TRN reaffirmed its commitment to the unity, growth, and electoral success of the APC in Agege Local Government, stressing that genuine unity could only thrive where fairness, mutual respect, open participation, and reconciliation existed.
The group warned that political intimidation, excessive self-glorification, and divisive rhetoric had no place in a democratic party seeking to retain public confidence.
It also called on party leaders, elders, and stakeholders to place the interest of the party and the welfare of the people above personal ambition and supremacy contests.
“This is a critical period that demands maturity, restraint, and strategic collaboration among progressive forces, especially as Nigerians continue to look up to the APC for purposeful leadership and development,” the statement noted.
TRN equally reassured party members in Agege that the strength of the APC remained rooted in loyal grassroots members, market men and women, artisans, professionals, youths, religious groups, and community stakeholders who had remained committed to the progressive family despite prevailing challenges.
“Their sacrifices and commitment cannot and should not be reduced to the political benevolence of any individual office holder,” the group stated.
The organisation, however, expressed optimism that through sincere dialogue, inclusiveness, and renewed commitment to democratic values, Agege could once again become a model of political harmony and progressive development in Lagos State.
“In conclusion, TRN reiterates that no single politician can claim sole ownership of the political growth of Agege or the destinies of its people. Leadership should unite, not divide; empower, not suppress; and inspire hope, not resentment. The people of Agege deserve a political environment built on respect, fairness, and collective advancement,” the statement concluded.
