Abdulkareem Shittu Joins Ikorodu Political Leaders at New Year Celebration

By Gbenga Agunbiade, Lagos

Leaders of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) in Ikorodu, on Thursday, January 1st, ushered in the New Year with colourful celebrations held across their various domains, blending funfair, glamour and political camaraderie in events that attracted wide attention across the Ikorodu Federal Constituency.

Though celebratory in outlook, the gatherings also served as major political convergence points, drawing party leaders, elders and stakeholders from across the division. Among the notable figures whose presence attracted visible interest was Honourable Abdulkareem Olugbenga Shittu, whose attendance across several venues drew warm reception and heightened attention.

Widely regarded as a philanthropist and a face of hope to a broad segment of the Ikorodu populace, Hon. Shittu was ushered into the various venues with marked courtesy and recognition. Observers noted that his arrival was consistently met with enthusiasm, reflecting the growing goodwill he continues to enjoy among party faithful and community leaders.

At one of the gatherings, partygoers paid particular attention as Hon. Shittu was warmly received by *Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ikorodu Constituency I.

The reception was described by many present as deliberate and symbolic. The warmth was not limited to the point of arrival; when Hon. Shittu later took his leave, he again did so in the company of  Hon. Ogunleye, an act of hospitality that stood out and became the subject of quiet political conversations among attendees.

The New Year events also drew several prominent political leaders within Ikorodu, cutting across domains associated with His Excellency Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun, and the political structure of Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe.

Also present were the APC Party Chairman, Hon. Jimoh Tijani (TJ); the APC leader in Igbogbo Bayeiku, Hon. Taiwo Orenuga; the party chairman for Ikorodu Central, Hon. Waheed Animashaun; the party chairman for Ikorodu West, Hon. Lawson; the divisional general secretary, Hon. Ayanbadejo; as well as the Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon. Sunday Benson.

Their presence reinforced the significance of the gatherings beyond mere social celebrations, lending unmistakable political weight to the occasions.

Further intrigue was added during Hon. Shittu’s visit to Igbogbo, where he attended the New Year gathering hosted by Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun, the GAC Leader in the area. Hon. Shittu was received in Asiwaju Bashorun’s office, where both leaders were said to have held fruitful discussions. At the event, APC party faithful welcomed Hon. Shittu with high honours, a reception that further underscored his standing within the party structure.

In what many described as a coincidence laden with symbolism, as the Ikorodu Federal Representative, Hon. Babajimi Benson, was taking his leave from the venue, Hon. Abdulkareem Olugbenga Shittu was arriving almost simultaneously. The moment, keenly observed by attendees, was interpreted by many as a hopeful signal and a positive development for Ikorodu, particularly as both APC leaders are widely regarded as worthy ambassadors of the constituency.

While no formal political declarations were made and the atmosphere across the venues remained celebratory, the carefully noted gestures, meetings and movements have continued to fuel interpretation among political watchers. In Ikorodu’s political environment, where symbolism often precedes strategy, such moments are rarely ignored.

As the New Year celebrations gradually wind down, many within the constituency are left reading between the lines, reflecting on renewed hope and the possibilities that may lie ahead for the good people of Ikorodu, inspired by the presence and interactions of leaders widely seen as committed to its progress.