Tag: Sanwo-Olu

…says no tolerance for underperformance

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday barred the 57 Local Government chairmen sworn-in yesterday from appointing Secretary to Local Governments (SLGs) and Supervisory Councillors.

The governor made the announcement shortly after he swore-in the newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen across the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state.

The event took place at the Sports Ground, Lagos House, Ikeja.

He urged them to use the next 30 to 60 days to settle down and familiarize themselves with the needs of their communities.

The state government, he said, would inform the chairmen when it’s time to make the appointments.

The governor, however, enjoined them to quickly appoint Chief of Staffs to aid the coordination of their daily activities.

He urged them to embrace inclusive leadership and prioritise the welfare of residents.

While assuring them that the state has stayed true to the local government autonomy, he charged the council chiefs to use their power wisely and guard it with transparency.

According to him, there will be no tolerance for underperformance.

He warned that those who betray the people’s trust will be held accountable as Lagos deserves nothing less.

“We are living through a new era of local government autonomy—fiscal and administrative independence now affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Lagos has consistently taken the lead in this regard. As chairmen, you now have direct access to your council’s funds. With this comes direct accountability. No excuses. No finger pointing. The buck now stops with you.

 “Use this autonomy wisely. Guard it with transparency. Let your tenure reflect not political entitlement, but public responsibility. Leadership must never be about personal gain; it must be about public impact,” he advised.

While describing their emergence as a call to service and selfless leadership, the governor called on them to be courageous, transparent, and accountable to the people at the grassroots level.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the strength of Lagos lies in the vibrancy, capacity, and effectiveness of its 57 local councils, and therefore urged the newly sworn-in chairmen to lead with compassion, and clarity of purpose, adding that they must not be driven by ambition but by service.

He said: “The people have placed in your hands not just votes but their dreams. Their expectations are clear: better roads, safer streets, functioning health centres, thriving schools, modern markets, environmental sanitation, youth engagement, and community security. These are not abstractions; they are daily necessities. And your performance will be measured not by the eloquence of your speeches but by the visibility of your actions.

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 “Lagos is counting on you to bring development to every street, every ward, every community. Let the THEMES+ agenda of our administration come alive in your domains. Translate our vision in Transportation, Health, Education, Environment, Security and Social Inclusion into projects that impact lives. Let rural communities feel the presence of the government. Let our riverine and underserved areas know that they, too, are not forgotten. Governance must be inclusive, equitable, and people-centred.

 “Your success is our success. The State Government stands firmly with you. We will support you. We will work with you. But we will also hold you to the highest standards.”

Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Bolaji Robert, said the successful emergence of the new chairmen at the polls was a testament to their acceptance by the people and an endorsement of their leadership.

The Commissioner said the election and swearing-in of the council chairmen and their deputies is a call to deepen governance at the grassroots level and ensure service delivery to all.

He praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering commitment to democracy at the grassroots, noting that necessary mechanisms were put in place through the leadership provided by the Governor to ensure peaceful, transparent, and credible local government elections.

Speaking on behalf of the new council chairmen, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Sesan Olowa, appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu and the people of Lagos for the opportunity and platform provided to them to serve.

Olowa, who was elected shortly after event as the Chairman of Conference 57, assured that he and his colleagues across the 57 councils will remain committed to sustaining the legacy of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and delivering impactful governance.

“We will uphold the values of the APC and ensure that development touches every ward and community under our care,” he pledged.

In attendance were Sanwo-Olu’ wife, Ibijoke; Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Hamzat; members of the state exco; Speaker Mudasiru Obasa-led state assembly members; national assembly members; Prince Tajudeen Olusi-led Governance Advisory Council (GAC); party leaders led by APC Lagos State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi; traditional rulers; Kolade Alabi-led former council chairmen; leaders of market men and women; party faithful and supporters of the council chiefs.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended the Olanipekun family for donating a state-of-the-art physiotherapy centre to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

The centre, named after the renowned legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, was built by his son, Mr. Bode Olanipekun, SAN, and his wife, Tolu.

The two-storey multi-million facility boasts cutting-edge equipment, modern architecture, and advanced fire safety features, and is expected to enhance the hospital’s physiotherapy services and provide quality care to patients.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Sunday, the governor saluted the positive spirits of Olanipekun for investing in humanity through their various philanthropic interventions and investment in the health sector.

“What Bode and Tolu have done is not just a structure. It is a statement. It’s a challenge to all of us to use our little space to give back,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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“This project is a challenge for me. As an alumnus of UNILAG, the Olanipekuns had set him on a race to match their impact in the University”, he added.

Chief Olanipekun, who almost betrayed emotion, expressed gratitude and joy that his son had chosen to honour him in such a meaningful way.

The legal giant, who described the event as one of his best moments in life, said,

The project came to him as a big surprise, as he was neither informed nor carried along from its conceptualisation to the completion stage.

“When Bode called me about nine days ago and said Chief, I have a surprise for you, I thought he was joking. I then replied, “Do you want to give me money “? Because I needed money at that time.

“He continued by saying I built a small structure for you at LUTH, and I want you to be present at the commissioning. I thought it was just a small bungalow, but he sent the details to me, and I became so emotional, and tears started rolling down my face. I can’t believe it, and I can’t claim ownership of this project, because I knew nothing about it.

“I was happy because I didn’t have the opportunity to do this for my parents when they were alive, though I took good care of them till they died. I was able to build some structures in their honour after their demise. I am extremely happy today that I have a child doing this for me when I am still alive”, he added.

The donor, Bode Olanipekun (SAN), said he was inspired to read Law because he saw the beauty of the Legal Profession in the brilliant ways his father used to address the courts.

He disclosed that his father was kept in the dark about the project, which he said was meant to be a big surprise, adding that the architect of the vision was his wife.

He said, “It was my wife’s idea. I only stole it and ran with it. She found the contractor, sourced the equipment, and ensured every line and finishing met her uncompromising standards. My new awareness of architectural precision came only from living with Tolu.

“Now I know when a line isn’t straight. And that’s because I’ve lived with someone who sees what others overlook.”

The LUTH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, who described the building as a legacy project, highlighted the importance of the centre in the hospital’s vision to transform into a truly 21st-century healthcare facility.

“About two years ago, Bode and Tolu approached us with this proposal. We had no idea it would be this massive. It has surpassed all expectations. Their attention to detail and insistence on quality delayed the project, but also elevated it”, he said. 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has inaugurated legacy projects in the Agboyi-Ketu and Bariga Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), facilitated by the council chairmen.

Sanwo-Olu, on Friday inaugurated the Otunba Bushura Alebiosu Multipurpose Building, Agboyi Community Primary School, Agboyi Ketu ICT Hub, Oba Taiwo Adesegun Lamina Sport Centre, and a network of four roads at Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, facilitated by the council chairman, Hon. Dele Osinowo.

The governor also commissioned a legislative chamber, 21 networks of roads, five Primary Health Centres, three newly built primary schools, and one fire station in Bariga LCDA, facilitated by the Hon. Kolade Alabi-led administration.

The governor commended the council chairmen for delivering dividends of democracy to people at the grassroots.

He said his administration would continue to support the council administration carrying out laudable projects for the people.

Sanwo-Olu said the 57 councils in Lagos State enjoy full autonomy from the State Government, noting that many local governments were able to carry out impactful projects because they had always received their full allocation without state interference.

The governor said: “As we formally commission these initiatives, let this achievement resound across every corner of Lagos; this administration’s work is ongoing and relentless. From Bariga to Badagry, from Ikorodu to Epe, we are steadfastly building a Lagos that delivers and a Lagos that works for all its people.”

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He urged the incoming administrations to take up the baton and do more than their soon-to-be predecessors.

The governor also urged residents of the two LCDAs and Lagosians at large to protect and maintain public facilities.

“Use them well, care for them diligently, and make sure that they remain vibrant centres of your community life for many years to come, and I assure you that the government will continue to invest in you and your community. To achieve this, I ask for your active involvement through your ideas and determination so that we can sustain this progress,” he advised.

In his speech, Osinowo, described the projects  as his parting gifts to the people of the area for trusting him with the leadership for eight years.

Osinowo, who expressed confidence in the incoming council administration led by Mrs. Adetola Abubakar, called on the people of Agboyi-Ketu to support her as they did for him to succeed.

Also speaking, Hon. Alabi, said the projects were implemented by his administration to improve the lives of people at the grassroots level.

Alabi announced the renaming of some streets after prominent individuals who had impacted the area, including Community Road, which is now known as Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road.

The Olu of Agboyi kingdom, Lagos State, Oba Monsuru Abimbola Oladega (Akinmasa 1) has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to sanction the Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Dele Oshinowo for assaulting one of the princes of the kingdom, Ibrahim Kehinde Oladega during a controversial visit to the palace recently.

In a petition to the governor, dated July 15, the monarch explained that the council chairman, slapped and engaged Prince Oladega in a physical combat while his attention was being directed to a breach of palace protocols in an unprovoked manner on June 9, 2025.

The monarch called for the governor’s urgent intervention and appropriate sanction for the council chairman.

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The petition issued by the palace of the monarch reads: ”The unfortunate event involved the Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mayor Dele Oshinowo and Prince Ibrahim Kehinde Oladega( a former Senior Special Assistant(SSA) to the then Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt.Hon Femi Gbajabamila) an aspirant in the just- concluded local council election.

‘’While the palace has always maintained due respect for the office of the council chairman, we are bound by duty and tradition to seek your urgent intervention. The conduct of the chairman (Oshinowo) not only desecrates the revered Yoruba chieftaincy institution  but also threatens communal harmony and undermines the Omoluabi ethos we have long upheld.”

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated Sen. Gbenga Ashafa on his 70th birthday.

Sanwo-Olu in a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described the senator as a committed public servant, whose life has positively impacted the people at the state and national levels.

The governor praised Ashafa’s passionate service to Lagos State as director of planning, Governor’s Office; executive secretary, Lagos State Land Use and Allocation Committee; and permanent secretary, Lagos State Lands Bureau.

Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has joined family members, friends, political associates and well-meaning Nigerians to celebrate an illustrious son of Lagos and a distinguished public servant, Senator Ashafa, as he marks his 70th birthday.

A statement yesterday by Lagos APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo said: ‘’Senator Ashafa’s life has been one of devoted public service, principled leadership, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of progressivism.

‘’From his impactful years as a civil servant and technocrat to his sterling representation of Lagos East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ashafa has consistently exemplified discipline, humility and excellence.

‘’As a two-term senator, he distinguished himself in legislative work, particularly in infrastructure development, housing, urban planning, and transportation—areas that remain vital to the economic growth of Lagos and Nigeria at large. His tenure was marked by integrity, thoughtfulness, and a deep concern for the welfare of his constituents.

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‘’A loyal party man and bridge-builder, Senator Ashafa has contributed immensely to the growth and stability of the APC, both in Lagos State and at the national level. His wisdom, calm disposition, and institutional memory continue to serve as valuable assets to the party and to younger generations of leaders.

‘’The Lagos APC celebrates Senator Ashafa not just for the milestones he has achieved, but for the character and consistency he has displayed throughout his career. At 70, he remains a beacon of responsible leadership and a model of statesmanship.

‘’We pray for continued health, strength, and grace for Senator Ashafa as he enters this new chapter of his life. May he enjoy many more years of fruitful service to the nation and to humanity.

‘’Happy 70th Birthday, Distinguished Senator Gbenga Ashafa!

The Dosunmu Branch of the Onikoyi Royal Family has called for the intervention of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the installation of Prince Ibikunle Fafunwa as the new Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Imoba Land.

Lagos State Government had one week ago installed and presented Staff of Office to Fafunwa as the new Onikoyi.

Prince Ademola Onikoyi, on behalf of the Dosunmu Branch of the Onikoyi Royal Family, made the call at a news conference held at the Onikoyi Family House, Enu-Owa, Isale-Eko, Lagos Island.  

The Dosumu Royal Family maintained that the rightful candidate is Prince Abdul Ganiyu Ayinla Adeniran Onikoyi.

According to the family, who had in attendance their solicitor, “we consider this action by the Lagos State Government, and unnamed actors within the traditional authority framework, as a grave injustice, a violation of due process, and a betrayal of our collective heritage.

“It is a matter of recorded history and established law that the Onikoyi Royal Family is constituted by two recognised ruling houses: the Muti Onikoyi Royal House and the Dosunmu Onikoyi Royal Family. This rotational chieftaincy arrangement is not merely a matter of oral tradition; it has been legally affirmed by Supreme Court judgments and supported by authoritative documentation, including a widely respected report submitted to the late Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, compiled by the Idejo Council under the leadership of the late Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru (Akiogun II).

“In keeping with this established and rotational succession pattern, the Muti House last held the title through Chief Patrick Fafunwa, who became the first Oba Onikoyi and reigned from 1996 until his passing in December 2023. Prior to him, Chief Adamo Fagbemi Onikoyi of the Dosunmu line ruled from 1982 to 1995.

“Therefore, upon the passing of Oba Patrick Fafunwa, the next rightful turn to the throne by all standards of custom, law and equity-reverts to the Dosunmu Onikoyi Royal Family.

“In accordance with this, our family unanimously elected Prince Abdul Ganiyu Ayinla Adeniran Onikoyi as our Oba Onikoyi-elect. Following due tradition and with all relevant documents submitted to the authorities, we made a formal presentation of his candidacy to the Lagos State Government-confident that law and fairness would be upheld.

“To our collective shock and deep dismay, the Lagos State Government, allegedly influenced by unnamed “authorities from above,” chose to bypass this lawful process and installed the late king’s son, Prince Ibikunle Fafunwa, in what can only be described as a blatant abuse of executive privilege and a brazen contravention of customary law and precedent.

“We the Dosunmu Onikoyi Royal Family reject this imposition in its entirety. It is not only an injustice to our lineage, but also an assault on the sanctity of traditional rulership in Lagos State, which is meant to be guided by heritage, law and fairness-not political favouritism.

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“This injustice has resonated far beyond our family. We have received overwhelming support and outrage from well-meaning Lagosians both at home and in the diaspora condemning the damage the decision does to the integrity of our traditional institutions

“We call on the Lagos State Government to: rescind this illegitimate installation of Prince Ibikunle Fafunwa, respect the rotational arrangement duly recognised by law and custom.

“Acknowledge and approve the rightful candidate, Prince Abdul Ganiyu Ayinla Adeniran Onikoyi, uphold the principles of justice, fairness and due process in all future traditional appointments.

“We also appeal to the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) and the public to intervene and ensure that this matter is addressed the seriousness it deserves.

“Let it be known that we will explore every legal and constitutional channel available that justice prevails and that the legacy of our forebears is not desecrated in the name of political expediency. This is not just a Dosunmu issue. It is a Lagos issue. It is a justice issue.”