The importance of government at the grassroot cannot be over emphasized. Subsequently, a vibrant and effective local government system helps to ensure that a government of inclusiveness where everyone has a say is adopted. It is on this sole premise that the good people of Ifako Ijaiye elected Hon. Usman Akanbi Hamzat as their new Executive Chairman to help pilot the affairs of Ifako Ijaiye LGA to an enviable height. Hence, the passing of baton to him and his vice in a well attended swearing ceremony on the 27th of July, 2021. The inauguration of the councillors took place on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at the newly constructed council Secretariat, Idiagbon, College Road with full pump and pageantry.
The handing over ceremony between the old guard and the new guard was witnessed by APC bigwigs and well wishers alike. Among those that witnessed the occasion were; Hon. Adedeji Temitope Adewale, Lagos State House of Assembly Member representing Ifako Ijaiye constituency 01, Hon. Saka Fafunmi, former Lagos House of Assembly Member and Hon. Adebayo Savaldor, Chairman Whalf Landing.
Other highly placed personalities who graced the historic event were;
Mrs Kofo Ajayi, APC Lagos West Senatorial Women Leader, Barr. Adebobuyoi, Lagos State APC acting treasurer, Deac. Banjo Omole , FKJ LG Party Chairman, Alhaja Fetuga, FKJ APC Caretaker woman Leader, Comr. Olamibo ikuomola, FKJ APC caretaker Youth Leader, representatives of NYCN among others.
Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat used the occasion to inaugurate the 6th legislative council.
UAH in his proclamation said his action was in line with Lagos State Local Government Act that empowers council chairman to inaugurate their Legislative Arm the moment they are sworn in to ensure checks and balances in conformity with the doctrine of separation of powers.
The Legislative Arm which is the law-making body of the council comprises of seven councilors, each from the seven wards in Ifako Ijaiye LGA.
The chairman in his address charged the councillors to work in tandem with his *HEEDS* Agenda. He appealed to them to see their legislative power as an opportunity to serve and a tool to better their people’s lives.
After the proclamation by the chairman, the elected councillors took their oath of office. The oath was administered by the Legal Officer of the Council, Barr. Agunsoye Samuel
Thereafter, the clerk of the house, Alhaji Isiaka Okunu led the councillors to the legislative chamber where the councillor representing Ward F, Hon. Victor Onifade was unanimously elected as the Leader of the House.
Other principal officers elected are Deputy Leader, Hon. Mudasiru Jelili, Majority Leader, Hon. Rasaq Olaleye, Deputy Majority leader, Hon. Kayode Adebo, Chief Whip, Hon. Sharafadeen Kareem, while Hon. Oluwole Sholola and Hon. Adenekan Ibrahim were also in attendance
The very active and performing LG Caretaker Youth Leader, Comr. Ikuomola used the opportunity to congratulate the newly sworn in Executive Chairman, Hon. Usman Akanbi Hamzat, his Vice, Hon. Oluwatoyin Akerele and all the seven councillors on the successes they recorded at the poll.
“I also congratulate and specially commend the entire staff of the LASIEC for delivering a free, fair and credible election.
To the newly-elected Chairman, Vice Chairman and the councillors, the conclusion of the electoral process marks the beginning of real governance which has been activated with the handling over and inauguration today. It is now time for hard work and the fulfilment of all the promises made to the people. The people have, by their votes, discharged their responsibility. It is now your turn to discharge your part of the social contract you made with the people of your communities, wards and the entire local council area. Let me remind you that you are assuming the mantle of leadership at a time when our people expect so much and so you must not disappoint them. As you settle down to the business of governance, you must bear in mind that the participation of the people in governance does not end with elections. The people must be carried along and given the opportunity to have a say in implementations of government policies.
We must cherish and nurture the cosmopolitan nature of our local government because it is a key factor in our strength and prosperity”, he said.
“Finally”, he continued “I congratulate the outgoing Chairman, Apostle Toba Oke, Member House of Representatives, Hon.Owolabi, our performing and active House of Assembly Member, Hon. Adedeji Temitope Adewale, FKJ LG party Chairman, Deac. Banjo Omole, all our unique and amiable stakeholders, the State Chairman of our great party, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, the Party executives, leaders and all loyal members of our dear party, our youths at the local government and ward levels for the great job. Once again, I congratulate our newly sworn in Local Government Chairman and his Vice and wish you all a successful tenure.