Lagos Drowns In Refuse As LAWMA Boss Reportedly Pursues Oyo Governorship Bid
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Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, General Manager of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), is under scrutiny over claims that he has abandoned his duties in Lagos to pursue a gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. The situation has drawn attention as residents raise concerns over mounting refuse across homes, streets, and public spaces in the city.
Community leaders and residents have expressed alarm over the worsening refuse situation, particularly on major streets, bus stops, and drainage channels. Reports indicate that dump sites across Lagos are reaching full capacity, while LAWMA’s transloading and sorting stations are reportedly underperforming. Sources describe the agency’s waste-collection trucks as aging and insufficient, prompting some local councils to acquire their own vehicles to maintain regular refuse collection.
Engr. Emmanuel Ojikutu, Chairman of the Liverpool Community Development Association in Apapa, warned of the potential public health risks if leadership at LAWMA is divided. “We cannot afford LAWMA to have a divided leadership,” he said. “Blocked drainages, stench, and rising numbers of flies and rodents are already affecting residents, particularly children and the elderly.”
Amid these reports, Gbadegesin is said to have spent considerable time in Oyo State, visiting traditional rulers and engaging with local networks, which some observers describe as preparations for a future political bid. Sources report that campaign banners linked to him have appeared in several Oyo towns, highlighting his political visibility.
Gbadegesin, a former commissioner under the late Abiola Ajimobi administration in Oyo State, is reportedly said to have cited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a supporter of his political ambition.
Sources suggest that his appointment as LAWMA General Manager may have been influenced by long-standing family ties, including support previously received by his father. Staff at LAWMA are reportedly accustomed to visits from Oyo State delegates, particularly from Gbadegesin’s Oke-Iho and Ibarapa kinsmen, who are believed to be involved in political mobilization..
Responding to the allegations, Gbadegesin denied neglecting his duties at LAWMA. In a statement, he said the agency intensified operations during the recent festive period, deploying 94 of 102 waste-collection trucks across its 11 operational regions, supported by additional trucks hired from private sector participants. He added that LAWMA recorded an average of 576 evacuation trips daily, operating round-the-clock to maintain refuse collection and sanitation.
Gbadegesin also highlighted measures to ensure bin-service reliability, including prompt refuse lifting and bin interchange to prevent accumulation. He said the agency provided sanitation coverage for major cultural events, including the annual Eyo Festival, and noted that improvements in access and reduced turnaround time at the Olusosun landfill enhanced operational efficiency.
On speculation about his political ambitions, Gbadegesin reaffirmed that his priority remains his role at LAWMA. He emphasized that any political decisions requiring public communication would be announced through official channels. He further encouraged residents to report refuse accumulation through LAWMA’s official customer service lines and digital platforms for timely response.
