By Akonasu Gbedozin The Chairman of Lagos State’s powerful Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi, has raised the alarm ...
By Akonasu Gbedozin
Speaking during an interview on Tuesday according to Lagos Reporters, the respected elder statesman didn’t mince words. He called out the practice as “alarming,” warning that Nigeria’s politics is veering dangerously toward hereditary succession, where public office is handed down like a family heirloom.
“This is part of the problem we’re all ignoring,” Olusi said. “My father didn’t bring me into politics. In our time, you entered public service based on personal conviction or your contributions to society—not because your parents were politicians.”
According to Olusi, at least three prominent figures are currently positioning their sons to contest chairmanship seats on Lagos Island. Among them, he named former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and former Vice Chairman of the Lagos Island Local Government, Yemisi Coker.
He noted how rare this was in earlier years. “During the early days of the Fourth Republic, this wasn’t the norm. In fact, we were the ones who encouraged Awolowo’s son, Oluwole, to run as a councillor—but even then, his father declined,” he recalled.
Olusi blamed the shift on a widespread perception that politics is now a fast track to wealth. “Today, everyone wants their child to become an Honourable or Chairman because they see politics as a money-making venture. That’s the core of what’s gone wrong.”
He traced the roots of the problem to the Babangida era, arguing that military rule handed over power to people who were more interested in personal gain than public service.
The GAC chairman also criticized the growing influence of money in grassroots politics. “It’s now common to see aspirants offering money for endorsements—even when they’ve never held a leadership role in their community,” he said. “If you truly want to serve, your track record should speak—from school days to community life.”
He ended with a call to the media and the public to push back against this trend. “The media must shed light on this issue. We all need to understand how political dynasties are gradually eroding the credibility of grassroots governance.”
Culled from Lagos Reporters
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