Badagry Monarchs Declare Interest in Lagos Governorship Race at Press Conference

PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE QUEST FOR LAGOS STATE GOVERNORSHIP POSITION BY ROYAL FATHERS OF BADAGRY DIVISION.

Your Royal Majesties, Obas and Chiefs,
Distinguished All Progressives Congress Apex and Core Leaders present,
Respected party members,
Members of the press,
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

I greet you all with the highest respect and deep reverence.
Today is not just another gathering—it is a moment of political reflection; a moment to break the culture of unprofitable silence; a moment to emphasize unity and oneness; and a moment of great responsibility for the political future of Badagry Division.
We are here as custodians of our people’s history, culture, and tradition, and as the moral compass of our communities, to speak with one voice on the political future of Badagry Division in Lagos State.

Distinguished members of the press,
The history of Lagos State—and indeed Nigeria—cannot be told without acknowledging the foundational role of Badagry.
Long before the rise of modern Lagos, Badagry stood as a gateway—
A gateway of international commerce,
A gateway of culture,
A gateway of diplomacy,
And a gateway of civilization.
Badagry connected what is now known as Nigeria not only to the West African sub-region but to the wider world. It facilitated early international trade with Europe and enabled cross-border exchanges across West Africa.
Even today, Badagry remains a strategic corridor, linking Nigeria to the Republic of Benin and the broader ECOWAS region. It sits at the heart of key economic routes, including the Lagos-Badagry Expressway axis, and holds immense potential for logistics, tourism, and regional economic growth.
Our heritage is rich.
Our contributions are undeniable.
And our relevance remains critical to the future of Lagos State.

Yet, as we reflect on the journey of Lagos State since its creation in 1967, we must ask sincere questions:
How well has Badagry Federation, and by extension Badagry Division, been represented in the leadership dynamics of our dear state?
Has Badagry enjoyed its fair share in the distribution of power?
The answer is evident—Badagry Division remains the only one among the five divisions in Lagos State yet to produce a Governor. All other divisions—Epe, Ikorodu, Ikeja, and Lagos Island—have had the opportunity to produce either military or civilian governors.

Distinguished members of the press,
We also wish to place on record our deep appreciation for the leadership of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Mr. President is not only a leader of today—he is a product of struggle, conviction, and sacrifice. He has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fairness, justice, and equity.
He has always stood at the forefront in the fight against military rule, injustice, and marginalisation. During the Abacha regime, as a leading figure within NADECO, he remained resolute against military dictatorship—undaunted by intimidation and repression—and played a defining role in the struggle that restored democracy to Nigeria.
We also recall his principled stand in defence of democratic values, particularly his support for Oba (Senator) Rashidi Ladoja during his unlawful impeachment—an action that further underscored his commitment to justice and due process.
Even in recent times, his leadership continues to reflect fairness and institutional balance. Notably, his decision within the police hierarchy to allow senior officers—who, under previous practice, would have been required to retire upon the appointment of a new Inspector-General of Police—to complete their statutory years of service with dignity, stands as a testament to his respect for institutional integrity.

These enduring values continue to shape his leadership and are clearly reflected in the achievements being recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including:
• The launch of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), providing interest-free loans to tertiary students
• Exchange rate unification to stabilize the naira and boost investor confidence
• Increased oil production to 1.71 million barrels per day
• Removal of fuel subsidy, saving approximately $10 billion annually
• Growth in government revenue to ₦6 trillion in Q1 2025
• Expansion of net external reserves from $4 billion in 2023 to over $46.7 billion
• Improvement in power generation capacity
• Introduction of national health programs to strengthen grassroots healthcare
• Financial autonomy for 774 local governments
• Establishment of six regional development commissions
• Launch of a ₦100 billion National Agricultural Development Fund
• Strategic infrastructure projects such as the Sokoto–Badagry Highway and Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

Gentlemen of the press,
Since its evolution from Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 1998, to Action Congress (AC) in 2006, and now the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, Badagry Division has consistently delivered an average of 90% electoral support for the progressive movement.
This performance was particularly evident in the 2023 general elections, where Badagry ranked among the top-performing divisions in Lagos State.
Badagry has always stood with the progressive movement.
Badagry has always delivered.
Badagry continues to contribute faithfully.

We must also acknowledge the efforts of our sons and daughters who continue to support governance, party structures, and national progress.
Notably, one of our distinguished sons, Mr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, has demonstrated exceptional commitment through:
• Supporting electoral processes across all 57 Local Governments with logistics and equipment
• Providing resources to strengthen party structures
• Supporting membership registration with technology and funding
• Mobilising large-scale grassroots support across Lagos and the South-West
• Leading major mobilisation efforts, including a gathering of over 25,000 supporters
• Driving public advocacy through electronic and gantry billboards
• Mobilising faith-based communities across Nigeria
These contributions reflect capacity, loyalty, commitment, and readiness within Badagry Division.

Yet, despite all these contributions—
Since the creation of Lagos State in 1967,
Through both military and civilian administrations,
Badagry Federation has never produced a Governor of Lagos State.
Not once.

It is on this note that we gather today—
Not in protest, but in purpose;
Not in division, but in unity and good faith;
To address this longstanding imbalance.

Badagry Lokan
“Badagry Lokan” is a call for inclusion.
A call for balance.
A call for fairness.
Badagry has waited.
Badagry has contributed.
Badagry has persevered and sacrificed.
Badagry is ready.

In the name of justice,
In the spirit of fairness,
And in all good conscience,
We respectfully but firmly call for positive consideration for Badagry Federation.
We appeal to:
• His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
• The leadership of the All Progressives Congress
• All stakeholders
To uphold equity and fair play,
And to give due and favourable consideration to the zoning of the Governorship of Lagos State to Badagry Federation come 2027.

This is not division.
This is inclusion.
This is not sentiment.
This is justice.

Gentlemen of the press,
History is watching.
Badagry Lokan.

Thank you.
God bless the Traditional Institution.
God bless Badagry Division.
God bless Badagry Federation.
And God bless Lagos State.

Dr. Oba Olalekan Sejuro Ogungbe James.
The Akweno of Kweme Kingdom, Badagry.