By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS — In an atmosphere charged with immense joy and cultural pride, the Youths, traditional leaders, community chiefs, and the good people of Kweme Kingdom converged on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to celebrate their daughter, Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James, following her landmark announcement as the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
The gathering took place at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sejiro Olalekan James (JP), the Aholu of Kweme Kingdom, where community members explicitly expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the APC for recognizing grassroots loyalty and merit.
Speaking at the palace, Pascal Ajande, a youth representative in the community, emphasized that her emergence is a continuation of a profound family legacy dedicated to the development of Badagry and Lagos State.
"We all know the history of her grandfather and her father, Hon. Bolarinwa Seyon James, who was a member of the House of Representatives for Badagry from 1999 to 2003," Ajande stated.
"Their good work in service is well known. Today, Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James is continuing that same legacy. She is known for caring for people, her love for the community, and her focus on development."
Ajande further extended the kingdom's profound gratitude to the apex leadership of the party.
"We are using this medium to appreciate all stakeholders who have made this possible, most importantly Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership. We also thank Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State APC Chairman, party leaders, the Chairmen in Badagry, and our royal fathers. Today is a win for Kweme, Badagry, and Lagos State. It shows that hard work, loyalty, and service bring rewards."
The announcement has triggered widespread optimism across the region, with many pointing to her exceptional performance during her tenure as the Supervisor for Agriculture in the Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
Raji Usman, the youth leader of Kweme Kingdom, recalled her inclusive governance style during her time in local administration.
"There is a lot we can say about her when she was the superstar for Agriculture in Badagry West LCDA," Usman remarked. "She did a lot in Kweme Kingdom and she did not restrict it to Kweme alone. She extended her impactful work to Farasime, Aseri, Iroso Ogologbo, and Gedun. Someone who could do all that as a supervisor will definitely do better in a higher office. She knows what we lack because she has always lived here with us."
An elder in the community, Dauda Mautin, shared the overwhelming emotion that gripped the kingdom upon hearing the political breakthrough.
"When I heard she was announced as the incoming Deputy Governor for 2027, I was so joyous that I couldn't eat throughout that day," Mautin confessed. "We are certain that our challenges, like good roads, youth employment opportunities, and electricity, will be addressed. My advice to all residents of Badagry West is to show total love to her and this administration, and ensure we come out en masse to vote to secure her success."
The enthusiasm is equally strong among women groups in Badagry, who describe Hon. Sonayon-James as a unifying figure capable of driving gender-inclusive growth in Lagos State.
Affirming their readiness for the upcoming political campaign, women leader Fajinu Kudirat stated:
"Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James is a hardworking woman who loves bringing women together. There is nothing we need from her within her capacity that she won't give us, and we are completely ready to support her at any time."
The Kweme youth leadership concluded by reassuring the state leadership that the kingdom stands fully behind their daughter, expressing absolute confidence that she will serve the state with honesty, wisdom, humility, and excellence.