By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
A 93-year-old elder statesman, Pa Andu Liadi Adio, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to honour a long-standing political promise by supporting Badagry Division to produce the next Governor of Lagos State in 2027.
Speaking on Tuesday, 31 March, 2026 at his Badagry residence while addressing journalists, Pa Adio said the appeal became necessary amid growing agitation for equity in the state’s political structure, noting that the division has endured decades of exclusion from top leadership positions.
He explained that he had consistently urged youths championing the cause to remain calm and law-abiding, expressing confidence that the President would act in the interest of justice.
“I have continued to prevail on the youths to remain calm. We believe that justice will be done for Badagry,” he said.
Emphasising the urgency of the demand, the elder statesman maintained that the time had come for Badagry to assume leadership after years of perceived neglect.
“This is the right time for Badagry to take over the mantle of leadership,” he added.
Furthermore, he recalled that during Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State governor, the then administration had requested a nominee from Badagry.
According to him, the division presented Hon. Olanrewaju Saka-Shenayon, who subsequently served as Commissioner for Rural Development and Infrastructure, thereby demonstrating the availability of capable hands within the area.
He stressed that the 1999 nomination effectively debunked claims that Badagry lacks qualified individuals to occupy strategic positions in government.
Meanwhile, Saka-Shenayon, while reinforcing the position, dismissed concerns over the candidacy of Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, despite his private sector background. He noted that Ajose, widely known as “SMA Gold,” has made significant contributions to socio-economic development in Lagos West and to the growth of the All Progressives Congress.
“There is no cause for concern regarding his track record,” he said, underscoring Ajose’s capacity for leadership.
Similarly, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Rafeequat Arinola Onabamiro, described Ajose as well prepared for the governorship, citing his over three decades of professional experience.
In addition, she pointed out that former Lagos State governors, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, did not begin as career politicians but still delivered impactful governance.
However, she lamented the continued marginalisation of Badagry, noting that since the creation of Lagos State in 1967, the division has neither produced a Military Governor, Deputy Governor, Minister nor Secretary to the State Government.
Consequently, Onabamiro said Lagos West Senatorial District has resolved to speak with one voice in backing Ajose’s candidacy, insisting that the demand aligns with the principles of fairness, inclusion and political balance in the state.
