The return of democracy in 1999 altered a critical pillar of political administration in Lagos State. Orchestrated by short-sighted politicians who took advantage of the system for immediate gain, that disruption has now backfired, splashing embarrassment right back on their faces.
Historically, Lagos politics revolved around its 5 core administrative divisions: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos (Eko), and Epe—popularly known as IBILE.
When the Second Republic ended, Lateef Jakande of the Eko division had already served his time. Therefore, when democracy briefly returned in 1991, the general consensus across the state was clear: power must rotate to the Epe division. That was the unwritten law of the land. It is precisely why the frontrunners of both major parties—the SDP and the NRC—were all Epe indigenes. Dapo Sarumi, Femi Agbalajobi, Yomi Edu, and eventual winner Sir Michael Otedola all hailed from Epe.
Whichever way the pendulum swung back then, a true son of the soil from the Epe division was poised to emerge as Governor.
But that era was aborted. When democracy finally returned in 1999, the new crop of politicians abandoned the sacred IBILE arrangement. They began singing a different tune, hides behind words like "cosmopolitan," "melting pot," and "megacity." They erased the rotational respect meant for indigenous divisions, and outsiders watched closely, taking notes.
Fast forward to 2026, and the chicken has come home to roost. Today, the narrative has shifted so completely that everyone is now boldly declaring that anyone from anywhere can become the Governor of Lagos State.
Meanwhile, just 45 minutes away in Ogun State, no outsider would dare say that. An hour away in Oyo State, such a conversation would never happen. Those states protected their internal political structures; Lagos politicians threw theirs away.
By dismantling the structural divisions that held the identity of Lagos together, these politicians brought this embarrassment upon the state. One can only pray they have learned their lesson, face the reality of what they caused, and do the heavy lifting to correct it themselves.
Oye ki oju ti gbogboyin for the shame. SMH