Traditional Rulers in Badagry, Party Leaders Ask President Tinubu to Consider Badagry for 2027 Lagos Governorship Seat
Traditional rulers and party leaders in Badagry Division have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the division for the 2027 Lagos State governorship seat, citing decades of political loyalty and continued exclusion from the state’s top office.
The appeal was made during a press conference held at the Badagry Town Hall on Monday, March 23, 2026. The leaders said the briefing was aimed at creating awareness and presenting their position to the public without sentiment, stressing the need for fairness and inclusivity in the state’s political arrangement.
They pointed to the 2023 general elections, where Badagry ranked among the top-performing divisions in Lagos State, and highlighted the contributions of Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, noting that he has supported party structures, mobilised grassroots participation, and strengthened political engagement across Lagos and the South-West.
Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, Dr. Oba Olalekan Sejuro Ogungbe James said the appeal was rooted in fairness and the need to ensure equitable representation among the five divisions in Lagos State.
He noted that Badagry remains the only division yet to produce a governor since the creation of the state.
Dr. Ogungbe James explained that while divisions such as Epe, Ikorodu, Ikeja, and Lagos Island have produced either military or civilian governors, Badagry has remained excluded from the state’s highest political office.
He added that the division has consistently delivered strong electoral support from the days of the Alliance for Democracy through the Action Congress to the All Progressives Congress.
He described the situation as an imbalance that should be addressed, noting that Badagry deserves an opportunity to lead Lagos State.
He also expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s leadership style, which prioritises justice and balance, would guide considerations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
In his welcome address, the Ogundeyi I of Iworo Kingdom, Oba Oladele Kosoko, described Badagry as one of the ancient cities in Lagos State with significant historical relevance.
He noted that the peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual understanding among residents have enabled them to speak with one voice on the demand.
Oba Kosoko further pointed out that the constitution does not allow independent candidacy, adding that stakeholders from the division would be willing to support legislative efforts to make such provisions possible in the future. He also stressed that the traditional institution should be accorded a functional role in the political process.
Also speaking, the Chairman of SMA Movement, Dr. Babatunde Mesewaku, lamented that despite over 58 years of Lagos State’s existence, Badagry—an ancient town of over 500 years—remains largely underdeveloped with limited visible progress.
He clarified that Samuel Mawuyon Ajose is not new to the political landscape of the state, having made notable contributions to both the party and residents over the years.
He added that Badagry is a “gold mine yet to be tapped,” expressing confidence that their preferred candidate understands the terrain and would maximise opportunities for the collective interest of Lagos State.
