MOSES OLAREWAJU IS THE RIGHT MAN FOR JOB DECLARED CHIEF OLAYINKA AKANNI IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ALAGA360.

ALAGA360 NEWS MEDIA EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

“Amuwo Odofin Needs Stronger Federal Representation and Better Alignment with Government at All Levels” — Chief Yinka Akanni

ALAGA360 NEWS MEDIA: Chief Yinka Akanni, thank you for speaking with us. As a committed progressive and respected stakeholder in Oriade LCDA, how would you describe the political situation in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency today?

1. CHIEF YINKA AKANNI: Thank you for having me. I believe Amuwo Odofin is at a critical point in its political development. Our people are hardworking, politically conscious, and deserving of effective representation that can translate government policies and opportunities into tangible benefits. We need a representative who understands that politics is about service and who can build the necessary bridges between the constituency and government at all levels.

ALAGA360 NEWS MEDIA: There is a growing call for the people of Amuwo Odofin to support Hon. Moses Olarewaju for the House of Representatives. What is your position on his candidacy?

CHIEF YINKA AKANNI: I strongly believe that Hon. Moses Olarewaju represents an opportunity for Amuwo Odofin to reposition itself politically. We need someone who can work constructively with the APC-led government and leverage those relationships for the benefit of our people. I believe Moses has the opportunity to provide a new direction and pursue a more proactive approach to federal representation.

ALAGA360 NEWS MEDIA: Your comments suggest that political alignment is important. Why is it necessary for Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency to align with the APC-led government at the Local Government, State, and Federal levels?

CHIEF YINKA AKANNI: Alignment is important because development requires collaboration. When our representative at the Federal level is politically and administratively able to work effectively with the Local Government, the Lagos State Government, and the Federal Government, there is greater room for synergy in attracting projects, interventions, empowerment programmes, infrastructure, and other opportunities.

We should not isolate ourselves politically from the government structures that control significant resources and programmes. Our priority should be to position Amuwo Odofin where we can negotiate, collaborate, and attract maximum benefits for our people.

ALAGA360 NEWS MEDIA: What is your assessment of the performance of the incumbent Federal Representative, Hon. George Akinwande Adegeye?

CHIEF YINKA AKANNI: In my personal assessment, the incumbent has not done enough to bring the much-needed succour and development that our people deserve. Many constituents are still asking questions about the impact of federal representation on their daily lives.

I believe one of the major challenges has been the lack of sufficient synergy and effective collaboration with the Federal Government. In politics, you must be able to build relationships and create partnerships that translate into results for your constituents. Unfortunately, in my view, Amuwo Odofin has not benefited as much as it should from the opportunities available at the Federal level.

This is not about personal attacks. It is about asking ourselves whether we are satisfied with the level of federal intervention and representation in our constituency. I believe the answer from many of our people is no.

ALAGA360 NEWS MEDIA: Some people argue that a representative can deliver regardless of political affiliation. Do you agree?

CHIEF YINKA AKANNI: Competence is essential, but political collaboration also matters. A representative must have the capacity to build bridges across political and governmental structures. The reality is that government is a system, and effective representation requires engagement with those who control policies, programmes, and resources.

We need a representative who can work with the Federal Government, while also maintaining a productive relationship with the Lagos State Government and our Local Government structures. Our people should not be denied opportunities because of political isolation. We need to put Amuwo Odofin first.

ALAGA360 NEWS MEDIA: What specific benefits do you believe Amuwo Odofin can gain by supporting Moses Olarewaju?

CHIEF YINKA AKANNI: We expect stronger advocacy for our constituency, more federal interventions, and a more aggressive pursuit of projects and opportunities. We need attention to infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, security, employment, and support for small businesses.

But beyond these, we need a representative who will be physically and politically present—someone who will regularly engage with the people and understand their challenges. Moses must see the mandate as a responsibility to serve, not merely as a political position.

ALAGA360 NEWS MEDIA: How important is Oriade LCDA in determining the political future of Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency?

CHIEF YINKA AKANNI: Oriade LCDA is extremely important. We have people who understand politics and development, and we must use our collective strength wisely. The future of our constituency depends on unity and our ability to make strategic political choices.

We must not allow internal differences to divide us. After every political contest, there must be reconciliation. There should be no winner and no vanquished. What matters is the progress of Amuwo Odofin.

ALAGA360 NEWS MEDIA: What would you say to APC members who may still have reservations following the party’s internal political processes?

CHIEF YINKA AKANNI: I appeal to every member to put the larger interest of the party and constituency above personal ambition. Internal contests are part of democracy, but once a candidate emerges, everyone should come together.

If we want to win elections and deliver development, we must work together. Our strength is in our unity, and our unity must be built around the collective interest of the people.

ALAGA360 NEWS MEDIA: What are your expectations from Hon. Moses Olarewaju if elected to represent Amuwo Odofin at the Federal House of Representatives?

CHIEF YINKA AKANNI: I expect him to be accessible, proactive, responsive, and development-focused. I expect him to use his position to attract meaningful federal projects and interventions to Amuwo Odofin.

I also expect him to be a strong voice for our people in Abuja, to sponsor and support legislation that directly impacts our communities, and to maintain a strong relationship with the constituency. Most importantly, he must establish a functional bridge between Amuwo Odofin and the Federal Government so that our people can benefit from the opportunities available.

ALAGA360 NEWS MEDIA: Finally, what is your message to the people of Amuwo Odofin as they look toward the next election?

CHIEF YINKA AKANNI: My message is that we must think beyond politics as usual. We need representation that can deliver results. If the people believe, as I do, that the current representation has not delivered the level of federal intervention and succour that Amuwo Odofin deserves, then we must be courageous enough to make a change.

I therefore call on the people of Amuwo Odofin to support Hon. Moses Olarewaju and give him the opportunity to provide a new direction. Let us align our Federal representation with the progressive government at the Local Government, Lagos State, and Federal levels.

Our people deserve the benefits of effective collaboration. We deserve a representative who can open doors, attract opportunities, and bring the Federal Government closer to our communities.

This is not about one individual. It is about Amuwo Odofin. It is about our children, our youths, our women, our artisans, our businesses, and the future of our constituency.

1. Let us unite. Let us reposition Amuwo Odofin. Let us support effective representation. Let us support Moses Olarewaju.

ALAGA360 NEWS MEDIA: Thank you, Chief Yinka Akanni, for your time and for sharing your perspectives with our audience.

CHIEF YINKA AKANNI: Thank you. It is always a pleasure to speak about the progress and future of our people.