Kunle Adelabu
-Benson, Abiru, Ajenifuja, others tipped for number one position
As different political agenda ahead of 2027 General Elections continue to unfold in every part of Lagos State, Ikorodu which is a very prominent division in the IBILE state; a federal constituency and a local government is also not just watching as things are happening but also fully playing its cards for everyone to see. The division is exerting her political and numerical strength to get one of its sons into the State House as the next Governor of Lagos State.
Ahead of other parts, the division stands a better chance to produce the next governor if its chances and opportunities are well harnessed, especially going by its performance in the 2023 General Elections, the numerical strength shown in the just concluded e – registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC), its strategic importance, unity of purpose and its enormous human resources.
It is noteworthy that Ikorodu has contributed immensely to the development of Lagos State with several of its great personalities dead or alive contributing significantly to the state’s political, social, and economic developments.
While Ikorodu Division could rely solely on her emotional stance that it has been denied a shot at the State House while it has over the years worked for others to take their turns and also in no small measure assisted in building the progressive structures that have ruled the state in different republics especially from the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), and more importantly from 1999 when this political era started with the formation of Alliance for Democracy (AD) which transformed into Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and to the present All Progressives Congress (APC), Ikorodu stays true to the progressives and the progressive camp. This can be justified, but rather than continue with that, the division has over the years built its political strength and importance.
The rejection of her sons in 1999, 2007, 2015, and 2021, who presented themselves to be candidates of the party did not stop Ikorodu people’s commitment and dedication to the progressives’ party. It has had a similar fate in the opposition parties too.
Unlike in the previous elections when political, traditional and other stakeholders go to the state government cap – in – hand to get funds and other resources to fund elections, Ikorodu in 2023 mobilised funds not just for the state but also in running its elections, which changed the narratives of the past years. This in no small measures contributed to the success recorded in the last General Elections.
The climax of Ikorodu’s political relevance came during 2023 General Elections where Ikorodu gave Asiwaju Bola Tinubu massive votes to lead in the whole of the 20 local governments with 50,353 votes. The largest votes delivered to the incumbent President was a strong signal from the people of Ikorodu to Asiwaju Tinubu (as he was then), that he should not forget her when it matters since they have shown and proved to him their loyalty and full support.
But 2023 was not just about the massive votes for President Tinubu which played a significant role in bringing APC into power, but also the people of Ikorodu, in unison, delivered the largest House of Representatives’ votes for Rep. Babajimi Benson in the whole of the 366 federal constituencies in Nigeria, to return him to the House for the third term. Benson polled 60, 890 votes. What other way can the people of Ikorodu prove to the APC and Mr President that they are loyal and that they should be rewarded?
Putting the electoral results in proper political context: the votes were driven by the structure in Ikorodu Division to secure support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and prepare for the 2027 general membership elections. It is a sign of loyalty to President Tinubu and a commitment to maintaining a strong political presence for the division in Lagos State politics.
The people of Ikorodu Division also proved their loyalty to the APC further when the APC In Ikorodu also recorded over 97, 000 party membership during the recently concluded e -registration exercise of the ruling party nationwide. The figure made Ikorodu the local government with most APC members in Lagos State which also emerged as the highest APC members in the whole of the country.
The State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi acknowledging Ikorodu’s performance commended the mobilisation for the APC e -registration when he visited Ikorodu for a rally: “Let me thank you for your performance in the just concluded first phase of our e-membership registration exercise, you worked hard and came first beating 19 other local governments. I advise you that you should not rest on your oars so that this can translate to votes in next year’s elections.”
Ikorodu was also the first to stage a mega rally not just in Lagos State but in the whole of Nigeria, to declare support for the re -election of President Tinubu.
Pastor Ojelabi who attended the rally tagged, “Ikorodu Division Unites for 2027 Rally” which was held at the Ikorodu Town Hall, Ikorodu, again, commended Ikorodu Division for being first to come together to appreciate Mr President’s impacts and declared her support for President Tinubu’s re -election.
“The message that Ikorodu Division is passing today is that Ikorodu Division unites for 2027, without any colouration of APC. This is a body; a division (in Lagos State) united for 2027.
“Thank you for coming together to showcase your strength and tell the world that you are ready for the battle ahead. I thank the organisers of this event for their thoughtfulness and appreciation of the good programmes of Tinubu’s administration,” Pastor Ojelabi said at the rally.
For the first time in a long while, the division, especially its traditional rulers, political leaders, religious leaders and other stakeholders are united towards achieving the “2027 Ikorodu for Governor Agenda” and they have been working closely and putting in place structures to achieve the aim. The monarchs, especially the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Mudashiru Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota and Oba Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, have been in the forefront of this struggle of ensuring that one of their subjects emerge as the APC Governorship candidate in the state.
Also, to the advantage of Ikorodu is the enormous human resources in Ikorodu, who have proven themselves as assets not just at the state level, but also nationally and internationally. These are capable hands that have been part of those supporting successful governors in administering Lagos State and Presidents in managing the country. They have proven themselves both in the private and public sectors. They have their political base and structures across the state and beyond and at the same time develop the financial muscles to run campaigns to the office of the number citizen in the state.
Some of these capable hands have shown interest, while others have been urged to go into the contest. Among these are Rep. Babajimi Benson, the three – term lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Sen. Tokunbo Abiru, the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Mr Yinka Ajenifuja, a legal practitioner and businessman, Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri -Erewa, Chairman, CEO, NiDCOM, Hon. Sunmi Odesanya, Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on DAWN (Development Agenda for Western Nigeria and Ms. Abiola Olusanya, Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture & Food Systems among others.
Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson
Benson is a lawyer, Nigerian politician and lawmaker, currently serving for the third term as the representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency. He was first elected into the Nigerian House of Representatives in 2015 to represent Ikorodu and then, the quality representative has not only sustained his representation but also established himself as people’s representative with his programmes, policies and projects. He was re-elected for a second term in 2019 and re-elected again for a third term in 2023. He did not only win his third term, but also achieved the feat of recording the largest votes across the federal constituencies in Nigeria.
He is the Chairman, House Committee on Defence, a very sensitive position and responsibility that has further defined his capacity as a young man that can be saddled with any position of authority and delivery.
Since his emergence in Ikorodu and Lagos political sphere, Benson has changed the face of politics and redefined governance with infrastructural developments especially in about 100 roads that he has facilitated many of them major road networks that have changed and improved Ikorodu Federal Constituency crsocially and economically. He has also made great efforts in the areas of facilitating standard hospitals, schools, sporting centres, markets among others.
His human capital development interventions have also seen about 100 Law School students supported financially in two years, about 100 youths and community leaders sponsored on development trips to China, scholarship for tertiary institution candidates and employment facilitation for young Ikorodu people.
His monthly Apo -Anu Food Bank which has been running for over 10 years non – stop has also benefited thousands of households.
In his primary duty as a legislator, Rep. Benson has over the years sponsored and co -sponsored many impactful bills and motions, which make him one of the best legislators in Nigeria. In actual fact, he was awarded as the best lawmaker in the country for 2025 due to his quality representation and lawmaking.
Benson attended Lagos State University where he obtained an LLB in 1994. He proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and obtained a Bachelor of Law (Honors) in 1995. In 1999, he also earned an LLM in Comparative International Business Law from London Guildhall University. He subsequently pursued an MBA at Warwick Business School in the UK and is a member of both the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association
He was appointed as a Legal Officer in the General Counsel Division at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. He had also served as an in-house Legal Counsel at Ecobank PLC from 2001 to 2003 and later as Deputy Manager (Legal) at Lead Bank PLC from 2003 to 2004. In 2007, he became a Non-Executive Director at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, a position he held until his appointment as the company secretary (Strategy, Legal & Corporate Governance) of Lagos State Development and Property Corporation.
In his capacity as a political office holder, who is well -connected and have access to President Tinubu, Rep. Benson has been able to influence the emergence of young Ikorodu people as council chairmen, Vice chairman, aides to the Speaker of House of Representatives, aides to Governor of Lagos State and into other political positions.
Unarguably, Rep. Benson is the most popular political personality in Ikorodu if not Lagos State and the most loved in Ikorodu Federal Constituency. If the Governorship position is zoned to Ikorodu Division, and the populace are allowed to determine their choice in an open election, the lawmaker will undoubtedly emerge as the winner.
He holds the honourary title of Otun of Ikorodu Division, a title conferred on him by the entire traditional rulers in Ikorodu Division and also the Ikorodu Personality of the Year in 2025.
He played a major role in the massive electoral value that Ikorodu has recorded in the last five years. In the 2023 General Elections, many residents attested that they came out to vote just because of his personality and representation.
Invariably, Benson is a leading Governorship candidate from Ikorodu and indeed Lagos State.
Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA
Sen. Tokunbo Abiru is an accomplished Nigerian Banker, Chartered Accountant, and now a Public Servant. He is the current Senator, representing Lagos East Senatorial District in the 10th Nigerian National Assembly, after about 32 years’ corporate experience (of which 29 years were spent in the banking industry).
He is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions as well the Chairman of the Nigerian Southern Senators Forum in the National Assembly. He was also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Industries in the 9th National Assembly.
He was the pioneer and former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank Limited. He led the turnaround of erstwhile Skye Bank Plc, as Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, under the CBN-induced take-over of the Bank, in a bid to avoid its collapse and also preserve the stability of the overall Nigerian Financial System. His banking career was in top Nigerian financial institutions such as First Bank of Nigeria (2002 – 2016), where he rose to the level of Executive Director, Corporate Banking and Guaranty Trust Bank (1991 – 2000).
Abiru, also served on other notable boards as Non-Executive Directors; FBN Capital Limited (now FBN Quest Merchant Bank Limited); FBN Bank Sierra-Leone Limited; Airtel Mobile Networks Limited; and Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc. (NIBSS). During the course of his professional career, he also had the privilege of serving as the Honourable Commissioner of Finance, Lagos State (2011 – 2013), under the transformational leadership of Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN).
Senator Abiru’s passion for human capital development is most evident through his Endowment Initiative, anchored on the SAIL Empowerment Foundation. The Foundation, funded from his personal resources, his wife’s contributions, and the goodwill of well-wishers, focuses on uplifting underserved communities through various social interventions.
Senator Tokunbo Abiru holds a B.Sc Economics from Lagos State University, and he is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB). He is an alumnus of both Lagos Business School (LBS) and Harvard Business School (USA).
Tokunbo Abiru retired from banking in August 31st, 2020 and he is a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Lagos East Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He got elected in December 2020 for his first term. In his capacity as a lawmaker, he has sponsored and co -sponsored many bills and motions and also introduced many programmes with direct benefits to his constituents.
Aside from SAIL which has been of great benefit to the youths in Lagos East and the entire state as a whole, Abiru also has food intervention programmes across the district, scholarship programme, support for farmers and schemes for market men and women. The Senator has also facilitated many schools, sports centres, hospitals and road constructions.
He is also doing well not just in Ikorodu but the entire Lagos East Senatorial District where he has been able to entrench unprecedented developments in the history of its representation.
Abiru is also been considered a good Governorship material.
Olayinka M. Ajenifuja, Esq.
Ajenifuja is a legal practitioner, Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, philanthropist and community developer, and an alumnus of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
His key areas of expertise are: Commercial Litigation: Representing clients in complex business disputes; Corporate Advisory: Providing legal guidance on company formation, compliance, and governance; Property & Real Estate Law: Handling transactions, documentation, and land-related litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Engaging in mediation or arbitration to resolve conflicts outside of the courtroom.
He is noted as a distinguished alumnus of UNILAG. He recently contributed to the “Infrastructure Renaissance” of the Law Faculty, specifically supporting the renovation of the Justice G.A. Oguntade Annex.
He is seen as a “supporter of institutional growth” within the Nigerian legal academic community, often collaborating with Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and other top-tier practitioners on professional development projects.
Ajenifuja is a reserved personality who does not like his actions, interventions and deeds known to the public, but his contributions to the advancement of justice, governance, and nation-building are profound. He embodies the finest blend of intellect, humility, integrity, and patriotism.
A philanthropist of note who has the record of lifting up others. He is a bonafide son of Ikorodu but also an Islander due to his maternal lineage, which connects him to President Bola Tinubu.
Until recently, his capacity and influence are unknown to many except to a few. This changed during the last Local Government Elections in Ikorodu when he proved his influence with the emergence of his friend – Hon. Adedayo Ladega as the Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government against candidates of the political class.
Many have also tipped him as a likely Governorship candidate going by his quiet and unpopular nature which fits into the type of personality that kingmakers in Lagos want.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa is serving her second term as the Chairman of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). President Buhari first named Dabiri-Erewa as the pioneer NiDCOM chair in November 2018 and reappointed her in May 2023.
She was the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora before the appointment.
The appointment as an aide to President Buhari came after serving as a lawmaker representing the Ikorodu Federal Constituency for three – terms, during which she was chairman, the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs.
Dabiri-Erewa was a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State from 2003-2015. During her representation, Abike sponsored and co -sponsored many bills and motions.
While in the House, she was the Chairman of the House Committee on Media & Publicity and also the former Chairperson of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs
Dabiri-Erewa worked for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) for fifteen years, anchoring the weekly NTA News line programme which brought her into the limelight. She retired from her position at Nigerian Television Authority to stand for election in the House of Representatives.
She obtained her first degree in English Language from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) Ile – Ife and her post graduate diploma (PGD) in Mass Communication and also a master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, Akoka. She also studied in the United States at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Today, Hon. Abike Dabiri -Erewa stands as number one female politician from Ikorodu and among the few female politicians in the state, that possess the capacity, reach and influence to handle such sensitive and highly demanding office, and to that effect, many have also tipped her as qualified to be on the list.
Hon. Olanrewaju Sunmi Odesanya
Sunmi Odesanya is a lawyer, lawmaker, journalist and currently the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on DAWN (Development Agenda for Western Nigeria).
He served as a lawmaker representing Ikorodu Constituency I between 2003 and 2007, during which he stood out as a good lawmaker. He became the youngest state legislator produced by the Ikorodu Division at age 34. He was Chairman, House Committee on Human Rights and Public Petitions; Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Ethics and Privilege; Chairman, House Services Committee.
He was Commissioner 1 representing Ikorodu Division in the Lagos State House of Assembly Commission.
The lawyer cum politician also served as State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from where he was appointed as a Special Adviser to the Governor.
He was an aspirant, House of Reps Election (Action Congress) 2007 and also an aspirant, House of Reps Election (Action Congress of Nigeria) 2011 and aspirant, Lagos East Senatorial District 2020 Bye-Election.
Sunmi is a Member, Apex Body, Ikorodu Division (APC); Legal Adviser, Eko Legislators Forum and Member, Ikorodu Local Government Advisory Council.
He had served in many capacities at the grassroots level and been part of state and federal campaign teams.
Sunmi Odesanya, Senior Associate, Lords & Temple (Attorneys, Solicitors & Arbitrators) is a Member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and International Bar Association (IBA).
He attended University of Lagos (UNILAG) where he studied Law and bagged his BL from the Nigerian Law School, Abuja.
With his experience and capacity as a lawyer, legislator, and member of the executive, many are of the view that Sunmi too also has what it takes to aspire to the number one position in the state.
Ms. Abisola Ruth Olusanya
Abisola Olusanya, the current Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Lagos State, studied Architecture at the University of Lagos. She also has an MBA in General Management at the Lagos Business School.
She was a former Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture.
In 2011, Abisola joined Olam International – one of the world’s largest Food and Agriculture Supply chain companies under its West African Management training programme. Easily recognised for her stellar performance, participative execution and management style, and proficiency in establishing and managing operations, Abisola’s tenacity and grit earned her a senior management role within the span of two years.
In her role as regional sales manager, she led sales, marketing, and supply chain operations for one of the largest business segments in Olam (Ghana), and led the team to delivery of the highest sales volumes, profit, and distribution expansion and product visibility. At Olam International, she worked with global stakeholders in the Food and Agriculture Supply chain businesses in Mozambique, Cameroun, Vietnam, Thailand, India, UAE, and Singapore.
With her appointment in 2020, Abisola became the first female Commissioner of Agriculture in November 2020 to take up the role in the Ministry in its 54 years of existence.
Abisola at present spearheads the Lagos State five-year agriculture and food systems roadmap, part of which identifies investment opportunities for private sector participants, particularly in the value chains where the state has comparative advantages. The partnership she proposes with the private sector has been projected to bring about increased food availability, job stimulation, wealth creation, standardised operations, as well as enhancement of agriculture’s contribution to the State’s GDP.
She is adjudged as one of the best commissioners in the state with her sterling performance.
Abisola is definitely a pride of Ikorodu Division and one of her valuable assets.
Alhaji Fatai O Lasisi
Alhaji Fatain Lasisi is a seasoned Nigerian financial expert, technocrat, and chartered accountant who served as the Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue Matters to the former Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode.
He is a financial expert of about three decades experience and specialize in accounting, auditing, banking, and tax management.
He is currently serving as Commissioner 1 of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission.
He was a former Council Treasurer and former Chairman, Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG) and Ikorodu Town Hall Management Board (ITHMB).
Alhaji Lasisi is a graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Finance.
He is a fellow/member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ACTI/CITN), Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
He began his career with the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission in 1988, working as Head of Accounts, Head of Internal Audit, and Treasurer before rising to Director, Government Accounts Directorate (2006–2012).
F.O Lasis as he is fondly called, who hails from Imota in Ikorodu Division is also a community developer.
