Swayed by a groundswell of support and admiration, former supervisory councilor, Hon. (Alhaja) Wakilat Taiwo Agbabiaka-Ifigbe has heeded the clarion call to serve her community as Executive Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in the forthcoming local government elections in Lagos State.
Agbabiaka-Ifigbe, the younger sister to the late Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Adelaja Agbabiaka joined the race for the council chairmanship position following her public endorsement by critical stakeholders of the council area.
At a mini public rally held on Thursday, 1 May, 2025 at Ilesanmi Street, Isolo, Lagos, the erstwhile supervisor for Chieftaincy Affairs was prevailed upon by a mammoth crowd of supporters which included traditional chiefs, youths, market men and women, community leaders, artisans as well as women and ladies within the community to offer her leadership role in bailing Isolo out of despondency of maladministration and ineptitudeness.
Speaking at the occasion, the Agbaakin of Isolo, Chief Yahya Abiodun Lawal Arowooye said Hon. Agbabiaka-Ifigbe represents a breath of fresh hair in local council administration noting that it’s high time to break the jinx preventing an indigene from mounting the leadership saddle of Isolo.
He added that the aspirant has what it takes to succeed as a qualified public administrator of impeccable character and honesty.
“For many years now, she has proven to be trustworthy and that’s the kind of person we need at the council to pilot our affairs,” Agbaakin remarked.
Other speakers such as the Chairman of APC Arewa Community of Isolo LCDA, Alhaji Mansour Sanusi; Seriki Babaloja of Osolo Market, Chief Nurudeen Arowooye; Youth Leader, Comrade Adebisi Oluwatimilehin and Jagun of Awori Land, High Chief Kabir Agbabiaka also paid glowing tribute to the sterling qualities of Hon. Agbabiaka Ifigbe.
In a heart-warming speech, the graduate of Public Administration from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma accepted the call to serve and also expressed her delight over the overwhelming opportunity to serve the people of Isolo.
“With a heart full of humility, love, and a deep sense of duty, I, Alhaja Wakilat Agbabiaka Ifigbe, stand before you today to say: I have heard your call — and I have answered,” she began.
“I did not set out on this journey for personal gain or ambition. I have come forward because of you — the voices of our mothers in the markets; the youth on the streets; the elders in our communities and the non-indigenes who have made Isolo their home. You called me to serve, and I am honored to answer.
“Ọmọ tó bá mọ́yà, ló ń jẹ́kú ìyà ẹni” — A child who knows the pain of the people is the one worthy to lead them.
“My story is not new. For decades, I have walked this path — not only as a politician, but as a sister, a daughter of the land, and a grassroots activist. I have seen the struggles of the widows; the dreams of the young girl who wants education and the tears of our aged fathers who seeks support.
“I have given scholarships because I know education is the ladder to lift families out of poverty. I have mentored our young daughters so they can grow with courage, not fear. I have stood with women who faced domestic violence and I have defended their dignity.
“I have not asked who is Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or Ijaw before offering help — because Isolo belongs to all of us. That is the spirit I inherited from our forefathers — men who opened their hands and lands to non-indigenes, and built a community based on peace and acceptance.
“When the people lead, the leader must follow. I am here today because you, the people, have chosen me to represent you. You believe that we can build a government that listens, serves, and includes. And I believe with all my heart that together — we can.
“Let this campaign be one of peace, hope, and unity. Let our voices rise, not in anger, but in purpose.
“I accept this call to serve — not with pride, but with responsibility. And I promise, by God’s grace, not to disappoint you,” she concluded.
Agbabiaka-Ifigbe is contesting the council chairmanship position of Isolo LCDA under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming local government elections slated to hold on July 12th 2025 across 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs in Lagos.
