2027: Hamzat Meets 700 Baales, Chiefs, Assures Traditional Institutions of Inclusive Governance

Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has assured traditional rulers and community leaders across the old Ikeja Division of his commitment to inclusive governance and sustained engagement with grassroots communities if elected governor.

Hamzat gave the assurance during an interactive meeting with about 700 Baales and chiefs drawn from various communities across the old Ikeja Division, where he emphasised the importance of traditional institutions in grassroots mobilisation, community development and effective governance.

The gathering, which formed part of his familiarisation engagements ahead of the unveiling of his manifesto and commencement of the 2027 governorship campaign, provided an opportunity for the traditional leaders to communicate their concerns, expectations and development needs directly to the APC candidate.

The communities represented cut across Somolu, Bariga, Oworonshoki, Oshodi-Isolo, Ikeja, Ojodu, Kosofe, Agboyi-Ketu, Ejigbo, Igando-Ikotun, Mushin, Opebi, Agege, Onigbongbo, Egbeda, Egbe-Idimu, Agbado-Oke Odo, Ayobo-Ipaja, Alimosho, Odi-Olowo, Ojokoro, Ifako-Ijaiye and other parts of the division.

Hamzat arrived at the meeting at about 1:40 p.m., accompanied by his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon James; Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro; Bode Oyedele; Hon. Ganiyu Solomon and other party leaders.

The meeting commenced with prayers led by representatives of the three major religious traditions recognised in Lagos State.

In his opening remarks, Ojelabi urged party members to intensify their grassroots engagement and work collectively towards the 2027 general elections. He stressed the importance of canvassers in ensuring wider political participation and effective communication of the party’s programmes.

The APC chairman also highlighted some of the benefits Lagos State had received under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the Federal Government’s cash transfer programme. He cited figures indicating that out of the reported N600 billion disbursed, Lagos State had received N237 billion.

During the interactive session, representatives of the traditional institutions and community leaders raised issues they wanted the incoming administration to address.

The first speaker, Adekola Okikiola, called for an increase in workers’ salaries to cushion the impact of prevailing economic realities, while expressing the traditional leaders’ readiness to support the APC in the forthcoming elections.

Another representative from Ifako-Ijaiye assured the candidate that concerns surrounding Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the area had been addressed.

The Baale of Ojodu and Ikeja Division Coordinator, Tajudeen Fakoyode, also expressed confidence in the readiness of the traditional leaders to participate in the electoral process. He encouraged the Baales and chiefs to display their PVCs as a demonstration of their preparedness and requested a campaign bus to facilitate grassroots mobilisation across their communities.

In his contribution, Bode Fatoye commended the outgoing administration’s performance and urged Hamzat to prioritise the interests of Lagos indigenes when making political appointments. He also called for improved welfare packages for traditional institutions and the construction of palaces for Obas across the state.

The woman leader, in her remarks, commended Hamzat and urged party members to remain committed to their responsibilities, assuring the gathering that the party would pay attention to their concerns. She reinforced her message with the slogan, “E lo fi okan bale.”

Responding to the various submissions, Hamzat thanked the speakers and particularly acknowledged the woman leader, whom he described as an astute politician who understood the realities of contemporary politics.

He said her slogan captured the spirit of his message, while reiterating his desire to see peace sustained across Lagos State.

The APC candidate identified security as a major priority, noting that the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos required sustained attention to the protection of lives and property.

He also spoke about the need to strengthen the state’s economic prosperity, maintaining that the resources and opportunities available to Lagos could support shared prosperity if properly harnessed and managed.

Hamzat further called for unity among residents, recalling an incident which he said had the potential to create divisions that could affect even generations yet unborn. He stressed the importance of preventing divisions and building a society where prosperity could be enjoyed by all.

The candidate also highlighted the importance of preserving Yoruba language, culture and traditions, describing the Yoruba language as a significant cultural force with relevance beyond Nigeria.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the state’s cultural heritage and traditional institutions, expressing optimism that the future could bring positive changes for Lagos residents.

Earlier, Adebayo Kehinde of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had tendered an unreserved apology on behalf of Hamzat regarding his delayed arrival at the meeting.

The Director-General of the campaign, Musiliu Obanikoro, delivered the vote of thanks, urging party members and traditional leaders across the Ikeja Federation to remain steadfast and committed to the party’s activities. He also assured them that the concerns raised during the engagement would receive the party’s attention.