Epe Legislative Conference 4.0 Makes History, Redefines Leadership Beyond Tradition

Lagostrend report that Lagos State University Student Arcade came alive in a historic convergence of ideas, symbolism, and leadership at the Epe Legislative Conference (ELC) 4.0. Spearheaded by Rt. Hon. Ogunbiyi Hafsoh, the first female Speaker in the 25-year history of the Federation of Epe Division Students’ Association (FEDSA LASU) parliament, the event marked a defining moment in the legislative culture of Epe Division.

Themed “Beyond the Gavel: Redefining Legislative Leadership,” the conference was more than a formal gathering.

It was a bold declaration that the essence of leadership lies not in the gavel’s strike but in the vision, integrity, and service that guide parliamentary decisions.

One of the day’s most defining moments was the unveiling and official decoration of the first-ever parliamentary wig and gown in the history of the Epe Division student parliament — a symbol of legislative dignity and authority.

This historic act was performed by Rt. Hon. Opemipo Bamgbopa, the first female Speaker of the LASUSU Student Parliamentary Council, alongside the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State Youth Parliament, in a gesture rich with generational significance.

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Abdullah Sesan Olowa, Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government (represented by Hon. Sofwan Ogungbo), urged participants to champion legislative leadership that thrives on vision, collaboration, and moral courage.

The Grand Honoree, Hon. Wale Raji, Member of the House of Representatives for Epe Federal Constituency (represented by Mr. Kaka Babatunde), reinforced the call for leaders to remain transparent, accountable, and connected to the people they serve.

Guest Speaker Comr. Babatunde Ogunlana, Chairman of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (Lagos State Chapter), drew from his deep parliamentary experience to remind young leaders that the gavel may confer authority, but true leadership is measured by ethical governance, mentorship, and selfless service.

The panel session, featuring Barr. Adeleke Aroyewun, Prince Ademola Adetola, and Rt. Hon. Opemipo Bamgbopa, explored the balance between preserving parliamentary traditions and embracing reform, with a strong emphasis on youth participation and democratic strengthening.

The audience included an impressive lineup of leaders and organizations such as Comr. Adesanya Ibrahim, Hon. Odunare Mahruf, Comr. Ogunbawo Ibrahim, members of the Igbogbo Students’ Union, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (Lagos State Chapter), Rt. Hon. Adeolu Talabi, Comr. Edu Ibrahim, Comr. Abisoye Aminat, Rt. Hon. Hassan Yusuf, members of FEDSA LASUSUTECH, and NuLASS LASU representatives.

In her closing reflection, Rt. Hon. Ogunbiyi Hafsoh emphasized that the newly introduced wig and gown were not mere symbols of office, but enduring reminders of the duty to serve with dignity, uphold democratic values, and inspire the next generation.

“Beyond the gavel lies the true measure of leadership,” she declared, capturing the spirit of the day.

ELC 4.0 thus concluded not as another calendar event, but as a rallying call for a new era in Epe’s legislative history, one defined not solely by tradition, but by the courage to innovate, lead, and serve with purpose.