Our attention has been drawn to a misleading publication circulating online alleging that former Minister and Distinguished Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe has endorsed Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye for a second term to represent Ikorodu Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly. To set the record straight: Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye’s recent visit was a courtesy call and consultation regarding his political aspirations, not an endorsement as falsely reported. We categorically state the following for public clarity:
1. No authority to endorse. Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe is a respected political leader and member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) from Ikorodu Constituency. By party structure, established convention, and democratic practice, he as an individual does not have the authority to impose or officially endorse any aspirant from Ikorodu Constituency I. Dragging his name into Constituency I’s affairs is deceptive, misleading, and appears to be a deliberate attempt to confuse party members and the public.
2. Performance should speak for itself. If Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye had delivered impactful representation and effective leadership during his first term, his re-election bid would naturally attract widespread grassroots support. Genuine performance does not require manufactured endorsements or sponsored media narratives.
3. No endorsement was given. We have confirmed directly with Senator Ogunlewe that he never endorsed Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye for a second term. Those behind this falsehood should desist from invoking the name of this elder statesman for personal political gain. Senator Ogunlewe further emphasized that under the Electoral Act and the democratic principles of our party, no individual leader has the constitutional power to endorse or impose a candidate. Candidates emerge either through consensus agreed upon by stakeholders or through direct primaries conducted by party members.
In Conclusion: “No leader can impose or endorse any aspirant. My advice to all aspirants is to go to the grassroots, campaign across all wards, and present themselves to party members who will ultimately decide.” The people of Ikorodu cannot be swayed by cheap propaganda or fabricated endorsements. They deserve honesty, accountability, transparency, and credible representation, not recycled falsehoods and media theatrics. We therefore urge party faithful and the general public across Ikorodu Division to disregard the publication in its entirety. It does not reflect Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe’s position. A lie may travel fast, but the truth will always prevail.
Signed, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe GAC Member
