Monarchs Urge Ex-Lagos LG Chair to Rejoin APC Amid Political Tensions

Traditional rulers in Agege and Orile-Agege, Lagos State, have called on former Agege Local Government chairman Ganiyu Egunjobi and his ally Azeez Yusuf to reconsider their recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and return to the party. This plea came during a peace meeting aimed at addressing rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.

The meeting was attended by traditional leaders, religious representatives, and community stakeholders, all expressing concern over potential violence stemming from the political situation. The Alaige of Orile-Agege, Oba Ambaliu Agbeleyi, emphasized the need for peace and stability in the community, stating, “When I heard there will be bloodshed in the upcoming election, I cannot fold my arms.”

Egunjobi and Yusuf recently shifted their allegiance to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), where they are vying for seats in the Lagos State House of Assembly. However, the monarchs urged them to return to the APC to preserve the community's harmony.

Oba Oyedeji Kamila Ishiba, the Olu of Agege, echoed the sentiment, advocating for non-confrontation among party supporters. “We don’t want fight or rancor in our communities. We want peace and stability,” he urged.

The meeting also featured vocal support from religious leaders, including Apostle J.B. Olubode of the Christian Association of Nigeria and Chief Imam Alhaji Sulaiman, who both highlighted the importance of maintaining peace during the electoral process.

Egunjobi, responding to the monarchs' appeal, clarified that he was unaware of the meeting until he received an invitation. He claimed that he had won the APC primary but was overlooked for another candidate, calling for fair treatment and reconciliation from party leadership.

Despite the APC's assertion that Egunjobi and Yusuf failed to secure nominations, he expressed disappointment over the lack of outreach from party leaders for reconciliation after the contentious primary elections.

Egunjobi added that he and his supporters have considered legal action but were persuaded not to by influential figures within the party. He argued that the APC’s failure to engage in dialogue has fueled the current situation.

As the peaceful meeting concluded, Egunjobi assured community members that he seeks to avoid violence, stating, “By the grace of God, there won’t be war in the community.”

The push for unity comes as Nigeria prepares for crucial elections in January and February 2027, with various stakeholders emphasizing the need for a peaceful electoral process focused on community development rather than conflict.