Lagos 2027: Top Tinubu Associate, Olusi Hints at Potential Replacement for Sanwo-Olu

Notable figures, including Chairman of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, former Minister of Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, attended the General Assembly of Indigenous Associations in Lagos State, hosted by the IBILE Eko Summit Foundation at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, on Wednesday.

n

The event, themed "Addressing Urbanization and Urban Challenges of Lagos State," featured discussions on the state's future, with Olusi hinting at a possible successor to incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, sparking curiosity among political stakeholders.

n

Olusi repeatedly referred to Hamzat as the "incoming Governor of Lagos," suggesting a potential consensus candidate for the forthcoming gubernatorial primary, a remark that drew visible reactions from delegates and fueled speculation about succession politics in the state.

n

The Ibile Eko Summit, a strategic forum within Lagos' political architecture, brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, and influential stakeholders to project elite consensus on governance direction and political continuity, with Olusi's comments expected to intensify conversations around succession dynamics.

n

Hamzat, who has been Deputy Governor of Lagos State since 2019, has been mentioned as a prominent figure in discussions about the state's future leadership, with his push reportedly backed by the old guard within the Justice Forum, a influential political bloc founded by his late father.

n

Hamzat has maintained a visible presence in high-level stakeholder meetings, and his support team has been mobilizing for support ahead of next month's primaries, with the incumbent Governor, Sanwo-Olu, throwing his weight behind his deputy, describing him as "the right man for the job."

n

The Governor's Advisory Council, led by Tajudeen Olusi, has expressed support for Hamzat as the consensus candidate, with Olusi describing Hamzat as a "son of the soil" and a "cousin from Egbe," highlighting his indigenous standing within the state's traditional and political structures.

n

Hamzat has continued to hold strategic meetings with members of the GAC, party leaders, and key stakeholders, with his journey reflecting over two decades of consistent, high-level public service, having served as commissioner under the Tinubu administration and alongside Sanwo-Olu.

n

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Hamzat, stressed the importance of effective urbanization in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, for unlocking economic prosperity, improving connectivity, and fostering the empowerment of indigenous communities.

n

Sanwo-Olu noted that urbanization is not the enemy of indigenous identity, but must be guided by a government that sees, hears, and plans with the people, emphasizing the need for inclusive development and community engagement.

n

The Governor highlighted his administration's investments in infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, housing, and economic development across all five IBILE divisions, citing the Opebi-Mende Link Bridge and the operational Red Line Rail in Ikeja, among others.

n

Former Minister of Housing, Fashola, called for urgent reforms in key sectors such as housing and transportation, advocating for a more structured and inclusive approach to managing the rapid urbanization of Lagos, and emphasizing the importance of reliable data for effective governance.

n

Fashola urged key ministries to engage more actively with stakeholders, presenting clear plans, challenges, and expectations, and called for renewed investment in mass transit systems and the development of housing along emerging rail corridors.

n

President of the IBILE Eko Summit Foundation, Olasupo Shasore, stated that the forum aimed to strengthen unity among indigenous groups and address challenges affecting their identity and development, promoting inclusion by creating a platform for indigenous voices to contribute to the development of Lagos State.

n

Shasore stressed the importance of unity and cultural identity, describing it as a key strength for driving sustainable development and greater global recognition of Lagos and its people, and emphasized the need to align development with global standards such as the Sustainable Development Goals.

n

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akinolu, represented by the Bajulaye of Lagos, Prince Ayodele Oyekan, commended the IBILE Eko Summit Foundation for its commitment to the development of indigenous people in Lagos, noting that the Council of Obas in Lagos prioritizes the growth and upliftment of all IBILE divisions in the state.