By Yahya Oluwaseun
The political atmosphere in Surulere Constituency 1 has reached a decisive moment. After over a decade of representation in the Lagos State House of Assembly, it is becoming increasingly clear that Hon. Desmond Elliot has outstayed his relevance in the constituency. Democracy thrives on renewal, not prolonged dominance. Surulerians are no longer interested in recycled leadership. The message from the grassroots is loud and unmistakable: it is time for a new face, a new voice, and a new direction.
It is however sad to note that rather than responding to this legitimate demand with performance, accountability, and fresh ideas, Hon. Elliot appears to have resorted to a more troubling strategy—the politicization of religion trying to influence and incite the Christian Association of Nigerian Surulere chapter against Muslim Faithfuls in a bid to his own advantage which can lead to religion crisis, that can possibly bring down our society. This is so disheartening, disappointing and dangerous.
And it is a known fact that Lagos State has, for decades, stood as a symbol of unity in diversity—a state where religion, tribe, and background have never been barriers to opportunity. Lagos state is a city built on coexistence, tolerance, and shared progress. Any attempt to introduce religious division into its political space is not only unacceptable but fundamentally contrary to its identity and rule of law guiding human existence.
It is interesting noting that this same Hon. Desmond Elliot was a beneficiary of Party Consensus during his third term bid and Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila stood in firmed support of his candidacy and it was widely accepted by party members. But today, the voices in Surulere have decided to throw their support behind Hon. Barakat Bakare-Odunuga, knowing fully that women in politics have been cheated for too long and it’s becomes necessary to balance the gender narrative through purposeful-leadership.
More importantly, Surulere, in particular, reflects this Lagos spirit. It is home to people of different faiths and ethnicities who have lived and thrived together peacefully. Firmly establishing oneness, the sudden shift toward destructive religious rhetoric from Hon. Desmond Elliott is therefore seen by many as a desperate political tool wanting to bring craftiness, and divisive politics to where there’s peace and love, this becomes a genuine concern for the people of Surulere that choose togetherness over divide and rule politics. It must be stated clearly: Surulerians are not divided along religious lines, and they will not be manipulated into becoming so.
Furthermore, the argument for change is not merely emotional—it is structural and necessary. After more than two tenures, the principle of democratic rotation demands that power should not be monopolized. Leadership is not a personal entitlement; it is a public trust that must evolve with time. And it is that time for Hon. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare to step in as the preferred choice of the good people of Surulere. There is also a growing and justified demand for inclusive representation, particularly for women. In a political system where women remain significantly underrepresented, Surulere now has an opportunity to be on the right side of history by supporting broader participation and balance in leadership.
The continued attempt from Hon. Desmond Elliot to cling to power—especially through divisive narratives—only reinforces the urgency for change. Surulerians are politically aware. They are informed. And most importantly, they are ready. They are ready to move beyond old patterns. They are ready to reject politics built on division. And they are ready to embrace leadership that reflects competence, inclusion, and genuine service.
The message is simple and final:
Surulere does not belong to one man. It belongs to the people. And the people have decided—it is time for Desmond Elliot to step aside.
~Yahya Oluwaseun
Concern Surulerian
01:04:26
