The gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described Lagosians as free citizens, saying they are not in any bondage.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Sunday when he visited the Palace of the Akran of Badagry, Aholu De Wheno Menu Toyi 1, during a tour of traditional rulers in the Badagry division.
His remark came as a direct response to media reports yesterday which quoted his counterpart in the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Jimi Agbaje, who said Lagosians were in bondage.
“Some have started talking about freedom and insinuated that Lagos is in bondage. Unfortunately, we cannot begin to talk about freedom in the 21st century.
“This is insulting to humanity and the people of Lagos especially because slavery and bondage were abolished in Badagry several decades ago.
“When they talk about freedom, we ask them freedom from what? We have had our freedom and everyone in Lagos is free. We have since moved away from the era of slavery, to era of prosperity with deep-seated aspiration for greater Lagos.
“We are aware of the challenges facing the people of Badagry on the rehabilitation of the expressway and we are promising that our administration would immediately hit the ground running and ensure the completion of that important road immediately we assume office by your votes,” Sanwo-Olu assured.
He added that Lagos had achieved accelerated prosperity since 1999 due to the tenacity and purposefulness of the ruling party.
While highlighting the numerous infrastructural needs of the Badagry division, the APC flag-bearer promised to speedily address some of the listed concerns of the people.
Sanwo-Olu reminded the royal fathers of the economic importance of tourism to the GDP of the state, maintaining that he would ensure a speedy completion of all projects that will improve the quality of lives of the people.
“It is no brainer that once we fix infrastructure, it will automatically jump-start development in the area.
“That’s why it has become expedient for us to look critically into this before we can even think of other things. I am promising you today that Badagry will assume her pride of place in tourism if you give us your votes,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu’s team also stopped at the Palace of the Onijanikin of Ijanikin land, Oba Mohammed Ashafa who lauded the governorship hopeful for his punctuality.
Oba Ashafa said Sanwo-Olu’s sense of timeliness spoke of his character as a man of honour.
Also speaking on behalf of the royal fathers in Aworiland, the Oniba of Ibaland said they endorsed the candidacy of Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
Other traditional rulers in Badagry division, who led their chiefs and subjects to the meeting include Aholu of Ajijo Kingdom, Aholu Whenton 1; De-Yeyi of Ajaka Topa Kingdom; Aholu Agano Toniyon 1 of Ajara Agamathen; Aholu Thazunwo of Ajara Vetho Kingdom; Alapa of Apa Egun Awori Kingdom, and Aholu Sejiro Kwemeh Kingdom.
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