A coalition of community leaders, youths, and organizations from different parts of Ikorodu Division under the aegis of United Area Clubs on Monday 30th March staged a rally to demand for the consideration of an Ikorodu Division indigene for the 2027 Governorship ticket of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC).
The organizers said the rally was staged to formally present the division’s demand and to seek the support and blessings of traditional authorities.
The rally, which drew participants from various local governments and communities across Ikorodu Division, began earlier in the day at the Ita Elewa recreation centre where stakeholders addressed the press and explained the purpose of the rally.
The group equally visited the palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Engr Dr Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, where they further registered their demand for the next governor of Lagos State to emerge from Ikorodu Division, ahead of the 2027 election.
According to the Chief Lanre Labinjo, Chairman of the United Area Clubs (AUC), a conglomerate of youth groups, bases and organizations, who spoke on behalf of the group, the delegation came to the palace to make their request known and to urge the royal institution to help relay their demand to Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group insisted that Ikorodu Division has capable individuals who can lead Lagos State and should be considered for the plum job.
“We have gathered here from different local governments within Ikorodu Division. Since morning we have been at the recreation centre where we addressed the press and stated clearly what Ikorodu wants,” he said.
“Epe has produced the governor of Lagos State twice consecutively. However, Ikorodu also has capable hands who can lead the state. That is why we are pleading that the next governor should come from Ikorodu Division.”
Chief Olarewaju Olabinjo, however clarified that the United Area Club is a non-governmental group and not a political group.
However, he said members felt compelled to stage the rally after observing what they described as a lack of significant representation for Ikorodu in Lagos State politics for decades.
“United Area Club is an NGO and not a political organization. But looking at what is happening in Lagos State, it seems Ikorodu has been left behind,” Olabinjo said.
“For over 30 years now, Ikorodu has not held any major position in the state. That is why we decided to mobilize our members for this rally as a way of pressing home our demands by reaching to our political leaders to do the needful, in the interest of Ikorodu Division”, he added.
Labinjo further noted that the division had previously participated in political campaigns and supported government initiatives, including rallies connected to the Renewed Hope Agenda and re-election campaignof the President.
He however insisted that the group believes it was now time for Ikorodu to demand for the number one leadership position at the state level.
Olabinjo equally noted that the rally was peaceful and focused on advocacy rather than confrontation. According to him, consultations are ongoing with stakeholders and political leaders across Lagos State to ensure that Ikorodu’s request receives consideration ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We are not here to fight or insult anyone. We are only appealing that it is our turn. Other divisions like Epe have done it twice, Lagos Island twice, and Badagry once. Therefore, we believe Ikorodu should produce the next governor of Lagos State, come 2027”
Responding to the appeal, Oba Dr Eng Adewale Shotobi the Ayangunren of ikorodu Kabiyesi, welcomed the gathering and acknowledged the message delivered by the youths and leaders of the division.
Oba Shotobi assured the crowd that their request would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities.
The monarch further stressed that the request was not about demanding a governor for Ikorodu alone but about giving the division the opportunity to serve the entire state. However, he encouraged unity among residents and leaders within the division as they pursue the aspiration.
“The governorship you are asking for is not for Ikorodu alone but for Lagos State as a whole. I pray that God grants your request. As long as the candidate comes from Ikorodu, whether from any community within the division we are fine.”
The rally marks one of the most visible political mobilizations from the Ikorodu Division in recent years as consultations and lobbying for the 2027 governorship race begin to gather momentum across various political gladiators in Lagos State.
