By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Badagry Local Government and Lagos State |
In the intricate political tapestry of Lagos State, Nigeria, the ancient and historic division of Badagry stands out for a perplexing contradiction, unparalleled loyalty met with perceived political neglect. While Lagos Island, Ikeja, Ikorodu, and Epe have all seen their sons ascend to the highest office in the state, Badagry remains the forgotten division, its name conspicuously absent from the roster of governors since the state's creation.
This glaring omission persists despite a voting record that defines party fidelity.
The depth of Badagry's commitment to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its predecessor parties is a matter of electoral record. Since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Badagry LGA has consistently delivered over 95% of its votes to the APC, a margin that often outperforms neighboring constituencies.
This loyalty peaked during the 2023 presidential election, where the division was the second-highest contributor of votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu across the entire state. Notably, Badagry has never rocked the party boat, steadfastly supporting official candidates and virtually obliterating opposition influence within its core territory.
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A historical review of Lagos State's leadership underscores the extent of Badagry's exclusion. From Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson (Lagos Island) in 1967 to the incumbent, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos Island), the governorship has rotated among the other four divisions.
Military administrators like Commodore Adekunle Lawal (Lagos Island) and Air Commodore Gbolahan Mudashiru (Ikorodu) held sway, followed by elected civilians Alhaji Lateef Jakande (Lagos Island), Sir Michael Otedola (Epe), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (Ikeja), Mr. Babatunde Fashola (Lagos Island), and Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (Epe). This list reveals a clear pattern from which Badagry has been entirely omitted.
This combination of steadfast loyalty and historical sidelining has fostered a growing sense of frustration within the Badagry community. Leaders and residents argue that such demonstrable commitment should translate into tangible political empowerment and inclusion in the state's highest echelons of power.
The sentiment on the ground is that Badagry's contributions are taken for granted, with its developmental needs often taking a backseat compared to other divisions that have enjoyed the clout of producing a governor.
Consequently, there is a mounting appeal to the state leadership and the APC party structure. Stakeholders from Badagry are urgently calling for rectification of this longstanding imbalance.
They entreat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and party leaders to consciously integrate Badagry into the state's political equation, ensuring that future considerations for high office, including the governorship, justly include a son or daughter of the division that has, for decades, been Lagos' most loyal fortress.