ADEOLA OGUNLADE
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.
Comrade Dauda 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, Comrade Dauda said, “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 Council 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.
Comrade Dauda 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.
