The Orile Agege descendants and indigenous Awori People of Agege have thrown their weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for Agege Constituencies I and II in the 2027 general elections, describing their emergence as a significant step towards greater inclusion of indigenous communities in local politics.
They described the emergence of Sakiru Enimakure and Oluwagbenga Abiola, popularly called Agbelebu, as the APC candidates for Agege constituencies II and I, respectively, after the primary, as a reward for supporting the ruling party over the years.
The indigenes’ decision, as gathered, indicated that they have abandoned the Speaker, Mudasiru Obasa’s anointed aspirants, Kola Egunjobi, and Oladapo Yusuf, popularly called Ninalowo, accepting the party’s choice after the primary held across the constituencies.
The endorsement was announced on Monday during a press briefing held at the group’s secretariat in Orile Agege, where community leaders, political stakeholders, and prominent Awori indigenes gathered to declare support for both candidates.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary-General of the Orile Agege Descendants and Indigenous Awori People of Agege, Akinola Adebowale, expressed delight over the emergence of Enimakure as the party’s candidate for Agege Constituency II, describing him as a true son of the soil and a symbol of hope for the indigenous community.
According to Adebowale, the indigenous population had remained loyal to the party despite what he described as years of political marginalisation.
He noted that during the last local government elections in Agege and Orile Agege, no indigene emerged as chairmanship, vice-chairmanship or councillorship candidate across the 13 wards in the two councils.
“Upon this neglect, we did not protest, revolt or abandon our party. We accepted the party’s decision in good faith,” he said.
Adebowale stated that Enimakure’s emergence represented not only a personal achievement but also the aspirations and expectations of indigenous residents of Orile Agege, Oko-Oba, and Agege communities.
“Today, history presents another opportunity for fairness and inclusiveness. Sule Sakiru Akindele Enimakure stands as the only recognised indigene and true son of the soil among all the successful candidates so far presented by our great party from Agege for the 2027 general elections,” he added.
The community leader also announced the group’s endorsement of Abiola, the APC candidate for Agege Constituency I, urging party members and supporters across the area to unite behind both candidates ahead of the elections.
He said the endorsements reflected the group’s commitment to strengthening political participation and ensuring that indigenous voices remain relevant in the affairs of the constituency.