Barrister Omodele Ibrahim, Epe Ogunmodede Club President.
By Babatunde Kaka
EDITOR’S PICK:
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Epe Ogunmodede Club has appealed on both the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Mudashiru Obasa and the Chairman Lagos State House of Assembly Commission, High Chief Wale Mogaji to sheath their swords and explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to resolve their rancour.
The President Epe Ogunmodede Club, Barrister Omodele Ibrahim made this call in an interview with EKO HOT BLOG.
Bar Ibrahim, who gave the interview at his residence, noted that Epe Ogunmodede as a club places a premium on the welfare of its members, and that the best option to resolve the unfortunate incident was through the exploration of political channels.
He said, “Oloye Wale Mogaji is an invaluable member of our club, he is one of the bright, shining armours of our community and we are very proud of him.
“One thing that I can say is that he can not be found wanting, that is the character and competence of Oloye Wale Mogaji, that I have witnessed over the years.”
Bar Ibrahim pointed out that the scenarios that led to the House of Assembly Chairman’s sack were unfortunate, and that the prestigious club under his leadership has initiated a back channel communication with those in government to appeal to the conscience of the Honourable Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly for reconsideration.
“What are the facts? Whatever the nature of the matter that has created the animosity, one thing is fundamental, no matter the constitutional position anybody occupies, no matter what powers are vested in such office, there’s nothing like absolute power.
“Those powers would be subjected to implied conditions – It must be exercised reasonably, judiciously and must ensure that the principles of fair hearing are maintained,” he said.
Barrister Omodele Ibrahim who is also the Alakoso of Epe Kingdom stated that he is yet to have any evidence to show that High Chief Wale Mogaji was made to answer any form of query let alone a voice vote over the perceived issue.
He said any practice contrary to the fundamental principle of service to the people by political office holders is condemnable.
“We have taken several steps and notable among them is the involvement of the Prime Minister of our community, Alhaji Akanni Adio Oduola to please call the Speaker to seek an appointment with him.
“The second step, as we do not believe litigation would suffice in every issue, is the expedition of political solutions by talking to those in high places of the Lagos state government.
“It is still a matter that I believe can be resolved and I’m quite aware that some of our sacred traditional institutions like the “Mogaji N Geri” have attempted to reach out to the speaker because we need to understand what is happening, why it happened and why we should be able to resolve it.
“Our principle in Epe Ogunmodede Club remains that an injury to one is an injury to all,” he said.
Barrister Omodele Ibrahim cautioned that all forms of perceived division must be put aside in the community.
He also said the case of High Chief Wale Mogaji, a shining star from Epe needs the support of all and sundry as such fate could befall anyone else.
“As a community, whatever division we exhibit is being explored to our disadvantage. So, we should be more united, put bickerings aside and act as one so that we can get the benefits of this democracy.
“We have quality people, we should project our first eleven, that is why the quality of Oloye Wale Mogaji should not be allowed to be desecrated and thrown aside, we should rally around him because it is him today, it might be another person tomorrow,” he said.
Bar Ibrahim Noted that all forms of rancorous issues must be amicably resolved to forge a formidable front in the coming general elections.
He also expressed concerns that the timing of the incident was critical, especially, with the presidential ambition of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu where it is expected that all hands must be on deck to support the APC candidate.
He, therefore, pleaded with the Speaker to soft pedal.
“We should not inflame matters, we should have the ability of conflict resolution of which litigation becomes a last resort. Equity came in to mitigate the harshness of the law and that is why it looks to the conscience rather than the written document.
FURTHER READING:
“I am using this opportunity to appeal to the Right Honourable Speaker, Obasa, let us discuss it. Honour our community, we have institutions of which the Prime Minister position formerly held by Late Chief SL Edu of our community is one.
“Don’t put him (Chief Akanni Adio Oduola) aside, the respect you give to the Mogaji Ngeri is equivalent to the speaker, it’s the office, not the person. That’s important and that’s why the accommodation should be allowed to exist,” he said.
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