By Ghazali Ibrahim
Now that the dust has settled on the just-concluded local government elections in Ikorodu Division, the energy and excitement that coloured the campaign season have given way to a more pressing reality which is governance.
In a heartfelt public letter titled “Ikorodu Five: Not Yet Uhuru,” respected civic voice and commentator, Hamzat Jimoh popularly known as Ohun Ikorodu has issued a timely wake-up call to the newly elected chairmen of the five local councils: Ijede, Igbogbo/Baiyeku, Imota, Ikorodu West, and Ikorodu North.
Jimoh, while congratulating the winners, reminded them that their electoral victories are only the beginning of the journey.
“You have entered a social contract with the people of Ikorodu Division,” he wrote.
“The onus is on you to deliver.”
Looking back at the vibrant campaign season, Jimoh referenced moments that made headlines and stirred public interest from rallies filled with music and dance, to the symbolic support of Fuji legend K1 De Ultimate, who famously endorsed some of the candidates with glowing praise.
It was a season of high spirits and spectacle, but as Jimoh aptly puts it, “Now that the campaigns and elections are concluded, it is time to get busy.”
In his open letter, he offered thoughtful guidance for the new chairmen, urging them to start with a sincere assessment of the real needs in their communities.
From the youth to the elderly, women to the underserved, Jimoh emphasized that understanding the pulse of the people is key to meaningful leadership.
He also called for smarter collaboration, particularly with Ikorodu’s many influential figures and corporate bodies.
In the past, such relationships have often gone untapped or misused.
It’s time, he said, for a more strategic and value-driven approach to partnerships that can actually bring development home.
Importantly, Jimoh didn’t shy away from the touchy subject of political appointments.
While acknowledging that the party platform may have paved the way to office, he stressed that leadership must now rise above politics. Competence, not loyalty, should drive performance.
“Treat your administration like a corporate institution,” he advised, warning against repeating cycles of inefficiency.
Another key point he raised was delegation. Chairmen, he argued, cannot and should not try to do everything themselves.
“Your deputies are not your rivals; they are your strong arms,” he wrote, encouraging leaders to give their deputies room to lead and contribute meaningfully to governance.
Lastly, Jimoh highlighted the importance of feedback. Engaging citizens regularly not just during elections.
“Feedback is not just a tool for accountability but a means of gaining insight into your performance and areas of improvement,” he noted.
