The leadership vacuum in Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, following the death of its chairman, has been filled.
On Thursday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu swore in the council’s Vice Chairman, Hon. Oladipupo Oluwoloni, as the substantive chairman.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Alausa.
The late chairman, Mrs. Bola Shobowale, passed away about two weeks ago after a prolonged illness.
Sanwo-Olu, paying tribute to Shobowale’s leadership, described her as “a woman of substance who served the people diligently” and remained committed to the council’s development until her death.
The Governor emphasised that Oluwoloni’s appointment was necessary to ensure governance continuity, urging him to sustain the reforms initiated by his late predecessor.
“Today, we are witnessing the swearing-in of Hon. Oladipupo Oluwoloni as the new chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA. This occasion is to fulfil the constitutional responsibility of ensuring that no vacuum is created following the demise of the former chairman, Mrs. Bola Shobowale,” Sanwo-Olu said. “This statutory fulfillment will ensure governance continuity in the LCDA.”
He further highlighted that Oluwoloni’s appointment reflected the confidence placed in him by both political leaders and residents of the council.
“The new chairman is no stranger to the council. His appointment is a testament to the confidence that the Government and people of the council have in his ability to lead. As he assumes this important responsibility, I urge him to govern with fairness, transparency, and a deep sense of service to the people,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the council leadership to deliver on governance promises, noting that local governments remain the closest tier to the people.
“I charge the new chairman to focus on initiatives that will enhance grassroots development, improve service delivery, and uplift the standard of living of residents. Foster cooperation and relationships with various grassroots stakeholders, including political leaders and traditional rulers. I trust that under this new leadership, the LCDA will witness accelerated progress and transformation,” the Governor stated.
In his acceptance speech, Oluwoloni, who took the oath alongside his wife, pledged to build on the legacy of his predecessor. He assured that his administration would prioritise infrastructural renewal to drive socio-economic growth in the council.
