Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon, has received heavy backlash for his open letter addressed to the newly elected winner of the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat, Thaddeus Attah.
You will recall that Thaddeus, who ran under the Labour Party banner, defeated singer and politician Banky W of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr Babjide Obanikoro of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with the highest vote total of 24,075.
His victory, however, was not well received by some people, especially celebrities close to Banky W. Media personality, Toke Makinwa, had earlier taken to social media to lament over Banky W’s loss while stating that she does not know Thaddeus. She seemingly insinuated that he came out of nowhere to clinch the seat.
Deyemi has now written an open letter to Thaddeus questioning his plans for the people of Eti-Osa as their newly-elected representative.
The actor, who clearly stated that he voted for Banky W in the house of assembly election, said he did his findings on Thaddeus but found nothing worthwhile about him.
He also invited him for an Instagram live session this weekend to discuss his plans for Eti-Osa and also address his concerns.
Read the open letter below,
“Dear sir,
I’ll like to use this opportunity to congratulate you, Mr Thaddeus Attah @jt.atta of the Labour Party (LP), as the winner of the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives. Before I go ahead with what I will like to say, I will like to fully disclose that I voted for Mr. Bankole Wellington of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and I still think he would have been the best candidate for the job. I do have immense faith in our discernment as a people to elect the right candidate, however, I am also quite worried about the role tribal sentiments, cyber bullying and herd mentality on all sides has played in our electoral process. That being said, I am a firm believe in democracy and I would want nothing more than for the people’s wish to prevail once again I congratulate you Sir.
Mr Attah, same as with a lot of Lagosians, I only first heard of you when you are announced the winner a few days ago. Since that time I have made a significant effort to find out as much as possible about our newly elected Federal HOR candidate. To my surprise, my quest for answers left me even more puzzled as to who you really are as well as what your qualifications, past precedents and plans are for the people of Eti-Osa. With little or no online presence, and for someone that overthrew both an incumbent and a public figure. I am yet to find any indications of your campaign or manifesto. It would therefore be a great pleasure, if you Sir will do me the honour of accepting an invitation to either join me online for a live Instagram conversation this weekend to address concerns and respond to questions many others like myself may have.
Finally, without seeking to influence or enforce any candidate on anyone, I will like to use this medium to urgent al well-meaning, progressive Lagosians ahead of the March 11 elections to find their own individual voice such that when we head to the polls we ensure the person we are voting for reflects our collective want for great leadership and our desire for excellent governance. I look forward to a lively discourse”.”
The letter didn’t sit well with many of his followers and they didn’t hesitate to call him out for it.
Read some comments below,
