As the race for the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly election gradually takes shape, a troubling dimension has emerged in the political conversation in Badagry Constituency I. A viral campaign video by the Director General of a rival aspirant has sparked a debate that raises serious concerns about the quality of political discourse and the future of representation in the constituency.
The campaign team of a former chairman of Badagry West LCDA, recently floated the idea of pushing for the adoption of the Ogu language for use in plenary sessions of the Lagos State House of Assembly, similar to the one day set aside for the Yoruba language. On the surface, this might sound like cultural advocacy. However, the practicality and seriousness of such a proposal have been questioned, especially given the reality of the composition and working language of the House.
The Lagos State House of Assembly operates in English, which remains Nigeria’s official language of governance. The symbolic use of Yoruba in the House is possible because almost all lawmakers understand and speak Yoruba fluently. The same cannot be said for the Ogu language. Pushing for a language that the overwhelming majority of lawmakers neither speak nor understand raises the question of whether such a proposal is rooted in genuine representation or merely political theatrics.
This is where the contrast with Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu becomes stark. Bonu, the current member representing Badagry Constituency I, has built a reputation not on theatrics but on results. His critics have tried to dismiss his fluency in English, mocking him as “Òyìnbó Ọ̀pẹ́ẹ̀rẹ̀” for speaking eloquently. But in a legislative chamber where influence, articulation and negotiation are key, that very fluency has become a tool for delivery.
In just over two years in office, Bonu has influenced projects that many before him could not achieve. From the reconstruction of the Agbalata Market road to Badagry General Hospital, to the facilitation of new school buildings across communities in the constituency, his impact is visible. He facilitated the distribution of five 500KVA transformers across Badagry communities, a move many residents have described as unprecedented. The restoration of electricity to Badagry West after years of darkness due to vandalism stands as one of his most notable interventions.
Beyond infrastructure, Bonu has opened doors of exposure for young people. His sponsorship of primary school pupils on an educational visit to the Lagos State House of Assembly was a first for the area. His influence in tourism is also evident in ongoing projects such as the Door of Return initiative and the reconstruction of the historic Door of No Return monument in Gberefu Island, alongside increased state support for Badagry’s tourism activities.
These are not the achievements of a silent or ineffective legislator. They are the outcomes of active engagement, strong communication and political influence within the Assembly and the executive arm of government.
It is therefore not surprising that some political observers have questioned the logic of replacing a performing lawmaker with someone they describe as a low grade alternative. A well known social commentator, Babajide Akran, captured this sentiment bluntly when he questioned whether Gbenu truly represents the alternative Badagry Constituency I deserves, urging voters to stick with competence and results.
The 2027 election will ultimately be decided by the people of Badagry Constituency I. However, the conversation should not be reduced to emotional appeals or unrealistic proposals that do not address the real needs of the constituency. Lawmaking is serious business, not a stage for experiments that offer no tangible benefit.
The question before the people is clear. Should Badagry trade a lawmaker who has demonstrated capacity, influence and delivery for untested promises and sentimental politics? Or should the constituency consolidate on proven representation that has brought visible development?
As the political season unfolds, the people of Badagry will have to answer that question with their votes.
