Badagry Lokan: Monarchs Make Case for 2027 Governorship, Seek Power Shift in Lagos

Traditional rulers from Badagry Division in Lagos State have intensified calls for political inclusion, urging the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the state’s governorship seat to the division ahead of the 2027 elections.

The position was formally presented during a press conference addressed by Dr. Oba Olalekan Sejuro Ogungbe James, who spoke on behalf of royal fathers and stakeholders from the division. The monarch framed the demand as a necessary step toward correcting what he described as a long-standing imbalance in the political structure of Lagos State.

According to the traditional rulers, the call is not driven by agitation but by a collective resolve to ensure fairness and equitable participation in governance. They stressed that Badagry’s continued exclusion from the governorship position since the creation of Lagos State in 1967 raises concerns about representation within the state’s political framework.

Badagry, they noted, remains the only one among the five historical divisions—alongside Epe, Ikorodu, Ikeja and Lagos Island—that has yet to produce a governor in both military and civilian administrations.

The monarchs highlighted Badagry’s enduring relevance, describing it as a historically significant region that played a central role in trade, diplomacy and cultural exchange in pre-colonial and colonial eras. Positioned as a gateway between Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries, the division continues to serve as a vital economic corridor, particularly along the Lagos-Badagry axis.

They argued that this legacy, coupled with its modern economic potential in areas such as tourism, logistics and cross-border commerce, reinforces the need for Badagry to be integrated into the highest level of state leadership.

The royal fathers also acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending his record on democratic advocacy and governance.

They referenced his role during the NADECO struggle as well as his stance during the political crisis involving Rashidi Ladoja, describing both as examples of his commitment to justice and constitutional order.

In addition, they cited ongoing reforms under his administration, including student loan initiatives, fiscal restructuring, increased oil output, and major infrastructure projects, as indicators of a leadership philosophy anchored on institutional balance and national development.

The Badagry monarchs reaffirmed the division’s longstanding loyalty to progressive political movements, tracing its support from the Alliance for Democracy (AD) through the Action Congress (AC) to the present APC.

They stated that the division has consistently delivered strong electoral results, often recording high voter support in major elections, including the 2023 general polls.

As part of their argument, the royal fathers pointed to contributions by prominent indigenes such as Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, who they said has played a key role in strengthening party operations and mobilising grassroots support.

His efforts, according to them, include logistical backing for elections, investment in party infrastructure, mobilisation of large crowds, and engagement with various community groups across Lagos and beyond.

They said such contributions demonstrate that the division possesses individuals with the competence and structure required to lead the state.

The monarchs rallied around the slogan “Badagry Lokan,” presenting it as a unifying call for justice, inclusion and balanced power distribution. They maintained that the demand is not rooted in sentiment but in the principle of fairness after decades of political contribution without corresponding representation at the highest level.

They called on President Tinubu, APC leaders and other stakeholders to give due consideration to Badagry in future political arrangements, particularly in the zoning of the governorship ticket for 2027.

The royal fathers expressed confidence that granting the request would strengthen unity within the state and reinforce democratic ideals.

With early permutations already shaping the 2027 political landscape in Lagos, the renewed demand from Badagry is expected to influence conversations around zoning and power rotation within the APC and across the state.

The monarchs reiterated their position, describing their demand as a responsible and timely intervention aimed at ensuring inclusive governance and long-term political stability in Lagos State.