The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has commended traditional rulers and religious leaders across Lagos State for their overwhelming endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office and Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as their preferred candidate for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.
AKOD gave the commendation 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 drew more than 3,000 participants, including 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 prosperity of Nigeria. Participants unanimously endorsed President Tinubu for a second term while also declaring their support for Dr. Hamzat as their preferred candidate for the 2027 Lagos governorship election.
Addressing the gathering, AKOD expressed appreciation to traditional rulers and faith-based leaders for their unwavering support for government, describing their partnership as a vital pillar of peace, stability and democratic governance.
“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,” he said.
The chairman described the event as more than a political gathering, noting that it reflected the unity and shared aspirations of the people of Lagos State.
According to him, the relationship between government, traditional institutions and religious leaders has always been built on love, trust and mutual respect, adding that their enduring partnership has continued to strengthen governance and grassroots development across the state.
“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,” AKOD stated.
He disclosed that the programme received the support of the member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, who encouraged the local government to provide every necessary support for the initiative.
AKOD also revealed that the APC has constituted strategic committees ahead of the forthcoming elections, covering youth mobilisation, security, social engagement, religious organisations and traditional institutions to strengthen grassroots participation and ensure effective campaign coordination.
The council boss stressed that traditional rulers and religious leaders occupy a unique and enduring position in society as custodians of culture, values and community cohesion, urging them to continue partnering with government in promoting peace, unity, civic responsibility and peaceful participation in the electoral process.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Onigando of Igando Land, Oba Lasisi Gbadebo Gbadamosi, commended Ikeja Local Government for bringing together 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,” the monarch said.
Also speaking, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Engr. Sulaimon Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, said the special prayer session underscored the Islamic community’s commitment to seeking divine guidance for Nigeria while encouraging citizens to participate responsibly in the democratic process.
The event was attended by several prominent personalities, including 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; 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; as well as other traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, political leaders and community stakeholders from across Lagos State.
