Growing Discontent With Surah Animashaun’s Leadership Of Neglect, Deterioration In Epe Division

Opinion:

BY BALOGUN ORUNBON

In recent months, my frustration with Ms. Surah Animashaun’s administration has escalated. As I review my findings, allegations, and reports about her tenure as the local government boss, I am increasingly disheartened. She seems to be a novice in governance, surrounded by sycophants intent on exploiting her administration for personal gain, draining the council’s public funds that are meant for the people.

 A lingering question continues to haunt me: if given the chance, would I vote for Ms. Surah Animashaun again? Disturbingly, the answer is yes. This realization irritates me more than anything else, knowing that despite my dissatisfaction, I would likely make the same choice. It’s a harsh truth that has left me disillusioned.

My discontent stems from her administration’s poor economic performance and lack of initiative in moving the council forward, unlike neighboring areas such as Agbowa-Eredo and Ejirin-Ikosi. Animashaun’s leadership is woefully ineffective, and I worry how we will survive the next three years, especially since she seems determined to run for a second term. Yet, despite my frustrations, the grim reality remains: I would likely vote for her again.

Am I irrational for feeling this way? Perhaps. In an attempt to understand whether my sentiments are shared by others, I sought out opinions. Many people in power seem disconnected from the struggles of the masses. Why is it that someone entrusted with so much responsibility can’t seem to lift the community? I had hoped Animashaun, as a woman, would display more empathy and sensitivity to the needs of the people, but she has proven otherwise.

The poorly maintained roads in Epe division are not only crippling the economy but also costing lives. In the fourth quarter of 2022 alone, over 200 road traffic casualties were reported in Epe. Yet, Ms. Animashaun has done nothing to address these issues. Instead, she travels abroad, neglecting her duties while the people of Epe continue to suffer.

The roads in Epe are in complete disrepair, hindering commerce and stalling business growth. Rather than making efforts to reconstruct these vital arteries, the administration seems more focused on siphoning taxpayer funds. Ms. Animashaun has even relocated to Magbodo, leaving her hometown in darkness—Epe has been without electricity for over five months. This abandonment of her roots is a glaring act of irresponsibility.

Many of the roads in Epe – such as Oke-Posu, Etitun, Papa, Eyindi, and Oke-Balogun -have been in a state of disrepair for over two decades. During a recent visit, I witnessed firsthand the flooding and dilapidation that have become all too common. Nursery schools are being closed down due to the risk of flooding. Even newly constructed gutters and patched roads are quickly washed away by rainfall, proving the poor quality of repairs.

With over 40,000 kilometers of roads in Epe falling apart due to neglect, it is imperative that Ms. Animashaun ensures quality reconstruction through diligent oversight. Effective leadership would alleviate the suffering faced by motorists, commuters, and other road users. In advanced countries, like the U.S., procurement systems are monitored closely. The council should adopt similar practices to ensure that funds meant for development are used appropriately.

Ms. Animashaun must implement a more efficient procurement process to address the dire condition of Epe’s roads. Quality control and material testing should be enforced to prevent further deterioration. Proper oversight at every stage of road reconstruction is crucial if Epe is to see meaningful improvements.

At times, I wonder whether Epe is truly part of Lagos State. The local government has fallen far behind in terms of infrastructure—roads, electricity, schools, and hospitals are all in decay. The resulting impact on commerce is severe, as residents are forced to travel to neighboring towns like Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki, and others to meet their basic needs. This is a disgrace for a town that boasts two first-class Obas.

The local government must work closely with councillors to pass legislation that strengthens the Public Procurement Act. This would ensure that infrastructure and healthcare facilities become accessible to the poor, and that all dilapidated roads are fixed as a matter of urgency. The future of Epe depends on swift, decisive action.

*Orunbon writes from Oke-Posu, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria.