Dr. Samuel Mawuyon #Ajose (SMA), a Lagos State governorship aspirant from Badagry, on Friday, 31 January 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ayangburen of #Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty Oba Abd’Kabir Adewale Shotobi, as part of his ongoing engagement with traditional institutions across the state ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

The visit, which took place in Ikorodu, was described by members of the delegation as a formal introduction and consultative interaction rather than a political campaign. They explained that the engagement aligns with Ajose’s broader effort to meet royal fathers across Lagos State’s five administrative divisions.

Dr. Ajose was received by the Ayangburen alongside several prominent monarchs from the Ikorodu Division, including the Obateru of Egbin Kingdom, HRM Oba (Dr.) Adeoriyomi Oluwasesan Abdul-Hakeem Oyebo (Ademoyebo III); the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, HRM Oba (Barr.) Abdul Semiu Orimadegun Kasali (Emugoriade I); the Olubeshe of Ibeshe Kingdom, HRM Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya (Bisoro I); the Ranodu of Imota Kingdom, HRM Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare Agoro (FCA); the Alagura of Agura Kingdom, HRM Oba Ahmed Moroof Olakunle Ogunnaike; and the Sekumade of Ipakodo Kingdom, HRM Oba (Engr.) Bashir Aremu Shotonwa.

In his remarks, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu welcomed the delegation and made reference to earlier communication from the late Akran of Badagry Kingdom, offering condolences to the Badagry people over the monarch’s passing, whom he described as a worthy father figure.

Addressing Dr. Ajose directly, the Ayangburen expressed acceptance and goodwill, noting that leadership in Lagos must be guided by fairness, inclusiveness, and openness. He stressed that governance should reflect the interests of the entire state rather than any single division, while also reaffirming the importance of Lagos State’s IBILE values. The monarch further declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, crediting his leadership for stability in Lagos and at the national level.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers present, the Ranodu of Imota Kingdom, Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare Agoro, said the royal fathers received Dr. Ajose based on shared principles and a common vision for Lagos State. He noted that both Ikorodu and Badagry share historical bonds and developmental similarities, adding that leadership emerging from either division would enhance inclusiveness and responsiveness.

Responding, Dr. Ajose reiterated that the palace visit was not intended as campaign activity. He explained that the engagement was aimed at familiarisation, dialogue, and awareness, as part of early consultations with key stakeholders ahead of 2027.

Earlier, a former member of the House of Representatives and apex leader from Badagry, Hon. #Bamgbose Huntoyon, formally introduced Dr. Ajose to the monarchs, describing him as a Lagos indigene from Badagry with extensive business experience. He said the aspiration was influenced by recurring public debates questioning Badagry’s ability to produce a governor for Lagos State.

Members of the delegation included notable figures from Badagry and other parts of Lagos State, among them the Oniworo of #Iworo, HRM Oba (Dr.) Oladele Friday #Kosoko (Ogundeyi II); former lawmakers Hon. Joseph Bamgbose and Hon. Samuel Whesu; Mr. Ahmed Salami, Director-General of the SMA Campaign Team; Hon. Lanre Oope, former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly; and Dr. Babatunde #Mesewaku, Chairman of the #SMA Campaign Team, among others.

The Ikorodu visit is one of several engagements planned by Dr. Ajose as he continues consultations with traditional rulers and stakeholders across Lagos State in the build-up to the 2027 governorship election.