By Gbenga Oke
THE hot weather last Friday was not enough to deter the thousands of party supporters who thronged the Onikan Stadium, Lagos to hear Akinwumi Ambode’s formal declaration for the office of governor of Lagos State.
Indeed, all roads linking the stadium were practically shut down on account of the heavy flow of traffic. They came from all parts and strata of the state to hear Ambode.
Ambode, the immediate past auditor-general of the state, who resigned his position in 2012 had in the course of his eventful career crisscrossed most of the local government areas of the state and it was no surprise that his support came from far and near.
Ambode:
Many of the chairmen of the just dissolved local government councils were on hand just as notable traditional rulers from the five divisions of Lagos State, Muslim and Christian clerics, friends and associates, and party supporters from 20 local governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The paramount traditional ruler in the state, Oba Akiolu of Lagos was absent, but the aura of his absence was more than filled by the royal dignity showcased by his three wives Olori Fadeke, Olori Titilola and Olori Olanike.
No fewer than 60 traditional rulers and Chiefs were at the venue. They included Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja of Noforija Epe, the Alagege of Orile-Agege, Oba Ambaliu Agbedeyi, the Onitire of Itire, Oba Lateef Dauda, the Onitedo of Itedo, Oba Tajudeen Elemoro, the Olu of Ojokoro, Oba Oluwalambe Taiwo, Oba Ayinde Balogun of Isheri, the Onibeju of Ibeju, Oba Rafiu Saliu; the Olorogun Ado of Lagos, Chief Waheed Yesufu, Chief Lateef Ajose, Chief Muideen Shobalu; Chief Tunde Temionu, and former Chairman of Kosofe Council, Hon. Tunde Braimoh who was the master of ceremony.
The atmosphere: The atmosphere within and outside the stadium was tensed as security agents had difficulty controlling the crowd that started trooping into the stadium as early as 7am Friday morning.
The private security guards sweated profusely as they struggled to control the crowd that relentlessly kept surging for advantage positions in the stadium.
By 9 a.m, the entire stadium was already filled up with party supporters wearing various T shirts in support of Ambode. Various inscriptions on T shirts read, “AMBO 2015: Committed to Excellence; Akinwumi Ambode: Strong Leadership and vision; Ambode: The man for the job”.
From the gate of Onikan stadium, brooms took over everywhere as supporters kept waving their brooms in support the man many considered to be the next governor of the state.
Entertainment was not missing at the declaration ceremony as Fuji star, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and rappers, M.I Abaga and Olamide were on hand to thrill guests at the event and as well show support for the former Lagos State government bureaucrat.
Also present were top Yoruba actors like Babatunde Omidina popularly called Baba Suwe.
Political chieftains
Notable political chieftains at the declaration included Pa Abiodun Sunmola; Pa Alabi Macfoy, Chairman of Conference 57, Hon. Akeem Sulaimon, House of Representatives members- Alhaji Yakubu Balogun, Dr. Samuel Adejare, Hon. Toyin Suarau, Hon. Morouf Akinderu-Fatai, and Hon. James Faleke.
Also present were former Agriculture Commissioner, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya; Hon. Paul Kalejaye, former members of the House of Assembly Hon. Obafemi Durosimi, Babatunde Ogala; Hon. Bolaji Ariyoh; Chief Adeola Oyedele, Primate Dare Akindele and Mr. Rotimi Martins.
Others were Mrs. Teju Phillips; Hon. Segun Adetola; Dr. Fola Fosudo, and a retired Permanent Secretary, Dr. Femi Onanuga.
The representatives of the Muslim Community were led by Imam Olubodun Gbajabiamila, who stood for the Chief Imam of Lagos, Imam Garuba Akinola. Other dignitaries include the three wives of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.
Ambode’s triumphant entry
•Ambode: Pledges to take Lagos to new heights
At exactly 11.37am, Ambode arrived in the company of his wife throwing the thousands of supporters into a frenzy.
Dressed in white Agbada with a blue cap to match, he waved the broom that is the signature sign of the APC to the jubilant crowd who responded with dancing and singing on his arrival. He was then led to the podium by Pa Summola and presented to the people by Hon. Oris, who reiterated the support of the 57 council chairmen for his ambition. Giving the reason for his aspiration, Ambode said “I am resolved to offer you genuine leadership that will be accountable with all the principles of good governance, a government of inclusion that will not leave any race or gender behind”.
Ambode’s programme for Lagos
In his speech titled ”Continuing the Progress, Securing the Future”, the Epe born politician said having witnessed 15 years of growth and development under Asiwaju Tinubu and Governor Fashola, Lagos State deserved a governor that would build on their achievements.
His words, “The presence of thousands of supporters today is an attestation of the state-wide consultations that we commenced since last year. The acceptance and popularity of my candidacy, the great turn out and the fantastic support we have received from every corner of the State and beyond, from all sectors and various religious persuasions confirm that this is a divine moment in the history of Lagos State”. It could well be if his vision for Lagos are crystallised.
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