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By Sunday Ani
Lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Stephen Ogundipe, has dismissed insinuations that Oshodi is always a hotbed of violence during elections, insisting that residents are peaceful and law-abiding citizens.
He emphasised that those who cause violence during elections in the area are often outsiders, stressing that “Our people are calm and focused on their daily activities. We must continue to protect the good image of Oshodi.”
He made the clarification yesterday during an inspection tour of four ongoing road projects in the area. He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the four roads, comprising Oluwasanmi, Baba Ode, Deji Adeoye and Alhaji Sokoya streets, being handled by Lagfield Construction Company Limited as part of the Lagos State Government’s efforts to improve connectivity and ease movement within the densely populated community.
The lawmaker, who described the project as a welcome development for the residents, thanked the Lagos State Governor and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly for facilitating the projects.
He noted that the initiative reflects responsiveness to the needs of the people, even as he urged residents to support the government and cooperate with contractors to ensure timely completion.
“Oshodi is a critical hub and gateway in Lagos. Projects like this will further enhance its status and improve the daily lives of our people,” he said.
He assured that more infrastructure projects would be extended to other parts of the constituency, including Mafoluku, Shogunle and Ewu, as part of a broader development plan.
The ongoing road works are expected to significantly improve drainage, reduce flooding and enhance accessibility across Oshodi upon completion.
Speaking during the inspection, the site engineer, Oketayo Olushoa, disclosed that the project was initially scheduled for completion within 15 months, but the contractor was working towards delivering it in less than nine months.
“We are about two months into the project and work is progressing steadily across the four sites. Significant portions of the drainage and road base have been completed on some streets, while work continues on others,” he said.
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He explained that the construction was being executed in phases to minimise disruption, noting that not all streets could be opened simultaneously. He added that Oluwasanmi Street has recorded notable progress, with drainage slab casting and excavation completed, while base construction was ongoing.
He further stated that drainage construction was progressing on Deji Adeoye and Alhaji Sokoya streets, while Baba Ode Street would be addressed subsequently as equipment remains concentrated on active sections.
He assured residents of quality delivery, noting that all materials and processes comply strictly with engineering specifications approved by the Lagos State Ministry of Works.
Also speaking, the Elewu of Ewuland, Oba Shakiru Adeshina Kuti, called for peace and unity in Oshodi/Isolo, warning that division within the community could hinder growth and development.
He made the call during a community engagement visit at his palace. The monarch stressed that Oshodi remains the collective home of its people and must not be undermined by internal conflicts.
“Oshodi/Isolo must not be destroyed; this is our base and we have nowhere else to go. It is our responsibility to take care of our home. There is nothing worth fighting over,” he said.
Oba Kuti emphasised the need for reconciliation among residents and political stakeholders, noting that disagreements were inevitable but must be resolved promptly.
“We must remain united. When disagreements occur, they should be settled quickly. Where there is no peace, there can be no development,” he added.
He also cautioned against the misuse of power, describing it as intoxicating, and urged leaders and residents to embrace contentment and collective progress.
Community stakeholders echoed similar concerns, decrying the ongoing political and social divisions and calling for renewed commitment to harmony.
A resident, who spoke during the engagement urged political officeholders and community leaders to put aside their differences, warning that leadership conflicts could trickle down to the grassroots.
On constituency development, the monarch commended elected representatives for facilitating infrastructure projects, particularly road construction, describing such efforts as complementary to their legislative duties.
Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Oshodi/Isolo/Ejigbo, Olukayode Tinubu, said the group was working to rebuild unity within the political landscape and mobilise grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He explained that the initiative aims to strengthen relationships among party members, promote inclusiveness and educate residents, especially youths, on governance and civic participation.
“We are engaging all segments of the community to spread the message of unity and love. Many young people do not fully understand governance, so we are bridging that gap,” he said.
He acknowledged internal divisions within the political structure, noting that such disunity affected voter turnout in the 2023 elections.
He added that continuous engagement through religious centres, social platforms and community networks would be intensified to encourage participation and foster cohesion.
