The Isokan Yoruba Group, a leading socio-cultural and political organisation of Lagos State indigenes, has declared support for Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as the next Governor, while calling on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that the Deputy Governorship slot went to a bona fide Lagos indigene.
In a statement issued Monday in Lagos, the President of the Group, Prince Adekunle Adegoroye, said their position followed extensive consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, and indigenous stakeholders across the five administrative divisions of the State –Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe.
“As stakeholders and landlords of Lagos State, we have resolved to support the aspiration of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat to lead our dear state. We acknowledge his competence, experience and loyalty to the progressive family,” Prince Adegoroye stated.
“However, we state clearly and unequivocally: For equity, balance and political inclusion, the next Deputy Governor of Lagos State must be a bona fide Lagos indigene. This is the irreducible minimum for our vote and total support in 2027.”
The group noted that while Lagos remained home to all Nigerians, the principle of fairness demanded that indigenes be represented in the highest offices of their ancestral state.
“From Badagry to Epe, from Ikorodu to Awori-speaking communities, Lagos parades highly qualified, loyal party men and women who can serve excellently as Deputy Governor. They understand the land, the culture and the grassroots,” the statement read.
The Isokan Yoruba Group appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as National Leader of the APC and Political Leader of Lagos State, and to the leadership of the APC, to ensure this demand was factored into the final ticket.
“We are not making this demand from a place of hostility. This is a patriotic call for balance and inclusion. A Lagos indigene as Deputy Governor will deepen social cohesion, strengthen the party’s bond with the grassroots, and guarantee massive indigenous votes for the APC in 2027,” Prince Adegoroye said.
The group reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and to President Tinubu, stressing that the move would consolidate the party’s dominance in Lagos State.
Signed:
Prince Adekunle Adegoroye (President, Isokan Yoruba Group – Indigene of Lagos State -08146660288)
Comrade Shola Omolola (National Secretary, Isokan Yoruba Group -08033815778)
Prince Adewale Samson (National Organising Secretary, Isokan Yoruba Group -08075241111)
Barrister Kayode Alabi (National Legal Adviser, Isokan Yoruba Group -O8023040788)
