By Peter Dansu The Aholu Agano Toniyon I of Agamathen Kingdom in Ajara, Badagry, has firmly denied claims that he described Lagos State Dep...
By Peter Dansu
The Aholu Agano Toniyon I of Agamathen Kingdom in Ajara, Badagry, has firmly denied claims that he described Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as the “incoming governor” during the recent Eko Ibile programme.
The monarch’s reaction follows the earlier clarification by the Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council, Tajudeen Olusi, who had distanced himself from endorsing Hamzat for the 2027 governorship race. Olusi had explained in an interview with the Daily Independent Newspaper that the controversial remark did not originate from him, but was allegedly first made by a traditional ruler from Badagry who spoke at the event in both Egun and English.
But speaking during a telephone interview with Badagry Today, the Agano of Ajara, Aholu Toniyon I, dismissed the claim, stating clearly that he never made such a statement at any point during the programme.
According to him, his address at the gathering was focused entirely on advocating for Badagry Division to produce the next governor of Lagos State. He stressed that his remarks, both in Egun and English, were directed at promoting the governorship aspiration of Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, whom he openly supports.
“I did not at any time refer to the Deputy Governor as ‘incoming governor,’” the monarch said. “My message was clear and consistent. I spoke about the need for Badagry to take its rightful place in Lagos politics and specifically called for support for Samuel Ajose.”
He further noted that video recordings of his speech are already in the public domain, challenging anyone in doubt to verify his claims. He maintained that at no point did he make any reference suggesting endorsement of Hamzat.
While expressing respect for Olusi as an elder statesman, the monarch questioned why such a statement would be attributed to him, insisting that the narrative does not reflect what transpired.
The controversy stems from remarks made at the high-profile Eko Ibile gathering held at the MUSON Centre, which has since triggered political conversations across Lagos ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
With both Olusi and the Badagry monarch now denying responsibility for the “incoming governor” comment, the source of the remark remains unclear, even as political observers continue to dissect its implications in the evolving succession debate.
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