Swayed by a groundswell of support and admiration, former Supervisory Councillor, Hon. (Alhaja) Wakilat Taiwo Agbabiaka-Ifigbe, has heeded the clarion call to serve her community as Executive Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in the forthcoming local government elections in Lagos State.
Agbabiaka-Ifigbe, the younger sister of the late Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Adelaja Agbabiaka, joined the race for the council chairmanship position following her public endorsement by key stakeholders in the council area.
At a mini public rally held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Ilesanmi Street, Isolo, Lagos, the former Supervisor for Chieftaincy Affairs was urged to run by a mammoth crowd of supporters. These included traditional chiefs, youths, market men and women, community leaders, artisans, and women from across the community, who called on her to offer leadership capable of rescuing Isolo from the current state of maladministration and ineptitude.
Speaking at the event, the Agbaakin of Isolo, Chief Yahya Abiodun Lawal Arowooye, described Hon. Agbabiaka-Ifigbe as a breath of fresh air in local council administration, stating that it is high time an indigene assumed the leadership of Isolo.
He added that the aspirant is a qualified public administrator of impeccable character and integrity.
“For many years now, she has proven to be trustworthy, and that’s the kind of person we need at the council to pilot our affairs,” Agbaakin remarked.
Other speakers, such as the Chairman of the APC Arewa Community in Isolo LCDA, Alhaji Mansour Sanusi; the Seriki Babaloja of Osolo Market, Chief Nurudeen Arowooye; Youth Leader, Comrade Adebisi Oluwatimilehin; and the Jagun of Awori Land, High Chief Kabir Agbabiaka, also paid glowing tributes to the sterling qualities of Hon. Agbabiaka-Ifigbe.
In a heartwarming speech, the graduate of Public Administration from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, accepted the call to serve and expressed her joy at the overwhelming support to lead the people of Isolo.
“With a heart full of humility, love, and a deep sense of duty, I, Alhaja Wakilat Agbabiaka-Ifigbe, stand before you today to say: I have heard your call — and I have answered,” she began.
“I did not set out on this journey for personal gain or ambition. I have come forward because of you — the voices of our mothers in the markets; the youth on the streets; the elders in our communities; and the non-indigenes who have made Isolo their home. You called me to serve, and I am honored to answer.
“Ọmọ tó bá mọ́yà, ló ń jẹ́kú ìyà ẹni” — A child who knows the pain of the people is the one worthy to lead them.
“My story is not new. For decades, I have walked this path — not only as a politician, but as a sister, a daughter of the land, and a grassroots activist. I have seen the struggles of widows, the dreams of young girls seeking education, and the tears of our aged fathers yearning for support.
“I have given scholarships because I know education is the ladder that lifts families out of poverty. I have mentored our young daughters so they can grow with courage, not fear. I have stood with women facing domestic violence and have defended their dignity.
“I have never asked who is Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or Ijaw before offering help — because Isolo belongs to all of us. That is the spirit I inherited from our forefathers — men who opened their hands and lands to non-indigenes, and built a community founded on peace and acceptance.
“When the people lead, the leader must follow. I am here today because you, the people, have chosen me to represent you. You believe that we can build a government that listens, serves, and includes. And I believe with all my heart that together — we can.
“Let this campaign be one of peace, hope, and unity. Let our voices rise, not in anger, but with purpose.
“I accept this call to serve — not with pride, but with responsibility. And I promise, by God’s grace, not to disappoint you,” she concluded.
Agbabiaka-Ifigbe is contesting the chairmanship position of Isolo LCDA on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for July 12, 2025, across the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs in Lagos State.
