Tension simmered in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency recently on theTuesday after a widely publicised engagement planned for the constituency’s representative at the House of Representatives (MHR) and the youth community ended without the expected dialogue, as the lawmaker was reportedly absent from the Youth Assembly convened for the interaction.
The meeting, organised by the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Youth Council and described in advance as an interactive session, was attended by scores of youths who arrived with prepared questions and expectations of open engagement. However, the anticipated exchange failed to occur, leaving participants disappointed and frustrated.
An active member of the Youth Council, who openly expressed his displeasure, criticised the lawmaker’s failure to honour the assembly.
“The Honourable member did not have time for the Youth Assembly, but he had time to attend a party and dance comfortably,” some youths said. “He should have respected the institution of the Youth Council.”
A youth activist, identified as Comrade Omoalhaja, added in a charged remark partly delivered in pidgin:
“Na gentleman go say ‘I come in peace’, but me, I no come in peace with this matter at all.”
His comments, however, sparked internal tension within the youth body. Reacting strongly, the President of the Youth Council clarified that the issue is not about limited personal access to the lawmaker.
“One-on-one engagement with the MHR is a dialogue between the youths of Ajeromi-Ifelodun and their representative, not a private conversation, the youth leader said.”
He further warned against inflammatory conduct and subsequently removed the outspoken member from the platform, citing the need to maintain order.
Despite the internal disagreement, a majority of the council members maintained a united position against the proposal of “one-on-one” discussions, which they described as unacceptable and contrary to the principle of collective representation.
“There is nothing like one-on-one dialogue with a constituency representative,” one youth told the gathering. “Representation is collective, not private. The youths of Ajegunle prepared questions for the Honourable member, not whispers.”
Several participants argued that if the lawmaker had no fear of public scrutiny and truly valued the youth constituency, he should have appeared before the full assembly, where diverse views, supportive and critical, could be expressed openly.
“He represents us, not himself,” another group of youths stated, insisting that elected officials owe their constituents periodic, public accountability.
A section of the youth body also distanced itself from executive-only discussions, stressing that no individual or committee has the authority to speak on behalf of Ajegunle youths without a clear, general mandate.
The situation took a more controversial turn later in the day when the lawmaker was reportedly sighted at a social event, in high spirits and on the dance floor, an image that quickly circulated and became a major talking point within the community.
“He had no time for the Youth Council but had time to dance,” a youth activist remarked sarcastically. “Ha ba.”
While some stakeholders urged calm and cautioned against escalating tensions, others defended the youths’ right to express dissatisfaction, noting that disagreement does not amount to disloyalty.
“This is a Youth Council, not a choir,” one member observed. “Different opinions must coexist if we are to build a strong and credible youth institution.”
Another activist, who said he arrived at the venue despite later debates over attendance, dismissed arguments about presence or absence as beside the point.
“When the person you came to see is not there, politics has already happened,” he said.
The episode has renewed calls for transparency, structured engagement, and mutual respect between the constituency’s representative and recognised youth institutions in Ajeromi-Ifelodun. Residents and youth leaders alike now await whether the lawmaker will respond to demands for an open, all-inclusive town-hall meeting.
For now, the questions remain prepared—unanswered, and waiting.
