Former Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofi Elegushi, has slammed Lagos House of Assembly member representing Eti-Osa I constituency, Noheem Adams, over his remarks against His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III and the entire Elegushi family in the aftermath of the just concluded House of Assembly primary election of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Eti-Osa local government.
In a statement signed by him, Anofiu noted that in spite of the support and encouragement Oba Elegushi had given to Adams and other public office holders over the years, his verbal attacks in a video against the monarch showed lack of respect and appreciation for the traditional ruler’s fatherly roles.
The statement reads: ““Following the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Eti-Osa Constituency I involving Hon. Saheed Bankole, the immediate past Chairman of Eti-Osa Local Government and Hon. Noheem Babatunde Adams, the incumbent Honourable Member representing Eti-Osa I constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, various reactions and grievances emerged, as is common in political contests.
I watched with shock, disappointment, and deep concern the public comments made by Hon. Noheem Adams against His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, and by extension, the entire Elegushi family. Initially,
I struggled to believe the authenticity of the video in circulation because such remarks were difficult to reconcile with the history of support, relationship, and goodwill that existed.”
The former commissioner further noted that aside from Noheem Adams, Oba Elegushi had always supported and encouraged individuals over the years as a sign of commitment to humanity, community development, and the advancement of political structure within the community..
It added: “I can confidently state that I witnessed significant aspects of Hon. Noheem’s political journey from its early stages.
I remember clearly when discussions first began regarding his ambition for the House of Assembly position. Those were periods of delicate political considerations, consultations, and difficult decisions within Eti-Osa. Many stakeholders made sacrifices and stood behind him despite competing interests and differing political alignments.
Ironically, among those who stood firmly in his corner was the same Kabiyesi who is today being unfairly criticized. At a time when many competing interests existed, support was extended based on conviction and a desire to preserve unity,” the statement added.
“It is therefore unfair to attempt to place responsibility for broader electoral outcomes, including the 2023 presidential election, on a single individual.
The political realities of that election are already well documented. The circumstances and voting patterns witnessed across Lagos and other parts of the country reflected broader dynamics that went far beyond any one personality or stakeholder.
It is also important to put facts on record. The polling unit associated with Oba Elegushi was not lost during the presidential election.
I personally voted there, and our party recorded victory at that polling unit. Facts should always prevail over emotion and speculation.
Equally important is acknowledging that every election outcome results from collective effort and collective responsibility.
Campaigning, mobilization, grassroots engagement, and electoral coordination are responsibilities shared by all stakeholders, elected officials, party members, and supporters. Successes and challenges alike should be collectively owned.
I must also respectfully state that some of the tensions we are witnessing today reflect broader shortcomings in stakeholder engagement and reconciliation processes within the party structure in Eti-Osa Consultation remains critical in politics.
Political leaders must always ensure that differing interests are carefully managed and that no stakeholder feels excluded from decisions affecting the future of our party.
The Elegushi family has remained committed over the years to the growth of Eti-Osa and the progress of countless individuals.
This commitment predates current political realities and extends back to the reign and contributions of the late Oba Yekini Elegushi. Through different administrations and political seasons, support has been extended to many without expectation of repayment.
For this reason, recent remarks directed at Kabiyesi and the family are painful and unfortunate. Respect for leadership and gratitude for support received are values that should never be sacrificed at the altar of temporary political disagreements.
This is not a statement made out of bitterness or personal interest. After leaving the Etiosa Chairmanship office , I have deliberately chosen peace over political contests and have consistently encouraged the growth of others. My concern has always been the stability and future strength of our political structure.
Politics should never become a platform for destroying relationships built over years of trust and support. Political offices come and go; relationships, respect, and character endure far longer.
I therefore urge Hon. Noheem Adams to reflect carefully on recent events and the statements made publicly.
Strong emotions often accompany political disappointments, but maturity requires restraint. Public attacks against individuals who once stood firmly by you neither strengthen one’s position nor serve the larger interests of our party.
The Elegushi family deserves respect and fairness. They have given much to Eti-Osa Local Government and to many individuals who today occupy various positions of relevance and influence. In that regard I demand that you make a public apology to his Royal Majesty and the entire Elegushi family
As we move forward, I encourage all stakeholders to focus on unity, and preserving the values that have sustained our political structure over the years.
History will always remember not only what we achieved politically, but also how we treated those who stood with us along the journey.
