By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Setonji David and Mawutin Ofade |
BADAGRY, Lagos – A political firestorm has erupted in Badagry Constituency 2 following a scathing biblical rebuke from the camp of Honourable Setonji David, targeting critic Prince Samuel Mawutin Ofade. The spokesperson, Posu Davies, has unleashed a viral tirade, painting Ofade as a modern-day "Judas Iscariot" who has auctioned his loyalty for political "coins," igniting a fierce debate over integrity and governance ahead of the 2027 elections.
The controversy stems from a recent article by Prince Ofade titled “BADAGRY IS AWAKE—AYIKOHON (OJUTILA) PART 2,” which critiqued the performance of the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Setonji David, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA). Ofade’s piece called for urgent accountability, rejected what he termed "cheap propaganda" about a potential Speakership for David, and demanded tangible constituency projects and empowerment programs.
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In a response that has set social media ablaze with searches for "Badagry politics betrayal" and "Setonji David spokesperson," Posu Davies launched an extraordinary counterattack. Invoking the scripture of Matthew 26:14-16, Davies directly likened Ofade to Judas, accusing him of betraying his "own kinsman" for financial inducement. "Just because of 150 Thousand Naira, 50 Thousand Naira, you lost your integrity. That's too cheap!" Davies wrote, framing the critique as an act of "stomach governance" driven by bitterness over unmet personal expectations.
The spokesperson’s statement, rich in SEO keywords like "Lagos State House of Assembly," "Badagry Constituency 2," and "2027 elections," systematically dismantles Ofade’s arguments. Davies alleges that Ofade’s "sudden alignment" with other aspirants exposes a transactional agenda. "Your post reads like a transaction — thirty pieces of silver in modern form — where loyalty is auctioned and conscience rented," the statement charged, suggesting the critique was payment for gifts received from other politicians.
Davies specifically highlighted Ofade’s public thanksgiving for festive gifts from figures like Hon. Bonu S. Bonu of Badagry Constituency 1 and others as proof of contradiction. "You decry ‘self-serving politics,’ but in the same breath you roll out a thanksgiving list of rice bags and cash gifts," the spokesperson noted, arguing this proves Ofade’s voice is for sale to the highest bidder, not a principled stand for better governance.
On the substantive issue of performance and the Speakership discourse, Davies defended Hon. Setonji David’s record. While acknowledging that "longevity without performance may be meaningless," the spokesperson insisted that "experience with measurable impact is not." The statement urged the discerning electorate of Badagry to see through what it calls "betrayal dressed as activism," asserting that the people recognize the difference between genuine conviction and criticism "manufactured by entitlement."
The original critique by Prince Ofade, which sparked this furor, presented a detailed performance audit. He contrasted David’s tenure with first-term lawmakers like Hon. Abiodun Orekoya and Hon. Bonu S. Bonu, whom he praised for "impactful motions and transparency." Ofade dismissed the fourth-term bid and promised Speakership as a "deceitful game," urging voters to demand "real deliverables instead of lofty, uncertain titles."
Prince Ofade also revealed a personal grievance, alleging his removal from a ward leadership position due to "politics of bitterness" from the incumbent’s camp. His article concluded with a rallying cry "Ayikohun - Ojutila - Badagry is Awake" demanding a change toward "fresh leadership with vision and integrity in 2027."