Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has assured residents—particularly those in Ikorodu Division—of a comprehensive urban renewal programme and renewed advocacy for state policing if he emerges as his party’s candidate and is elected governor in 2027.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking during a consultative visit to Ikorodu, Hamzat stressed the strategic importance of Lagos to the country, warning of dire consequences if the state falters. “If Lagos fails, Nigeria will experience untold difficulties,” he said.
Amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding consensus arrangements within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, the deputy governor continued his outreach, meeting with key political stakeholders and community leaders in the division.
Among those he visited were former Deputy Governor Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; ex-Commissioner for Agriculture, Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya; and APC chairman in Ikorodu, Olasunkanmi Tijani. He was accompanied by prominent figures, including former senators Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon, alongside other party chieftains.
Welcoming Hamzat, Ogunleye expressed support for his aspiration despite earlier unmet expectations within the division. “As believers in God, we accept that His will has been done in the choice of Hamzat. We support you and pray that God will guide you in the onerous task of serving Lagos,” he said.
At another stop, the Asiwaju of Igbogbo Kingdom and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Olorunfemi Bashorun, also voiced confidence in Hamzat’s chances, whether through endorsement or party primaries.
“I am not alone in this; the entire Igbogbo community shares this sentiment. I have no doubt about your competence, humility and dedication to duty. God, who helped your predecessors, will see you through,” he stated.
Former Lagos Head of Service, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, also attested to the deputy governor’s leadership qualities, while former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, advised him to set up committees that would lay the groundwork for a successful administration.
In Kosofe, another GAC member, Pa Olumuyiwa Sosanya, recalled how he, President Bola Tinubu, and Senator Anthony Adefuye persuaded Hamzat to step down for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2019—a request he honoured.
Responding, Hamzat assured stakeholders that their demands for improved infrastructure and better living conditions would be prioritised. However, he urged residents to be open to change.
“However, the question is: are we ready to support the government when it is time for urban renewal? People are often resistant to change, but without some level of sacrifice, it is difficult to achieve the kind of transformation we desire,” he said.
He also reiterated the need for state policing to strengthen security across Lagos, noting that many of the state’s security challenges stem from external actors, making a decentralised policing structure essential.
