AKOD Hosts Lagos Baale Forum, League of Chief Imams as 3,000 Pray, Endorse Tinubu, Hamzat Ahead of 2027

Yomi Durojaye 

The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has applauded traditional rulers and religious leaders across Lagos State for their overwhelming endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as their preferred candidate for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.

AKOD made the remarks during the two-day Lagos Baale Forum and League of Chief Imams Special Prayers for Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, hosted by Ikeja Local Government. The event attracted over 3,000 participants, comprising traditional rulers, Baales, Chief Imams, political leaders and community stakeholders from the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across Lagos State.

The gathering featured special prayers for the peace, unity and continued progress of Nigeria, while participants unanimously endorsed President Tinubu for a second term and expressed their support for Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the preferred candidate for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.

Addressing the gathering, AKOD said that we appreciate our traditional rulers and faith-based leaders for their unwavering support for our government. Since 1999, our progressive family has remained committed to nation-building and the development of our people. As we prepare for another important democratic exercise, we seek your continued partnership and support."

The Chairman described the gathering as more than a political event, saying it was "a gathering of one family" united by a shared commitment to the continued progress of Lagos State and Nigeria.

According to him, the relationship between government, traditional institutions and religious leaders has always been built on love, trust and mutual respect.

"As we approach the 2027 general elections, we recognise the strategic role you play in your various communities. We are committed to working closely with you to ensure the successful re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the victory of all candidates of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), contesting for the Senate, House of Representatives and the Lagos State House of Assembly."

He disclosed that the event received the support of the Member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, who encouraged him to provide every necessary support for the programme.

The Chairman further revealed that the APC has established strategic committees in preparation for the forthcoming elections, including committees on youth mobilisation, security, social engagement, religious organisations and traditional institutions.

He noted that traditional rulers and religious leaders occupy a unique position in society because, unlike elected political office holders, they remain enduring custodians of their communities.

AKOD therefore urged them to continue partnering with government in promoting peace, unity, civic responsibility and grassroots mobilisation as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Onigando of Igando Land, Oba Lasisi Gbadebo Gbadamosi, commended Ikeja Local Government for hosting Baales from across Lagos State, describing the initiative as a demonstration of government's renewed commitment to strengthening traditional institutions.

"I appeal to all traditional rulers not to betray the confidence reposed in us. Let us mobilise our people to come out en masse in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the incoming Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, while ensuring that peace prevails in our communities. We do not want violence. Our kingdoms must remain peaceful before, during and after the elections."

Also speaking, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Engr. Sulaimon Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, said the special prayer session formed part of the Islamic community's civic responsibility to seek divine guidance for Nigeria and encourage citizens to actively participate in the democratic process.

Dignitaries at the event included the Onigando of Igando Land, Oba Lasisi Gbadebo Gbadamosi; the Special Adviser on Islamic Matters to the Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Abdullahi Jebe; the member representing Agege Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Jubreel Ayodeji Abdulkareem; the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Engr. Sulaimon Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla; former Executive Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Comrade Engr. Dr. Valentine Buraimoh; the Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Richard Adedamola Kasumu; the Convener and Coordinator of the Lagos Baale Forum, Seyi Bamigbade; alongside other prominent traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, political leaders and community stakeholders. 

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AgegePulse Magazine

Wives of the Chairmen of Agege Local Government and Orile Agege Local Council Development Area, Mrs. Ramat Egunjobi and Mrs. Mojisola Babatunde JP have reiterated commitment towards making lives of youths and women better in the twin councils through the introduction of potent empowerment initiatives.

This commitment was unequivocally expressed at the meeting of Wives of Lagos State Council Chairmen Forum yesterday held in Agege LGA, Lagos.

In separate remarks, the councils' first ladies told the gathering that they are working endlessly to give women and youths everlasting means of survival that would prevent them from being vulnerable to social vices.

Mrs Ramat Egunjobi urged the council members to support their husbands in actualization of the vision of all inclusive government of Lagos State by embarking on empowerment projects that would create Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs and enhance standard of living of people (especially women and youth) in their locality.

On her part, Mrs. Mojisola Babatunde reeled out plans to partner council Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in ensuring youth and women in particular feel the dividends of democracy at the grassroot level.

They both thanked and appreciated Head of Administration of both councils, Chief Mrs. Mayowa Abeke Ikuforiji and Mr. Muiz Azeez Adeola for their inestimable contributions towards the success of the meeting.

At the end, the meeting agreed that members should foster cordial relationship with WAPA office in their respective Councils for smooth executions of plans to alleviate poverty ravaging women under their jurisdiction.

Mrs Mosumola Sofola, President of the Council,  Mrs. Ogidan Vice President, Mrs. Basua, Secretary, Mrs. Abigeil Balogun, Treasurer and Mrs. Olufin, vice chairmen of Agege and Orile Agege, Prince Abiodun Ogunji and Alhaja Kafilat Akanni Pedro were among notable members present at the meeting.

Gov. Ambode appointed as Chairman of Southern Governors Forum (SGF) in Lagos

.Southern Governors unite on true federalism, devolution of powers

…To collaborate on security, infrastructure, economy

For the first time in 12 years, Governors of the Southern States of Nigeria on Monday met in Lagos, where they unanimously reiterated the call for true federalism and devolution of powers to States.

The Governors, in a communique at the end of the meeting read by the host Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, also resolved to collaborate with one another for the growth and development of their economies.

Aside Governor Ambode, the meeting was attended by Governors of Ogun, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Oyo, Seantor Abiola Ajimobi; Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Ebonyi, David Umahi; Edo, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Ondo, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu; Abia, Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Enugu, Mr. Henry Ugwuanyi; Bayelsa, Mr. Seriaki Dickson and Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose.

Governors of Cross River, Anambra and Delta were represented by their Deputies - Mr. Evara Esu; Dr. Ikem Okeke and Mr. Kingsley Otuaru respectively.

Continuing with the communique, Governor Ambode said the Governors after extensive deliberations, also emphasized priority on security and lives and property of citizens of the regions, while also resolving to work on effective linkage on good infrastructure across the 17 States in the region.

At the meeting, Governor Ambode was unanimously appointed as the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum (SGF) while Governors Seriaki Dickson of Bayelsa and David Umahi of Ebonyi States were appointed as Co- Chairmen of the Forum.
The Forum also scheduled the next meeting for Port Harcourt in a yet to be announced date.

Earlier, Governor Ambode, while welcoming his colleagues to the meeting, reflected on the clamour for true federalism and devolution of powers, saying that states will benefit from the envisaged restructuring.

He said the goals of true federalism, which included the strengthening of autonomy and the enhancement of fiscal viability will enable the states to develop at their own pace and based on their peculiarities.

He said the forum had achieved an increased awareness on the sustenance of the national question germane to peaceful co-existence in the country.

However, he said there is a lot to be done and achieved, stressing that true federalism required urgent, meticulous and proactive attention by the forum.

Ambode frowned at what he described as the non-periodic review of the revenue formula as provided by the constitution to reflect evolving realities.

He said the review is crucial to enhance the viability of states and local government and their capacity to fulfil their developmental roles in the polity.

The governor added: “States are disparaged for always carrying begging bowls to Abuja in quest of hand-outs from the Federal Government. This is a function of our present national constitution that burdens the Federal Government with activities and responsibilities that rightly fall within the province of states.

“The productivity and revenue-generating capacities of most states are thus stifled, thus turning them into no better than street beggar states incapable of even meeting routine obligations of paying workers’ salaries and pensions without federal support.”

Ambode recalled that Lagos State had fought and won several legal battles since 1999 that have systematically strengthened her autonomy and enhanced her fiscal viability.

He noted that the state had won the legal control over the management of its environment, the control of urban and physical planning, the regulation of overhead masts, the registration and regulation of hotels and restaurants, and the control of inland waterways.

Ambode said these victories belonged, not only to Lagos, but also to other states, adding that, if Lagos could achieve so much by fighting alone, the Southern Governors’ Forum will accomplish more through collective planning and strategy.
The governor said the forum has been reactivated at the time the National Assembly is harmonising its differences over the 1999 Constitution amendment, which will soon be transmitted to the Houses of Assembly for approval

He said: “It is important for this forum to comprehensively look at the proposed amendments with a view to working with our respective Houses of Assembly to ensure a coordinated response on our part that will strengthen the practice of democracy, federalism, constitutionalism and the rule of law.
Ambode clarified that, while pushing for greater devolution of powers, responsibilities and resources from the centre to the states, the goal of the forum is neither to a weak centre and strong states and vice versa.

The governor paid tribute to former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu for his initiave, recalling that he hosted the first meeting of the forum in Akodo Beach Resort, Ibeju-Lekki, whe he was at the helm of affairs.

He said while the initiative was received with mixed feelings at the time, Tinubu was vindicated later because of its achievements as the forum became a vocal voice on maters of critical importance, not only to the Southern Nigeria, but to the country as a whole.

Ambode hailed the forum for advocating for a special allocation to oil-producing states in the Federation Account, adding that its agitation led to the current 13 per cent revenue derivation and allocation from the Federation Account.

He said: “Another major victory won towards strengthening the country’s practice of true federalism was the declaration by the Supreme Court in 2002 that the then prevalent practice of the Federal Government deducting monies from the Federation Account as a first charge for the funding of Joint Venture Contracts, the NNPC priority projects, servicing of Federal Government’s external debt, the judiciary and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other federal obligations were illegal and unconstitutional.

“The Supreme Court in that case abolished the special funds created by the Federal Government to enable it draw funds from the Federation Account to pay for matters that fell within its exclusive responsibility before sharing whatever was left with states and local governments.”