Dare Babalola
Lagos governorship aspirant and former Head of Service, Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, on Monday congratulated Princess Damilola Sonayon James on her emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate for the state.
Ajose described the development as a significant milestone for Badagry and a major step toward greater political inclusion in the state.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ajose, who recently stepped down from the governorship race in support of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat’s bid, said James’ emergence was a well-deserved recognition of her dedication, service, and commitment to the ruling party.
He noted that the development represented a proud moment for the people of Badagry, who have for years advocated greater representation in the political leadership of Lagos State.
“I warmly congratulate Princess Damilola Sonayon James on your emergence as the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate for Lagos State,” Ajose said.
“This is a proud moment for Badagry and a well-deserved recognition of your dedication, service, and commitment to our great party.”
The former Head of Service stressed that his longstanding advocacy for Badagry’s inclusion in the state’s political leadership was never driven by personal ambition but by a desire to ensure that the division secured a meaningful place in decision-making processes.
“For those of us who have consistently advocated for greater inclusion and representation for Badagry, this milestone is both meaningful and encouraging. My advocacy was never about personal ambition, but about ensuring that our people have a voice and a place at the table,” he stated.
Ajose wished the APC deputy governorship candidate wisdom, strength and success as she prepares for the task ahead, expressing confidence in her ability to contribute to the development of Lagos State.
“I celebrate this achievement with you and wish you wisdom, strength, and success in the journey ahead. Congratulations once again,” he added.
Meanwhile, social commentator and civic advocate, Segun Awosanya, popularly known as Segalink, on Monday renewed calls for greater political representation for Badagry, arguing that the division has suffered decades of marginalisation within Lagos State’s power structure.
In a post on X, Segalink said the people of Badagry had been systematically excluded from key political opportunities since the 1960s, describing the situation as a long-standing injustice that deserved urgent correction.
“When I decided to intervene in the long-standing political marginalization of the Badagry people within the IBILE division of Lagos, a systemic exclusion orchestrated both wittingly and unwittingly since the 1960s, I felt a profound sense of duty to raise awareness and champion its correction,” he wrote.
The activist maintained that political inclusion and equitable representation should remain central considerations in determining future leadership arrangements in Lagos State.
While advocating greater representation for the division, Segalink praised Samuel Mawuyon Ajose for championing the cause of Badagry and described him as a leader who has consistently advanced the interests of the area.
“Dr. Samuel Ajose has proven himself, time and again, to be a leader of exceptional repute and a true pathfinder,” he stated.
Segalink further argued that the emergence of a deputy governor from Badagry would mark a significant breakthrough for advocates of inclusion and fairness in Lagos politics.
“Should the state, in its wisdom, choose a deputy governor from Badagry in the forthcoming elections, it would represent a significant victory for this advocacy and the strategic vision advanced by SMA Gold,” he added.
The remarks come amid growing conversations around zoning, power-sharing and political representation ahead of the next electoral cycle in Lagos State.
