Ikorodu Council Boss Endorses Lagos Lawmaker's Quest for Fourth Term, Brushes Off Criticism

Lagos State's Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area Chairman, Hammed Aroyewun, has reiterated his backing for Babajimi Benson, dismissing claims of opposition within the Justice Forum to the lawmaker's continued tenure at the House of Representatives.

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Aroyewun made this statement available to PUNCH Online on Thursday, labeling such claims as inaccurate and not reflective of his stance or that of the community, stating "I consider it necessary to state, clearly and without ambiguity, that such claims do not reflect my views, nor do they represent the true position of the good people of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA."

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He rejected any notion of division within the political group, emphasizing that internal positions should not be misrepresented, and as the Executive Chairman of the LCDA and a committed member of the Justice Forum, he will not stand for any attempt to misrepresent the group's stance or project personal opinions as a collective decision.

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PUNCH Online had previously reported that political tension is escalating in Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the Justice Forum openly rejected the reported fourth-term ambition of the lawmaker representing the area, Babajimi Benson.

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Aroyewun noted that after consulting with residents and stakeholders, he found strong support for Benson across the constituency, saying "From my direct engagement with residents, community leaders, youth groups, artisans, and stakeholders across our wards and CDAs, the reality is unmistakable: there is strong, consistent, and growing support for Hon. Babajimi Benson."

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This support, according to Aroyewun, is due to what he described as visible performance and development impact, stating "This support is not built on sentiment; it is built on visible performance, accessibility, and sustained impact."

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He highlighted various infrastructure projects, including road construction across Ikorodu Federal Constituency, as evidence of effective representation, citing over 100 roads facilitated across the constituency, including the ongoing 13km Offin–Oreta Road, a critical economic corridor linking over 50 communities.

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Within Igbogbo/Baiyeku, Aroyewun listed several completed or ongoing roads, which he said demonstrate "purposeful representation" and underscore Benson's commitment to the area's development.

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On security, he pointed to the establishment of a smart police station in Elepe, which has strengthened local security architecture, and in healthcare, he referenced the 80-bed Mother and Child Hospital in Imota and plans for a Federal Medical Centre in Igbogbo/Baiyeku, describing them as "generational milestones".

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Aroyewun also praised social intervention programmes such as the iCare FoodBank initiative, which supports thousands of vulnerable residents monthly, saying "Through initiatives like the iCare FoodBank, thousands of vulnerable residents receive monthly support."

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Regarding legislative performance, Aroyewun noted Benson's role as Chairman of the House Committee on Defence and his sponsorship of multiple bills, including landmark legislation such as the DICON Amendment Act, stating "As Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Benson has sponsored over 50 bills."

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Aroyewun urged residents to support continuity in representation, arguing that development should not be disrupted, saying "Development is not accidental, it is built over time through relationships, experience, and capacity."

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He advised political actors to pursue their ambitions through democratic processes, stating "Anyone who aspires to contest should courageously present themselves at the ballot and test their popularity."

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Aroyewun concluded by reaffirming his stance, saying "I stand firmly and unapologetically in support of Hon. Babajimi Benson… supporting his continuity is about protecting progress and securing a stronger future for Ikorodu Division."