Traditional rulers and religious leaders in Agege and Orile-Agege, Lagos State, have intervened in the growing political tension in the area ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The intervention came during a peace meeting attended by traditional rulers, Christian and Muslim leaders and representatives of the Arewa community, following the defection of former Agege Local Government chairman, High Chief Ganiyu Egunjobi, and Barrister Azeez Yusuf from the All Progressives Congress to the Allied Peoples Movement.
The meeting was convened amid concerns over possible confrontation among supporters of the different political camps in the area.
The Alaige of Orile-Agege, Oba Ambaliu Agbeleyi, said reports of possible violence prompted him to intervene, stressing that traditional rulers could not remain silent if political disagreements threatened peace in the community.
The Olu of Agege, Oba Oyedeji Kamila Ishiba, also appealed to politicians and their supporters to avoid confrontation, saying political contests should not be allowed to disrupt peace and stability in the communities.
Religious leaders at the meeting similarly urged politicians to resolve their differences peacefully and ensure that the 2027 election does not become a source of violence.
Egunjobi, who attended the meeting, explained that his decision to leave the APC followed disagreements surrounding the party’s primary election. He alleged that although he emerged victorious at the primary, the party did not hold a reconciliation meeting with him after the outcome.
He said he and his supporters had considered legal action but were persuaded by Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, to refrain from going to court.
Despite the political disagreement, Egunjobi assured residents that his camp would not resort to violence.
The development has placed renewed attention on the need for political actors in Agege to manage their differences peacefully as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
