By Sam Bolaji & Nurudeen Oshinlaja
In a significant stride toward gender parity and inclusive governance at the grassroots level, four out of six local council development areas (LCDAs) in the Ikorodu Division of Lagos State recorded the emergence of women as Leaders of their Legislative Assemblies during the inauguration of their 6th legislative sessions.
This bold statement in favour of female leadership is not only commendable, but it marks a defining moment in the journey toward inclusive democracy in Lagos State’s local governance. The imprimatur of the APC Apex leaders in Ikorodu Division is evident, as is the active support of Ikorodu federal and state lawmakers.
At a time when gender representation in Nigerian politics remains a contentious national conversation, these four councils: Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Ikorodu West LCDA, Ijede LCDA, and Ikorodu North LCDA, are setting the tone for transformative leadership by placing capable women at the helm of their legislative arms, even when political manoeuvring and geographical balancing of power could have scuppered their emergence.
A Pattern of Progress Across Four Councils
In Ijede LCDA, Hon. Gbadebo Alogba, the Executive Chairman, presided over the inauguration after which Hon (Ms.) Basirat Kehinde emerged to lead the House, symbolising a shift in the traditional political hierarchy. Similarly, Hon. (Mrs) Jessica Oba was re-elected as the Leader of the 6th Legislative Assembly in Ikorodu West LCDA after the executive chairman, Hon Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, inaugurated the Assembly. In addition to being a nod to Mrs Oba’s competence, continuity, and confidence from her peers, the support from political leaders played a crucial role.
Over in Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Ameen Olawale Apanishile assumed the chairmanship role with a legislative team that also elected Hon (Mrs) Abosede Benson as its leader, cementing a wider trend of gender-forward decision-making in the division.
It is in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA that the emergence of a woman leader has drawn special attention. The newly inaugurated assembly smoothly elected Hon. Princess Basirat Adetutu Banjoko, councillor representing Ward C1, IBLCDA, as its leader. Her nomination and unanimous confirmation as Leader of the House is a historic milestone for the LCDA.
To the admiration of the people, Omo’ba Aroyewun championed Hon Banjoko’s emergence as he is favourably disposed to her leadership. The chairman proved wrong a section of the public who held the perception that he was going to go in another direction because of political reasons. To the chairman, the unity and progress of IBLCDA are much more important than some infantile selfish politics.
Being a forward-looking chairman, the executive chairman of the council, Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA), whilst proclaiming the Assembly open during its inauguration on July 29, 2025, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, participatory leadership, and gender equity.
“This is not just a win for women; it is a win for good governance,” HOA remarked. “When capable women lead, communities thrive.”
Chairman HOA: A Champion of Inclusion
Chairman HOA Among Leaders Championing Gender Inclusion in Lagos Grassroots Politics
Chairman Aroyewun’s support for the legislative outcome in IBLCDA reflects his vision to align his GLORY Plan of Action with international best practices. The chairman promises to run an administration which places a premium on representation, equity, and opportunity for all. By working hand-in-hand with a female-led legislature, the HOA administration demonstrates its openness to collaboration, compassion, inclusion, diversity of ideas, and democratic values. The chairman promotes the growing consensus that leadership must be about competence and character, and not one that unduly tilts towards men domination.
The chairman’s words and actions resonate with his broader leadership style—grounded in youth inclusion, empowerment of local structures, and putting people first regardless of gender, age, or background.
Lauding Ikorodu Leadership: A Model for Others to Follow
The emergence of four (out of six) female legislative leaders in Ikorodu division is unprecedented in Lagos State. It speaks volumes about the political maturity and openness within Ikorodu’s grassroots structure. It is a perfect testament to the transformational Ikorodu APC Apex leadership. The leaders recognised a veritable opportunity for inclusion and gave their full backing. The role of Ikorodu federal legislators, particularly Hon Babajimi Benson, speaks volumes. It shows Ikorodu Division has lawmakers who believe and support affirmative actions for productive governance.
This emerging Ikorodu model is a call to action for other divisions in Lagos State to follow suit in breaking down the invisible walls that diminish women’s numerical strength at the highest decision-making tables of grassroots governance.
As these four LCDAs begin their legislative journey, their alignment with the values of equity and inclusion will undoubtedly serve as a model for other councils across the state and nation.
Achieving More for Women and Girl Children
As Ikorodu Division leads in this historic reality, we wish the four women the best. They are encouraged to lead with thoroughness and compassion. They will do better to serve as rallying points for their councils in all ramifications, but more in advancing the cause of women in the division. They should not allow themselves to be used for unwholesome political moves that do nothing but distract them from galvanising women empowerment and providing needed motivation to girl children in the division.
Their emergence must not only inspire a new generation of female leaders but also translate into tangible programmes that address the needs of women and girls, especially in education, health, safety, and economic empowerment. As symbols of progress, these women carry the collective hope of their communities, and their success will reaffirm that when women lead, society advances.
Sam Bolaji & Nurudeen Oshinlaja
For GLORY Stories
