In an unusual show of solidarity and sportmanship, stakeholders and leaders that matter in Ifako Ijaiye gathered to embrace, support, endorse and present *Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat* as the All Progressive Congress Chairmanship candidate in the forthcoming 2021 Local Government Election.
The gathering which was in a canival-like mood with several leaders and thousands of supporters spoke in one voice and endorsed the current and outgoing Vice Chairman of the Local Government in person of Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat.
Speaking at the program, *Hon Dayo Saka Fafunmi*, a three term former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and convener of the event said he is a party man and will always go where the party goes. UAH is a man of choice to the party and he together with his supporters spread across the local government is using this medium to formally endorsed Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat as the next Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye LG. Ifako enjoy peace, let the peace continue. Ifako Ijaiye need development, UAH can bring it. He therefore enjoyed members and other leaders present to go out to vote for his candidacy on Saturday 29 May, 2021 overwhelmingly; and likewise do so in the General Election.
In the same vein, *Hon Temitope Adewale*, the sitting member of the Lagos State House of Assembly not only concurred the endorsement but also said it is the youths moment, and Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat is a youth who he is supporting with all his might and strength. He further stated that his emergence as Ifako Ijaiye LG Chairman will help to bring development and also ease the burden on him, while asking all party members present to go out and vote massively for Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat in the APC primary on Saturday and the general election. He equally thanked the convener of the program (*Hon Dayo Saka Fafunmi*) for not only sacrificing his ambition for the good of Ifako Ijaiye LG but also for being a leader with a difference.
Madam Kofolodu Ajayi sitting and current Women Leader (aka Iya West) was also in attendance and spoke in unison. In her words, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat is a good man and her son that deserves to be the next Executive Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye LG. He will do well, so let’s all vote for him as the flag bearer of our great party- the All Progressive Congress and in the general election. According to her, “we will vote, and he will win” to which all stakeholders and party members present answered in affirmative.
The former Executive Secretary of the LG, Hon Rotimi Adeleye was also present. He said he is a party man to the core and believe in party loyalty. “Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat is our party candidate, and I’m supporting him with all my followers, to this extent I formally withdraw my aspiration in endorsement of UAH”, he said.
Also in attendance is Hon Toyin Akerele, sitting and outgoing member of the Ifako Ijaiye LG cabinet who also double as an aspirant to the office of the Executive Council Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye. She equally endorsed the candidacy of Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat. In her words, on behalf of herself, family members and friends and members of her group, she is supporting the person of Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat as the next Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye LG. She further sang a Yoruba song: Oyi biri biri kan o, anu Oluwa yi kan o!
Mr Adewale Ajuwon who was also an aspirant in the race also toed the line of earlier speakers. In his words, on behalf of myself, father and supporters, I’m supporting the candidacy of Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat as our party flag bearer and next Executive Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye LG.
Some of other leaders in attendance in show of solidarity included: *Hon Lekan Jongbo who also double as Education Secretary of Ifako Ijaiye LG and Ojokoro, Hon Abiodun Akinola – the current Leader of Ifako Ijaiye Legislative Council, Hon Mrs Funke Adeleye, a former member of Ifako Ijaiye Legislative Council, Hon Wahab, a two term cabinet member of Ifako Ijaiye Executive Council*, among others. Other people present are party chieftains, members of DSF Think Thank, and thousands of party loyalists and supporters.
