By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS – In an aggressive push to foster internal harmony and consolidate political strength, the SMA Reconciliation Committee has successfully initiated comprehensive peace talks following the recent contentious party primaries in Badagry.
Constituted by prominent Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) leader and former governorship aspirant, Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, the committee convened a high-stakes, two-day summit at the SMA Foundation office in Ibereko on August 7 and 8, 2026. The strategic gathering aimed to address post-primary grievances and forge a united front ahead of upcoming electoral battles.
Setting the tone for the deliberations, the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Saka Senayon, acknowledged that friction and disagreements are natural byproducts of fiercely contested primaries. However, he charged party faithful to look beyond individual losses and focus on the broader objective of harmonising their votes to unlock greater development and political patronage for the division.
“Disagreements were to be expected after the primaries, but we must harmonise our votes,” Hon. Senayon stated, stressing that stronger voter turnout and absolute solidarity remain Badagry’s strongest bargaining chips in Lagos State politics.
The reconciliation process received an immense boost from revered traditional rulers who stepped in to offer counsel. Notable royal fathers in attendance included Oba Oladele Friday Kosovo, the Oniworo of Iworo; Aholu (Oba) Sejiro Olalekan James, the Aholu Henwa of Kweme; and Aholu Agano Toniyon I, the Aholu of Ajara Agamathen.
Aholu Agano Toniyon I implored the various political camps to collapse their structures and marshal their supporters together to boost Badagry's collective voting power. Echoing this call, Aholu Sejiro Olalekan James urged all political actors to wholeheartedly support the reconciliation framework and throw their weight behind the party's ultimate success.
The meetings witnessed profound displays of political maturity as key actors addressed their concerns openly. Hon. Solomon Bonu announced that he had officially put the outcome of the primary behind him, noting that he was already engaging his grassroots support base to douse tension and steer clear of divisive politics.
“I have moved on from the outcome of the primary and I am already engaging my followers to discourage anger, while calling for greater inclusiveness and an end to violent politics,” Hon. Bonu affirmed.
While Hon. Akin Ogunlana, Director-General of the campaign for Hon. Engineer Setonji David, raised valid reservations regarding the conduct of the primary and insisted that genuine grievances must be properly addressed, other leaders rallied for party supremacy. Barrister Peter Owolabi pledged his unalloyed support for the APC, while Hon. Sesi Whingan, Member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, urged all members to remain steadfast and committed to the progressive platform.
The high-profile meeting hosted key party candidates, including Mr. Olusegun Onilude, Mr. Olatunde Oladunjoye, and Mr. Joseph Gbenu, whose formal engagements with the committee were rescheduled to a subsequent date. Other prominent aspirants, such as Williams Ahadji K.F. (Willy-Osha) and Mr. Olufemi Ogunsanya, ensured robust representation through their delegates.