Royal fathers in Badagry Division of Lagos State have formally declared their interest in the 2027 governorship race, calling for the zoning of the state’s top political office to the division in the interest of equity, fairness and balanced representation.
The demand was made at a press conference addressed by Dr. Oba Olalekan Sejuro Ogungbe James, the Akweno of Kweme Kingdom, who spoke on behalf of traditional rulers across the Badagry Division.
Addressing party leaders, stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and members of the press, the monarch described the gathering as a defining moment for the political future of the division, noting that the time had come to “break the culture of unprofitable silence” and demand inclusion in Lagos State’s leadership structure.
The royal fathers underscored Badagry’s historical and strategic importance, describing it as a gateway to international commerce, diplomacy and cultural exchange long before the emergence of modern Lagos.
They noted that Badagry served as a critical link between Nigeria, the West African sub-region and the global community, and continues to occupy a strategic economic position as a corridor to the Republic of Benin and the ECOWAS region.
Despite its contributions, the monarchs lamented that Badagry Division remains the only one among Lagos State’s five divisions—Epe, Ikorodu, Ikeja and Lagos Island—that has never produced a governor since the state’s creation in 1967.
“This imbalance raises fundamental questions about fairness and representation,” the royal fathers stated, insisting that Badagry’s exclusion from the governorship position for nearly six decades must be addressed.
The monarchs also used the platform to commend the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a symbol of justice, equity and democratic ideals.
They recalled his role in the pro-democracy struggle during the NADECO struggle era under military rule, highlighting his resilience against oppression and his contribution to the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.
The royal fathers further cited Tinubu’s intervention in the political crisis involving Rashidi Ladoja, describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to due process and democratic governance.
They added that his current administration’s policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda reflect institutional fairness and economic reform, listing initiatives such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, exchange rate unification, increased oil production, subsidy removal, improved government revenue, expansion of external reserves, and major infrastructure projects including the Sokoto–Badagry Highway and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Highlighting Badagry’s political relevance, the monarchs stated that the division has remained a consistent stronghold of progressive politics, dating back to the days of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), through the Action Congress (AC), to the present APC.
According to them, Badagry has maintained an average of 90 percent electoral support for the progressive movement, a trend that continued in the 2023 general elections where the division ranked among the top-performing areas in Lagos State.
The royal fathers also pointed to the contributions of notable indigenes, particularly Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, who they said has played a significant role in strengthening party structures and grassroots mobilisation.
They listed his contributions to include logistical support for elections across all 57 local governments, funding for membership registration, deployment of technology to enhance party operations, and mobilisation of over 25,000 supporters, as well as engagement with faith-based communities nationwide.
According to the monarchs, these efforts demonstrate that Badagry possesses individuals with the capacity, loyalty and readiness to lead Lagos State.
Central to the press conference was the adoption of the slogan “Badagry Lokan,” which the royal fathers described as a call for inclusion rather than division.
They emphasised that the demand is rooted in justice and fairness, not sentiment, stressing that Badagry has contributed significantly to the growth and stability of Lagos State and deserves its turn at the governorship.
The traditional rulers formally appealed to President Tinubu, the leadership of the APC, and other political stakeholders to consider zoning the 2027 governorship ticket to Badagry Division.
They insisted that such a move would correct a long-standing imbalance and reinforce the principles of equity and inclusive governance.
“This is not a protest but a purposeful call made in unity and good faith,” the monarchs declared.
As political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections, the Badagry royal fathers’ position is expected to spark conversations around zoning, power rotation and equitable representation within Lagos State.
Ending their address, the monarchs reiterated their stance: “History is watching. Badagry Lokan.”
