Politics
The Battle For The Soul Of Alausa In 2023, Major Contenders To Watch Out For By Niyi Oladipupo
Gomez
There has been clandestine political meetings of sorts by some of the big political parties in the state; and the major issue on the burner is who becomes the next governor of Lagos come 2023.
It will be recalled that in the last dispensation, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was denied the ticket to contest for second term under the banner of All Progress Party (APC) by Bola Ahmed Tinubu who virtually controls the party structure in the state.
Ambode was “politically ambushed” and had to succumb to the pandering and over-bearing influence of Tinubu, while the current governor of the state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu became the preferred bride.
Political pundits believe the same fate that befell Ambode could still rear its ugly head as we inch closer to the year 2023
For instance, keen political watchers in Lagos also believe that the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state will be full of intrigues and surprises as there are other powerful candidates eyeing the Government House in Alausa.
To keep the readers abreast of what could happen in the nearest future, we shall be analyzing the likely candidates to look out for and possibly their chances.
HAKEEM MURI-OKUNOLA: Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola who is generally known as HMO, is a Lagos socialite. Loved and admired by many.
He is a Lawyer, who followed the footpath of his late father, Justice Muri Okunola. He is also a public administrator, technocrat and current Lagos state Head of Service.
He has over the years grown to be a man loved by many for his uncommon calmness, intelligence, loyalty and astute brilliancy.
Muri-Okunola was also the former permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development in Lagos state. He began his fast rise through the rungs of public career at Ibile Holdings, an investment arm of the Lagos state Government.
Being the first son of the late respected Justice Muritala Okunola, he caught the eye of the then Lagos governor Bola Tinubu and who made him his personal assistant.
With his educational and family background, there are rumours that Hakeem Okunola believe that the time is ripe for him to throw his hat into the political mainstream arena in the state.
Consequently, he is of the opinion that he has come of age politically to take a shot at the Lagos state seat of power come 2023. His closeness to Tinubu and other political gladiators in the state is seen as a big advantage for him by political watchers.
But others who tend to tread with caution, believe his major drawback is lack of experience and that he may just need to bid his time for the appropriate time.
But in the fiery game of politics especially n Nigeria anything can happen!
WALE GOMEZ: Mr Wale Gomez is ultimately the new toast in town. A man of excellence and impeccable character; and a well known Lagosian in the social circle.
A man of considerable means, a successful businessman and an investment guru. Mr Wale Gomez is married to the beautiful former Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Titi Oseni, now Mrs Titi Oseni Gomez and he enjoys a lot of political support from some key political gladiators in the state.
He is educated in some of the best known schools both home and abroad, and he is widely travelled.
Some keen political watchers see him as the ‘star boy’ to look out for as the political permutations of who becomes the next governor of Lagos state thickens up.
Rumour has it that most political parties in Lagos are already rooting for him to join their political party. This is the reason political observers believe that he is the most sought-after politician in the state.
In the run up to the last Presidential election, Wale Gomez was a major pillar politically and key ally of former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku and the PDP presidential candidate in the election.
His support group, ‘Re-build Nigeria Initiative’ became a formidable force during the 2015 presidential election in Lagos. The group made so much in-roads in the political horizon of Lagos and other adjoining states with million of supporters.
The group activities were so profound at that time that the opposition became jittery.
The handsome looking Wale Gomez is currently in the fore-front of a popular group known as “Iya yi to” L’eko. The group is leading a campaign for a new and better Lagos. Most political watchers believe Wale Gomez has all it takes to occupy Alausa House come 2023.
He has been a-behind-the scene political strategist and an ally of most of the big political gladiators in the state.
He is cool, calculative, forward-looking and extremely industrious. If he emerges as a governor in 2023, some political observers predict that Lagos will be better for it. But time will tell on which political platform he will be actualizing his dream as we inch closer to 2023.
But he sure remains a candidate to watch-out for!
MR DEJI DOHERTY: Mr Deji Doherty was born into the Doherty dynasty of Popo Aguda in downtown Lagos Island in the 60s.
Upon graduation from C.M.S Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos, he proceeded to Chicago, Illiniois in the United States of America where he bagged a degree in Industrial Engineering.
Doherty is the chairman of DAIN Group, which includes Dohagro Industries and 10 Degrees Event Center, among others.
He has tried unsuccessfully to become the governor of Lagos State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, without luck.
He has previously contested under the PDP platform in 2007, 2011, and 2015 respectively.
In the political circle he is seen as a serial governorship contester in Lagos state.
Political observers believe Doherty is not done yet, he still has his eye fixated on the Lagos State Government House in Alausa come 2023.
How he is going to achieve this lofty dream remains in the realm of political permutations and Horse-trading that are going to characterized the political space in the coming days and years!
By Niyi Oladipo
Governor Dauda Lawal Named Part of Presidential Delegation for Historic UK State Visit
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has been named as a member of the presidential entourage that will accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on a historic two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom.
According to a statement from the Zamfara State Government House on Monday, the Governor will depart Abuja for the UK on Tuesday for the visit, which is scheduled to take place on March 18 and 19 at the invitation of the British Royal Family.
During the visit, King Charles III will host President Tinubu, the First Lady, and the Nigerian delegation at Windsor Castle, where they will view a special exhibition of Royal Collection items related to Nigeria. The Royal Family will also host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests on the evening of Wednesday, March 18.
The presidency has outlined that the purpose of the visit is to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. President Tinubu is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which are expected to lead to expanded bilateral discussions and the signing of Memorandums of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The President will also serve as the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, which showcases contemporary art and culture, and will participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as members of the diaspora community.
The Zamfara State Government expressed confidence that Governor Lawal’s participation in the high-level delegation will provide valuable networking opportunities, opening significant prospects for investment and economic benefits for Zamfara State. The visit will also see Governor Lawal display his repertoire of knowledge on global policy and corporate governance and also pitch the Mineral and Farming rich state to potential investors during the bilateral meeting with the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
Politics
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has welcomed the decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) dismissing the complaint filed against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, describing the ruling as a clear affirmation of due process and institutional integrity.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the spokesman of the Centre, Obande George, said the verdict of the disciplinary body has once again vindicated the Deputy Speaker and reaffirmed the position earlier taken by CRG that the allegations against him lacked merit.
The LPDC, in its ruling referenced BB/LPDC/1954/2026, held that no prima facie case had been established against the Deputy Speaker and dismissed the complaint in its entirety.
According to George, the decision demonstrates the importance of allowing competent institutions to examine allegations objectively rather than rushing to judgment in the court of public opinion.
“From the onset, the Centre for Responsible Governance maintained that justice must take its course. We insisted that competent institutions should be allowed to examine the issues without political pressure or sensationalism. The LPDC’s ruling has now clearly shown that the allegations had no foundation,” he said.
The CRG spokesman further stated that the decision reinforces the sterling reputation of the Deputy Speaker, who has over the years built a distinguished profile both as a legal practitioner and as a legislator.
“Honourable Benjamin Kalu is a respected member of the Nigerian Bar and an accomplished lawmaker. Attempts by some individuals to impugn his reputation through unfounded allegations were unfortunate and unnecessary.”
CRG also condemned the actions of certain civil society groups that were quick to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside from office even before any formal determination had been made by the relevant authorities.
George described such calls as premature and irresponsible, noting that they contributed to the politicisation of a matter that required sober institutional review.
“It is disappointing that some civil society organisations rushed to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside without allowing due process to run its course. Advocacy for accountability must be guided by facts and fairness, not by sensational pressure.”
The organisation also criticised what it described as the role played by some political actors from the South East who allegedly sought to exploit the controversy for narrow political interests.
According to CRG, it is troubling that certain politicians would attempt to undermine one of their own for short-term political advantage.
“It is even more disturbing that some political actors from the South East appeared eager to weaponise this matter in an attempt to bring down one of their own for cheap political gain. Such actions weaken collective political progress and erode the spirit of solidarity required for national development.”
CRG therefore called on Nigerians to learn from the episode and reaffirm respect for institutional processes and the rule of law.
The organisation stressed that public discourse must be guided by evidence, fairness and responsible engagement rather than rumours or politically motivated campaigns.
“The lesson here is simple: allegations must be tested by competent institutions before conclusions are drawn. Nigeria’s democracy will only grow stronger when due process is respected and reputations are not casually destroyed.”
CRG concluded by congratulating the Deputy Speaker for maintaining calm and dignity throughout the controversy, noting that his composure reflected confidence in the justice system.
@The Centre for Responsible Governance, Email: [email protected], Instagram: crgngo6, Twitter: crgng06, Threads: crgngo6
Obasa Appointed to CPA African Executive Committee
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has been appointed as a Sub-National Representative to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Executive Committee.
The announcement was formally conveyed through a letter from the CPA Africa Region, which was read on the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, on Tuesday, March 10. The appointment confirms Speaker Obasa’s three-year tenure, spanning 2026 to 2029.
Lawmakers took turns to congratulate Speaker Obasa, praising his devotion to parliamentary service and his consistent efforts to strengthen legislative practice. They described his appointment as a recognition of his hard work and a reflection of Lagos State’s growing influence within the Commonwealth. Members noted that his achievements continue to bring pride not only to Lagos but to Nigeria as a whole.
In his remarks, Speaker Obasa expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support, urging them to remain steadfast in prioritizing the progress of the Assembly and to continue working collectively to advance the legislature. He further directed the Clerk to send a formal letter of appreciation to the CPA African Region for the honour bestowed upon him. “Let us always put the House of Assembly first and never relent in our efforts to move the legislature forward, ” Obasa concluded.
The CPA African Region plays a pivotal role in advancing the interests of African parliaments within the Commonwealth. It is widely recognized for promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, respect for human rights, democracy, and good governance across member nations.
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