Badagry Monarchs Back Dr Samuel Ajose for Lagos Governorship, Demand Fair Political Representation

Badagry Monarchs Back Dr Samuel Ajose for Lagos Governorship, Demand Fair Political Representation

Traditional rulers from Badagry Division have called for the next governor of Lagos State to emerge from the division, citing decades of political marginalization despite the region’s historical and political contributions to the state.

Traditional rulers in Badagry Division have declared their support for the emergence of a governor from the area, urging political stakeholders to consider the division in future leadership arrangements in Lagos State.

The monarchs made the call during a press conference where they stressed that their demand was based on fairness, equity and the need for inclusive governance across the state.

According to them, the time had come for Badagry to be given an opportunity to produce the governor of Lagos State after years of political loyalty and contributions to the development of the state.

The royal fathers noted that although Badagry occupies a prominent place in Nigeria’s historical development, the division has remained largely excluded from occupying the highest political office in the state.

They highlighted the historical importance of Badagry, describing it as a gateway to Nigeria and one of the earliest centres of contact with Western civilisation.

The monarchs pointed out that the area is home to some of the country’s earliest landmarks, including the first storey building and the first primary school in Nigeria, underscoring its significant role in the nation’s history.

Despite these contributions, the traditional rulers lamented that Badagry Division has yet to produce a governor since the creation of Lagos State.

They explained that the state is traditionally recognised as comprising five major divisions—Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe—noting that while political leadership has rotated among some divisions, Badagry has remained largely sidelined.

The monarchs emphasised that their advocacy was not intended to create political tension but rather to promote fairness and balance in the state’s leadership structure.

“Our position is not one of confrontation but of constructive engagement,” they said, noting that their call was driven by the desire to see a Lagos that reflects inclusiveness and justice in its political arrangements.

They maintained that Badagry Division has competent sons and daughters capable of governing the state effectively.

The traditional rulers also appealed to the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress and other political stakeholders to take the aspirations of Badagry seriously in future political alignments.

They reaffirmed their loyalty to the party and their commitment to the peace, unity and continued development of Lagos State.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Oniworo of Iworo Kingdom, Oba Oladele Idris Friday Kosoko, said the purpose of the press conference was to formally communicate the collective position of the monarchs to the public.

He dismissed claims that traditional rulers should stay away from politics, recalling that during the 2023 general elections, monarchs were consulted to encourage civic participation among their subjects.

According to him, Badagry has consistently supported other divisions in producing governors for Lagos State and therefore deserves the opportunity to lead the state.

The monarchs also disclosed that they have adopted a consensus candidate for the governorship in the person of Samuel Mauyon Ajose.

Also speaking, the Aholu of Kweme Kingdom, Oba Olalekan Sejiro, reiterated the collective demand of the traditional rulers, stressing that their primary goal is for Badagry Division to produce the next governor of Lagos State.

He added that Ajose is not new to the political landscape, noting that he has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the party over the years.

The royal fathers expressed optimism that granting Badagry the opportunity to produce the governor would strengthen unity across the state and ensure that every division feels adequately represented in governance.