By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Sewedo Samuel and Olusegun Onilude, Olamilekan Quadri and Sesi Whingan |
BADAGRY, LAGOS – The political landscape of Badagry has been set ablaze following a fierce digital exchange between two prominent figures: Dr. Sewedo Samuel, Chief of Staff to the former Badagry Local Government Chairman, Hon. Olusegun Onilude, and Mr. Olamilekan Quadri, Media Aide to the current House of Representatives member, Hon. Sesi Whingan.
The clash, which played out on social media, has sparked intense debate among residents and political stakeholders across the Badagry Federal Constituency. The confrontation began when Mr. Quadri openly accused Dr. Samuel of fueling disunity and attempting to undermine the current crop of leaders to maintain his own political relevance.
The Accusation: “Sewedo Samuel Fuels Disunity”
Mr. Olamilekan Quadri did not mince words in his initial "call-out," alleging that Dr. Samuel thrives on promoting negativity. According to Quadri, Dr. Samuel is "irritated" by the growing strategic alliances between leaders like Hon. Sesi Whingan, Hon. Bonu Solomon, and Hon. Ibrahim Layode.
"Sewedo Samuel thrives on promoting negativity. He understands that a divided Badagry keeps people like him politically relevant," Quadri stated. "He appears uncomfortable that a new crop of leaders is beginning to work together for the collective growth of Badagry. He fears that such progress will erase the political footprints of Mr. Onilude."
Dr. Sewedo Samuel’s Response: “Awa Lokan”
Refusing to be silenced, Dr. Sewedo Samuel issued a robust rebuttal on his Facebook wall, detailing his long history of service and grassroots involvement in Badagry long before his foray into mainstream politics. He dismissed the notion that his relevance was a mere wish, citing his academic achievements and early entrepreneurial ventures.
"Badagry Gen Zs should understand I didn’t remain relevant by just wishing to be relevant," Dr. Samuel wrote. "I have been working hard and I am still working hard... I and my brother floated our lifestyle magazine while we were University undergraduates. We organized shows in Badagry and ran club nights when it was still alien to Badagrians."
Challenging the Status Quo
Dr. Samuel’s defense also touched on his activism, recalling his role in the "Walk for Light" and his participation in drafting communiqués for Badagry youth during state government engagements. He insisted that his critique of current officeholders is based on equity and justice, specifically pointing toward the 2027 power shift.
"I am from Badagry Constituency one and strongly believe it is our turn to represent Badagry Federation at the National Assembly," Dr. Samuel declared, using the popular political slogan, "Awa Lokan" (It is our turn).
Governance vs. Representation
A significant portion of the heated debate centered on the understanding of governance. Mr. Quadri criticized Dr. Samuel’s grasp of how projects are executed, reminding him that while legislators like Hon. Sesi Whingan facilitate budget inclusion, the executive arm handles the release of funds.
"Your repeated misrepresentation of this basic governance structure raises serious questions about the depth of your understanding,"* Quadri argued, noting that history would remember those who "fanned the flames of hatred."
The Question of Influence
In his counter-argument, Dr. Samuel questioned why his opinions seemed to cause such a stir if he were as irrelevant as his critics claimed. He defended his right to challenge the status quo, regardless of past political associations.
"Am I that important in Badagry politics that I can cause war among the major actors?"* Dr. Samuel asked rhetorically. "Has Hon. Sesi visited houses of everybody that gave him his job through vote? I sincerely respect Hon. Sesi Whingan, but awa lokan."
Defending the Onilude Legacy
The exchange also brought the eight-year tenure of former Chairman Hon. Segun Onilude into the spotlight. While Quadri suggested that Onilude's administration is under "serious scrutiny" compared to current performances, Samuel stood by his track record of solidarity and professional growth, including his PhD and Master’s degrees.
A Call for Development
As the conversation continues to trend across Ogu-speaking communities and beyond, many observers are calling for a truce. The consensus among neutral stakeholders is that while healthy political debate is necessary, both parties should channel their energy toward the actual development of the ancient town.