By Peter Dansu A powerful and impassioned appeal has been made to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by a coalition of prominent political figur...
By Peter Dansu
According to the open appeal letter seen by Badagry Today, which was signed by former federal and state lawmakers, retired permanent secretaries, and key APC stalwarts from the region, Badagry remains the only division in Lagos State that has never produced a Governor — either military or civilian — since the state was created in 1967, 58 years ago.
The letter outlines a vivid historical and political journey of Lagos State’s leadership, showing how other divisions such as Lagos Island, Ikeja, Ikorodu, and Epe have all had their moments at the helm. From Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson in 1967 to the current Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the leadership of the state has never found its way to Badagry.
The appeal is more than a plea for political inclusion; it is a detailed historical and moral argument for fairness, equity, and justice. Badagry, they argue, has been a cornerstone of Lagos State’s political and cultural history, yet has been systemically marginalised in the sharing of key political offices.
Highlighting the sharp imbalance within the division itself, the letter notes that while the broader Badagry Division has been allocated key positions over the years, these roles have disproportionately gone to candidates from Ojo Local Government. From Deputy Governors to Secretaries to the State Government, to Party Chairmanships, Ojo has repeatedly reaped the political dividends, leaving Badagry Local Government and its LCDAs — Badagry West and Olorunda — with little or nothing.
For the stakeholders, this lopsidedness has reached its limit. “We respectfully say Badagry Division has had enough of Deputy Governors… it is time to occupy the oval office not as second fiddle anymore,” the letter boldly declares.
But beyond sentiment, the group laid out their case with a mixture of historical reverence and political realism. Badagry’s place in Nigeria’s political story is undeniable — from being a major hub of international trade in the 18th century, to playing host to British colonial administration, to producing historic figures like Oba C.D. Akran, a former Deputy Premier of the Western Region.
They reminded the President that it was Governor Mobolaji Johnson who declared Badagry the official headquarters of the Badagry Division in 1968, citing its political maturity, administrative capacity, and cultural leadership. “Badagry was then a political watershed in Lagos State politics,” the letter recalled.
Even electorally, the stakeholders argue that Badagry has been unwaveringly loyal to the APC, tracing its consistent record of political dominance in the area from the days of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and now to the All Progressives Congress (APC). “All opposition parties are dead in Badagry,” they wrote, noting that the division consistently delivers over 90% of its votes to the ruling party in every election cycle.
Despite this loyalty, Badagry has received very little in return, they argue — not even one federal appointment, Senate seat, or significant ministerial role. This, they say, is not just politically unwise, but unjust.
The message to President Tinubu is clear: if fairness, loyalty, historical contribution, and political performance are the yardsticks for leadership consideration, then Badagry has long earned its rightful place at the table. And as the 2027 election approaches, the division is not just asking — it is asserting — that it is now its turn.
In conclusion, the Concerned People of Badagry Forum are calling on President Tinubu to not only support the zoning of the governorship to Badagry Division, but specifically to the Badagry Local Government area. They also urge the President to consider qualified Badagry indigenes for key appointments at the federal level, in the spirit of inclusiveness, fairness, and national unity.
They end their appeal with a solemn assurance: “Badagry is prepared, more than before, to deliver 99% of its total registered voters for APC come 2027.”
The letter was jointly signed by notable figures including Hon. Olanrewaju Saka Shenayon, High Chief Moses Z. Ogunbiyi, Hon. Sejuro Samuel, Hon. (Mrs.) Rofeequat Arinola Onabamiro, Hon. Kamoru Ajape, and Chief Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku (PhD). It is a unified voice from a proud community that has waited — patiently, loyally, and faithfully — for nearly six decades.
Now, Badagry says, Emi lo kan.
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