Ex-Shomolu LG Boss, Bagostowe Denies Gratification Allegations; Gives Reasons For Going With Party’s Decision

Honourable Olorogun Gbolahan Bago-Stowe,

Honourable Olorogun Gbolahan Bago-Stowe, a former chairman of Shomolu Local Government Area, Lagos, has denied gratification allegations made against him on the recently held primary election of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the local government which produced Honourable Lateef Ashimi, as the party’s chairmanship candidate in the July 12 election.

In denying the allegations, Honourable Bagostowe said his action to support Ashimi as the APC candidate in the coming local government election, was premised on the decision of the party, which he remains a member and leader in the local government .

The former chairman who is also Omoba Adodo of Lagos, made above clarifications, while reacting to allegations of receiving monies and cars to support the party’s candidate.

In his words: “I want to clarify that I am not representing Somolu at any level, state, federal, or local.

“It has been nearly 11 years since I left office, yet I continue to invest my time and energy into our beloved Party, APC, in Somolu Local Government as a leader.

“Supporting Bowale was important to me, and I did everything I could to be there for him until the end.

“I understand that the APC chairmanship list cannot be published without the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“Since Honourable Lateef Ashimi has emerged as our party’s candidate, I have no option but to support him because it was through this process that I became the Council Chairman of Somolu.

“I can’t go against the decision of the party.”

On the gratification allegations, the former chairman said: “I’m truly puzzled by the whispers circulating about the Bago-Stowe allegations of money and car exchanged.

“In my experience with politics, I’ve learned that the truth may take time, but it will eventually come to light. Because you will have differences with whoever gave the money and the car.

“This is not the first time; jobless people resort to spreading unfounded rumors. I remember vividly years back when they were spreading the rumor that I owned a bakery on Abiodun Street in Somolu, as well as those suggesting I acquired all the houses in the area. Those who spread these stories knew who bought all the houses in Somolu.

On his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially, being his tailor, Honourable Bagostowe said: “also, remember these jobless people’s rumors that I am President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tailor.

“I want to make it clear, I have never designed clothing for him in my life. I am an accountant; it’s just that I invested in the fashion business.

“To those considering politics, please remember, if you find yourself without a job or your own business, it may be wise to think carefully before stepping into the political arena.

Honourable Bagostowe conclusion his stance on the Shomolu Local Government politics with a Yoruba proverbs; Eebo Osho Se Ru Ebo Aje Se Ru Ebo Alaroka Kose Ru, meaning: “it’s possible to make sacrifice to appease both the witches and wizards, but making sacrifice to appease gossipers is impossible”