By Peter Dansu The wave of grassroots inclusion ushered in by the 2026 Budget of Badagry Local Government is already yielding remarkable o...
By Peter Dansu
The wave of grassroots inclusion ushered in by the 2026 Budget of Badagry Local Government is already yielding remarkable outcomes, and no lawmaker embodies this better than Councilor Pedekun Gbetoyon Mathew of Ward E, whose early strides have earned him the nickname “Oyato”, a Yoruba expression meaning “distinct” or “exceptional.”
Following the approval of the 2026 fiscal plan by Executive Chairman Hon. Babatunde Adande Hunpe, Stakeholders’ Meetings were held simultaneously across all 10 wards of Badagry on Saturday, September 20, 2025. The historic initiative opened the door for residents, youth leaders, market women, community chiefs, and security representatives to directly engage their lawmakers and express pressing community needs for the first time in the council’s legislative history.
In Ward E, the atmosphere was nothing short of jubilant. Core leaders, through their secretary Hon. Tovisode S. H., alongside influential figures such as Baba Fasco (Ldr. Hungbo Fasinu), showered praises on the process and lauded Councilor Pedekun for his sincerity, accessibility, and dedication. It was in this moment that the Ward’s 40 Leaders unanimously christened him “Oyato,” a title that captures his distinctive approach to service.
Stakeholders in Ward E seized the opportunity to spotlight issues central to the community’s welfare. Security topped the list, with calls for the installation of streetlights, provision of security gadgets, and stronger support for local vigilante groups. Youth empowerment also featured prominently, with demands for job creation programs, bursaries, and scholarships to support young people striving for brighter futures.
Health care was another critical concern. Stakeholders urged for improved facilities at Primary Health Centres and Badagry General Hospital, stressing that a healthier population is vital for progress.
The session was more than a dialogue, it was a practical demonstration of democracy at work. The gathering included party leaders, youth representatives, chiefs, Baales, CDA chairmen, security heads (Zangans), market leaders, and loyal party members. For many, it symbolized a new dawn of participatory governance where citizens are not just passive observers but active contributors to decision-making.
Hon. Chief M. Z. Ogunbiyi Aloji, Apex Leader of the Badagry Federation and a respected figure from Ajara Vetho Kingdom, commended both Chairman Hunpe and Councilor Pedekun for their boldness in pioneering such a people-driven initiative. He described the move as “a golden step capable of repositioning democracy and good governance at the grassroots level.”
With Councilor Pedekun’s “Oyato” nickname now echoing across Ward E, expectations are high that his tenure will live up to the standard of excellence the name implies. Residents left the meeting reassured that their voices matter and that governance in Badagry is taking a progressive turn under the renewed hope agenda.
As the discourse closed in peace and unity, with heavy community representation and spirited participation, one thing became clear: democracy in Badagry has taken a new leap—and at the heart of it, a young lawmaker has already distinguished himself as a servant leader worthy of the people’s trust.
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