PEACE BUILT BY SERVICE CAN NEVER BE DESTROYED BY DESPERATION. IFELODUN REMAINS CALM, UNITED, AND SECURE UNDER MAYOR OKEOWO’S LEADERSHIP.
BY KAMALDEEN IYANDA.
The attention of the Executive Chairman of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area, Mayor Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, PhD, has been drawn to the mischievous and politically motivated narratives being circulated by desperate elements whose stock-in-trade is to create tension and unnecessary panic within our peaceful communities for selfish political gains.
Our attention has also been drawn to a video currently circulating on social media, allegedly linked to today’s incident around Abikoye Street, where it was claimed that three persons were shot. It is deeply concerning that the same individual circulating this video is being alleged by sources to have links with, or knowledge of, those behind the disturbances.
For the records, the entire Ifelodun LCDA remained peaceful, calm, and stable before the commencement of the primary election season. Residents across the council area can attest to the atmosphere of unity and coexistence that has been sustained through deliberate peace-building efforts championed by the Executive Chairman, Mayor Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, PhD.
It is therefore important to clearly state that the recent unrest involving some unscrupulous boys around Abikoye Street, Jinadu Street, and adjoining areas did not emerge in isolation. Credible information available points to the activities of individuals and political actors whose desperation for power has turned the political process into a do-or-die affair, thereby fueling tension and inciting division within the community.
It is both laughable and unfortunate that anyone would attempt to drag the name of Mayor Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, PhD, into such baseless allegations. Since assuming office, Mayor Okeowo has remained steadfast and committed to restoring peace, order, and security in the very communities that were once deserted due to incessant unrest and gang-related disturbances. Through strategic interventions, stakeholder engagements, and collaboration with security agencies, calm was restored and residents returned to their homes and businesses without fear.
To now suggest that the same Mayor who sacrificed time, resources, and political capital to stabilize these troubled areas would suddenly sponsor unrest is nothing but a wicked fabrication designed to mislead the public.
Furthermore, Mayor Okeowo is not contesting for any political office that would warrant desperation or involvement in violence. His focus remains governance, grassroots development, and the welfare of the people of Ifelodun LCDA.
Only recently, the administration embarked on one of the most impactful palliative and empowerment programmes in the history of the council. No fewer than 4,000 residents benefitted from food support packages aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship. In addition, 100 petty traders received financial support of ₦100,000 each to strengthen their businesses, while 500 elderly citizens were supported with ₦10,000 each as welfare assistance. Also, 700 vulnerable youths received ₦10,000 each to improve their livelihood and ease economic challenges.
An administration genuinely committed to the welfare and empowerment of its people cannot at the same time be accused of engineering violence against the same citizens it is working tirelessly to uplift.
As preparations continue for Wednesday’s Lagos State House of Assembly elections, Mayor Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, PhD, has assured residents that adequate security arrangements are already in place to guarantee peaceful, free, and credible elections across Ifelodun LCDA. Security agencies have been fully mobilized, and anyone found attempting to disrupt the electoral process or incite violence will face the full weight of the law.
The Executive Chairman once again reassures all residents, stakeholders, community leaders, and party faithful that peace will continue to reign in Ifelodun LCDA. He remains fully committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring that no individual or group is allowed to drag the council into chaos for selfish political ambition.
The people of Ifelodun are peace-loving, law-abiding, and politically mature. They must therefore remain vigilant, refuse to be used as instruments of violence, and continue to support all lawful efforts aimed at preserving peace, unity, and democratic order within the council area.
Signed:
Kamaldeen Iyanda Abdulsalam
Executive Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Executive Chairman
Ifelodun Local Council Development Area
Monday, 18th May 2026
