Lagos LG Election: Truce in Badagry West as Princess Oluremi Accepts LASIEC Nomination Amid Delegate Protest

By Peter Dansu  A political storm in Badagry West may be nearing calm as Princess Oluremi Nutayi Funmilayo Ajose, once at the center of an ...

By Peter Dansu 

A political storm in Badagry West may be nearing calm as Princess Oluremi Nutayi Funmilayo Ajose, once at the center of an intense post-primary controversy, has officially received the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) nomination as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice Chairmanship candidate—despite ongoing protest from a bloc of party delegates.

Tension had gripped the local political scene following the outcome of the APC primaries held on May 10, 2025. Thirteen party delegates from Badagry West, who claim to have taken a secret oath to vote for Princess Nutayi, voiced outrage after the results declared Hon. Rauf Kayode Yemaren (popularly known as RIKAY) as the APC Chairmanship flagbearer. They alleged irregularities and outright manipulation in the process, stating that despite their pledged 13 votes, Princess Nutayi was shockingly credited with zero.

In a viral Facebook video, the delegates affirmed their loyalty to Nutayi, recounting how their oath-bound votes were meant to ensure her emergence as the chairmanship candidate. Rejecting the party’s offer of a vice chairmanship slot for her, they insisted that she deserved the top seat and called for a reversal of the result.

However, the political tide appears to be shifting.

In a conciliatory move, a high-level meeting was convened by the outgoing Executive Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, Hon. Gbenu Joseph. The gathering, held at the council secretariat, brought together the newly endorsed APC candidates—including Hon. Rauf Kayode Yemaren as Chairmanship candidate, Princess Oluremi Nutayi as Vice Chairmanship candidate, and five councillorship candidates representing various wards in the LCDA.

Addressing the meeting, Chairman Gbenu reflected on the milestones of his administration and called for unity and continuity in leadership.

"Leadership is a continuum," he said. "As I prepare to conclude my tenure, I am heartened to see capable individuals ready to take the baton. Serve with integrity, prioritize the welfare of our constituents, and uphold the principles of our great party."

While the meeting stopped short of addressing the delegate controversy directly, it signaled an effort to mend internal rifts as the July 12 local government elections approach.

Hon. RIKAY, in his remarks, extended gratitude to the chairman and pledged a collaborative leadership style aimed at inclusive growth and sustainable development for Badagry West.

"I am honored by the trust reposed in me and my colleagues," he said. "We are committed to sustaining the progress achieved and introducing innovative solutions that address the needs of our constituents."

Despite lingering tensions, the joint appearance of the chairmanship and vice chairmanship candidates suggests the party may be working toward a united front ahead of the elections. Whether the aggrieved delegates will relent or escalate their demands remains to be seen.

For now, the spotlight returns to the campaign trail as Badagry West residents prepare to elect their next set of local leaders.