*LAGOS* – The Convener of the **Lagos Standard Forum**, Ayo Olusegun, has condemned a directive by Hon. James Faleke ordering Ikeja residents to support Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for the 2027 governorship election, describing it as an “arrogant” insult to the electorate.
In a statement issued on Monday, Olusegun criticized the lawmaker for attempting to dictate the political future of Ikeja, asserting that Lagos should not be treated as a “private estate.”
Olusegun took aim at the nature of the endorsement, arguing that it undermines the democratic rights of Lagosians.
> “James Faleke’s directive ordering Ikeja residents to support Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for governor is not merely arrogant; it is a direct insult to the intelligence, dignity, and political independence of Lagosians,” Olusegun stated.
He further questioned the authority behind the move: “Who exactly does Faleke think he is to dictate to the people of Ikeja who they should support in 2027? Since when did Lagos become the private estate of a handful of entitled politicians who believe leadership can be allocated by decree?”
The statement highlighted Faleke’s ties to Kogi State, suggesting his influence is misplaced in the Lagos political landscape. Olusegun noted that while Faleke holds political relevance, it does not grant him “ownership” of the state’s leadership structure.
“Faleke must be reminded of a simple truth: Lagos politics is not his inheritance,” the statement read. “If he is so determined to play kingmaker, perhaps he should return to Kogi and test the depth of his political influence there rather than attempting to impose candidates on Lagosians.”
The Lagos Standard Forum leader emphasized that the people of Ikeja are “enlightened, politically conscious citizens” and not “puppets awaiting instructions.” He argued that the endorsement reflects a “dangerous entitlement culture” and an “outdated, anti-democratic mindset rooted in godfatherism.”
Regarding the Deputy Governor’s potential candidacy, Olusegun said:
“If Hamzat wishes to run for governor, then let his ambition rise or fall on its own merit—not on the pronouncements of political overlords who behave as though Lagos belongs to them.”
The group warned that the era of “recycled power arrangements” is over, maintaining that the 2027 governorship election will be decided solely by the voters.
“The 2027 governorship election will not be decided by coercion. It will not be decided by endorsements from self-appointed kingmakers,” Olusegun concluded. “It will be decided by Lagosians and if Faleke cannot respect that democratic reality, then perhaps the political arena he should concern himself with is Kogi, not Lagos.”
