By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Samuel Ajose andHRM Oba Abd’Kabir Adewale Shotobi |
IKORODU, LAGOS STATE — In a historic bridge-building exercise, the traditional rulers of Ikorodu Division have formally "adopted" Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose (SMA), a prominent governorship aspirant from the Badagry Federation, as their "son."
The endorsement took place during a high-profile courtesy visit to the palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Abd’Kabir Adewale Shotobi, on Friday, January 31, 2026.
The visit, which brought together first-class monarchs from across the Ikorodu Division, was described by the delegation as a strategic engagement to foster unity between the different divisions of Lagos State. While the 2027 governorship election remains on the horizon, the monarchs emphasized that the meeting was centered on the principles of equity, transparency, and inclusive governance for all Lagosians.
A Royal Welcome and the ‘IBILE’ Bond
Receiving the delegation, Oba Shotobi referenced his long-standing relationship with the late Akran of Badagry, expressing his condolences to the people of the Badagry Federation. In a profound gesture of solidarity, the Ayangburen declared, "We have adopted you as our son in Ikorodu," a statement that underscores the growing alliance between the Ikorodu and Badagry divisions.
The monarch noted that Lagos must continue to adhere to its IBILE principles an acronym representing the five administrative divisions: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos [Eko], and Epe. He stressed that the state’s leadership should reflect the diversity of these regions, ensuring that no single division is left behind in the quest for development.
Shared History and Vision for 2027
Speaking on behalf of the gathered traditional rulers, the Ranodu of Imota Kingdom, HRM Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare Agoro, highlighted the historical and developmental ties between Ikorodu and Badagry. He noted that a leader emerging from either division would be uniquely positioned to understand the needs of underserved communities.
"All of us present here today are indigenes of Lagos State... we have accepted you," Oba Agoro stated, signaling a departure from traditional divisional silos in favor of a more unified political front.
Dr. Ajose’s Mission: Engagement, Not Campaigning
Responding to the royal fathers, Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose clarified that the visit was not an official campaign launch but a vital step in his "consultation tour" of traditional institutions. As a business expert and native of Badagry, Ajose explained that his aspiration is rooted in a desire to ensure that all parts of the state have a voice in the Alausa Government House.
"Our visit today is intended for engagement and awareness," Dr. Ajose said. "It is to formally introduce myself to the royal fathers who are the custodians of our culture and stakeholders in the Ikorodu Division."
Breaking the ‘Badagry Capacity’ Myth
The delegation included several political heavyweights, including former federal lawmaker Hon. Bamgbose Huntoyon. Huntoyon introduced Dr. Ajose as an expert in business and a true son of the soil, noting that the governorship bid was partly inspired by public discourse questioning whether Badagry could produce a governor for the state.
The SMA Campaign Team, led by Dr. Mesewaku and Director-General Mr. Ahmed Salami, has signaled that this visit is just the beginning. The team plans to visit traditional rulers in the Ikeja, Epe, and Lagos Island divisions to further their message of "Total Inclusion."
A Commitment to Stability and Continuity
During the deliberations, the monarchs also expressed their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, crediting his leadership with the stability Lagos has enjoyed over the decades.
They maintained that any candidate seeking to lead Lagos must be prepared to build upon this foundation while ensuring that "equity and transparency" remain the hallmarks of their administration.
IKORODU, LAGOS STATE — In a historic bridge-building exercise, the traditional rulers of Ikorodu Division have formally "adopted" Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose (SMA), a prominent governorship aspirant from the Badagry Federation, as their "son."
The endorsement took place during a high-profile courtesy visit to the palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Abd’Kabir Adewale Shotobi, on Friday, January 31, 2026.
The visit, which brought together first-class monarchs from across the Ikorodu Division, was described by the delegation as a strategic engagement to foster unity between the different divisions of Lagos State. While the 2027 governorship election remains on the horizon, the monarchs emphasized that the meeting was centered on the principles of equity, transparency, and inclusive governance for all Lagosians.
A Royal Welcome and the ‘IBILE’ Bond
Receiving the delegation, Oba Shotobi referenced his long-standing relationship with the late Akran of Badagry, expressing his condolences to the people of the Badagry Federation. In a profound gesture of solidarity, the Ayangburen declared, "We have adopted you as our son in Ikorodu," a statement that underscores the growing alliance between the Ikorodu and Badagry divisions.
The monarch noted that Lagos must continue to adhere to its IBILE principles an acronym representing the five administrative divisions: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos [Eko], and Epe. He stressed that the state’s leadership should reflect the diversity of these regions, ensuring that no single division is left behind in the quest for development.
Shared History and Vision for 2027
Speaking on behalf of the gathered traditional rulers, the Ranodu of Imota Kingdom, HRM Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare Agoro, highlighted the historical and developmental ties between Ikorodu and Badagry. He noted that a leader emerging from either division would be uniquely positioned to understand the needs of underserved communities.
"All of us present here today are indigenes of Lagos State... we have accepted you," Oba Agoro stated, signaling a departure from traditional divisional silos in favor of a more unified political front.
Dr. Ajose’s Mission: Engagement, Not Campaigning
Responding to the royal fathers, Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose clarified that the visit was not an official campaign launch but a vital step in his "consultation tour" of traditional institutions. As a business expert and native of Badagry, Ajose explained that his aspiration is rooted in a desire to ensure that all parts of the state have a voice in the Alausa Government House.
"Our visit today is intended for engagement and awareness," Dr. Ajose said. "It is to formally introduce myself to the royal fathers who are the custodians of our culture and stakeholders in the Ikorodu Division."
Breaking the ‘Badagry Capacity’ Myth
The delegation included several political heavyweights, including former federal lawmaker Hon. Bamgbose Huntoyon. Huntoyon introduced Dr. Ajose as an expert in business and a true son of the soil, noting that the governorship bid was partly inspired by public discourse questioning whether Badagry could produce a governor for the state.
The SMA Campaign Team, led by Dr. Mesewaku and Director-General Mr. Ahmed Salami, has signaled that this visit is just the beginning. The team plans to visit traditional rulers in the Ikeja, Epe, and Lagos Island divisions to further their message of "Total Inclusion."
A Commitment to Stability and Continuity
During the deliberations, the monarchs also expressed their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, crediting his leadership with the stability Lagos has enjoyed over the decades.
They maintained that any candidate seeking to lead Lagos must be prepared to build upon this foundation while ensuring that "equity and transparency" remain the hallmarks of their administration.