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| Mawutin Ofade, Setonji David, Gbowe Gabriel |
Gboweh Gabriel, Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Badagry Local Government, has publicly given his opinion the critique leveled by Prince Samuel Mawutin Ofade against Badagry political Office holders. This signals a consolidation of grassroots discontent, focusing particularly on the performance of Engr. Setonji David, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), who is seeking a fourth term in office.
Gabriel’s support stems directly from Ofade’s viral analysis, which the youth coordinator describes as a reflection of the silent majority. “Yes, what Chief Ofade highlighted, some may view it from the perspective of self-aggrandizement. But I emphatically say it reflects the mind of some individuals who don’t have the platform,” Gabriel stated. He interpreted the analysis as a crucial warning for Engr. Setonji David to fundamentally reassess his approach to representation and constituency engagement if he hopes to secure his fourth-term bid successfully.
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The core of the grievance, as echoed by Gabriel, is a stark performance evaluation. While acknowledging some past empowerment initiatives and road projects like the link road from PIPE LAYE Mosque at Ajara Vetho to Ajara Agamathen, Gabriel presents a damning personal statistic: “Despite the recent empowerment initiatives, Engnr Setonji has empowered many young people in 35 years in service just that it's only Gboweh Gabriel is yet to be engaged.” This pointed remark underscores a perception of inequitable and insufficient opportunities for the youth demographic.
Beyond personal engagement, Gabriel channels the concrete demands of Badagry’s young population directly to their representative. He highlights two critical infrastructural and economic failures: the poor state of street lights from Badagry International Motor Park to AFOYONDE, and the absence of job-creating investments. “Why can't all the political leaders in Badagry use their good office to facilitate companies that can provide essential menial jobs?” he questioned, moving the discourse from empowerment handouts to sustainable economic development.
This local unrest aligns with Prince Samuel Mawutin Ofade’s earlier, more comprehensive indictment. Ofade had bluntly contrasted Setonji David’s tenure with the impactful first-term records of other legislators like Hon. Bonu S. Bonu, declaring “longevity in office means nothing without performance.” He also dismissed the promise of a LAHA Speakership for David as “false and cheap propaganda,” urging constituents to demand real projects instead of uncertain titles. Ofade’s rallying cry, “Ayikohun - Ojutila - Badagry is Awake,” now finds powerful resonance in Gabriel’s official youth council platform.
Despite the strong critique, Gbowe Gabriel extended an olive branch, acknowledging Setonji David’s potential. “I know you as a responsive and responsible leader, your people's interests is very paramount to you, and we eagerly anticipate more from you,” he concluded. This conditional support frames the moment as a final wake-up call. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the united front of concerned indigenes like Ofade and institutional youth leaders like Gabriel marks a pivotal shift. The message to Badagry’s political class is clear: the era of perceived complacency is over; the constituency now demands measurable development, equitable empowerment, and accountable leadership.