Can Kayode-Laguda Fill Gbajabiamila’s Big Shoes?

Succession is the order in politics and leadership. But how capable is the one coming in compared to the one going out? This is the question that is attending the emergence of Fuad Kayode-Laguda (FKL) as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Surulere 1 Constituency House of Representatives by-election. Having the intention to take up the mantle of Femi Gbajabiamila is not enough; can FKL fill Gbajabiamila’s shoes?

The people of Surulere 1 constituency are currently in the limelight. Filled with joy over the various campaign promises delivered by candidates, the people are sure to gain certain privileges in the days to come. But all that will end once the candidate is decided, and the work of representation will start in the House of Reps. As FKL is a favoured candidate, being a member of the APC, one wonders if he has what it takes to continue from where Gbajabiamila stopped.

Gbajabiamila represented Surulere 1 for a long time. During his time, this constituency came to be known as one of the most powerful in Lagos due to Gbajabiamila’s influence as the Speaker of the House of Reps. Even though FKL will not immediately enjoy this heritage of power, if he wins, his occupying the same seat of representation means much.

Regarding whether FKL has what it takes, it should be recalled that he is an expert in all things finance and has served the public under the aegis of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) and the national body, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). FKL’s educational background, particularly, his Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Lagos and his MBA degree from the University of Lagos Business School equipped him with just what he needed to fulfil the obligations of these roles.

With Gbajabiamila’s shoes in view, FKL has no choice but to scale up. This is the only way he can serve the people of Surulere 1 effectively.