Council Polls: Oba of Kweme Urges Daughter, Princess Damilola James, to Step Down for Equity and Fairness

By Akonasu Gbedozin  The Akweno of Kweme Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Sejiro Olalekan James, has called on his daughter, Princess Damilola...

By Akonasu Gbedozin 

The Akweno of Kweme Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Sejiro Olalekan James, has called on his daughter, Princess Damilola Sonayon James, to withdraw from the race for the chairmanship of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in the upcoming Lagos State local government elections. The monarch urged her—and other aspirants, particularly from Ward A, his home ward—to step aside in the interest of equity and fairness.

Princess Damilola, a strong contender for the chairmanship seat, received this advice during a recent visit to the palace by another aspirant, Princess Oluremi Nutayi Funmilayo Ajose. Princess Oluremi, daughter of His Royal Majesty Oba Oyekan Adekanmi Ajose Possi III, the Alapa of Apa Ègún Awori Kingdom, had come to seek the monarch’s royal blessings for her ambition.

Speaking during the visit held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Oba Sejiro emphasized that the royal fathers’ decision to back Princess Oluremi stems from a collective commitment to fairness and justice among the five wards that make up Badagry West LCDA.

He explained that since the creation of the council during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State Governor, Wards A, B, and D have each produced a chairman. Wards C (Apa Ward) and E (Seme Ward), however, have not had the same opportunity. While Ward E has been appealed to accept the vice-chairmanship position in the coming election, supporting a candidate from Ward C, he said, is simply a matter of justice.

"My endorsement—and that of other royal fathers—is not based on personal preference. It is anchored on fairness," Oba Sejiro said. "Even my own daughter, a princess of this kingdom, I have asked to step down for the sake of equity. Remi is our daughter too. Initially, she was hesitant to run, but we encouraged her because we believe in her competence, character, and passion for public service."

The respected monarch also used the occasion to caution religious leaders in Badagry West LCDA to steer clear of partisan politics. His warning follows reports that some Islamic clerics had been endorsing political candidates based on religion—a development he condemned as dangerous.

"Our religious harmony is something we must all protect," Oba James warned. "Partisan endorsements by religious leaders can ignite unnecessary tensions and threaten the peaceful coexistence between Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists that we have long enjoyed in Badagry West."