Former Governor of Lagos state, Alhaji Bola Tinubu yesterday displayed his ‘Kingmaker powers’ by pronouning his daughter, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo the new President General of market men and women in Lagos.
The ‘coronation’ took place during 7th day prayer held by leaders of Market Association in honor of late Abibatu Mogaji- the former Iyaloja of Nigeria-, at her Sunday Adigun residence in Ikeja,Lagos.
Tinubu who interrupted the prayer sessions to make the decree first told the market leaders that the house where Mogaji lived and died has been willed to the association.
Before the applause that followed could die down, he went on to say: “I also want to announce to you that the new Iyaloja of Lagos is Folashade Tinubu-ojo. We are in a new era. Besides, Mama was not older than her age when she became Iyaloja.” By this time Sade was on her feet dancing with the father, and handing her envelopes filled with cash to distribute to the Alfas.
The market leaders dispersed with mixed feelings as they meet on Tuesday to review Tinubu’s decision.
Meanwhile, The Lagos State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has warned former Governor, to rescind his decision to impose his young daughter, Shade Tinubu-Ojo, as the new leader of the state’s marketwomen.
In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary Taofik Gani, the Lagos PDP said :
“the much-touted democrat should allow the simple tenets of democracy to prevail in the selection of a new leader for the market women, more so as there is no cogent evidence that his nominee and daughter is a full-time market woman.”
“This new development portends great danger for our democracy and indeed Lagos’ integrity. We are thus calling on the State Governor, Raji Fashola, not to sit on the fence at this auspicious time.
“Fashola must rise up and be counted now. He must exhibit control in governance especially when Tinubu’s interest conflicts with the public interest. He must see to it that the process leading to the emergence of market leader and any other leadership in the state is transparent, liberal and credible.
“Politics must not be overplayed to erode human decency and respect for due process. Any act that would break down the assumed peace in the state must indeed be avoided,” concluded the statement.
It would be recalled that Tinubu’s wife, Oluremi is currently a Senator in Lagos and her sister is a member of Lagos Assembly. The husband of Sade who has just been installed Iyaloja is a member of the House of Reps.
Apparently, politics in Lagos is now family business.
Eko ti oni baje o!
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