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By Lukman Olabiyi
The leadership and residents of the Unilag Magodo Residents Association (UMRA) has petitioned Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, over alleged interference by the chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Samiat Bada, in the estate’s electoral process.
During a press conference held in the estate, the chairman of UMRA, Oluwole Sowole, condemned a meeting convened by Bada on March 1, 2025.
Sowole described the gathering as unconstitutional and illegal, noting that it violated the UMRA Estate Constitution, which mandates the estate’s monthly general meeting be held on the last Saturday of each month.
Sowole pointed out that the UMRA’s February general meeting had already taken place, making the unsanctioned gathering an act of unwarranted interference.
He further expressed concern over Bada’s biased involvement in the estate’s electoral process, stating that she had undermined the democratic will of the residents.
According to Sowole, Bada had assumed the role of a mediator despite her mediation being formally rejected by one of the parties involved. She then declared the results of the November 30, 2024 election, which was conducted in accordance with the UMRA Constitution, to be “null and void.”
Sowole criticized her for making such an erroneous statement, claiming it disregarded the majority of residents’ wishes, as the meeting was attended by only a small fraction of the estate’s population.
In what Sowole described as an attempt to overstep her authority, Bada allegedly handpicked five individuals, many of whom had signed a petition against the election results to serve as interim officers and oversee another election scheduled for March 2025.
Sowole also highlighted a contradiction in Mrs. Bada’s position, noting that she had previously stated that estate elections could only be conducted in August of any term, without any legal basis or official approval. He criticized her shifting stance and disregard for due process.
In response to the leadership dispute, Bada defended her actions, stating that the election held on November 30, 2024, was invalid because it occurred outside the designated election period, which, according to her, is set for August each year as approved by the Governor. She further claimed that the council was unaware of the irregularities until the situation escalated, and insisted that it could not endorse an election that violated the council’s established rules. Bada also denied endorsing any representation as the election had fallen outside the CDA election policy.
