By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Political tensions have intensified in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) following the public show of support by Princess Bola Kazeem, former Vice Chairman and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, for the embattled incumbent Chairperson, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada.
Former Ikosi-Isheri LCDA Vice Chairman, Princess Bola Kazeem — seen wearing a white veil — joins APC stakeholders in raising the hand of Samiat Abolanle Bada during the recent Lagos East Senatorial District campaign flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Princess Bola was one of several aspirants who vied for the APC chairmanship ticket during the party’s primary election on May 10, 2025. Unlike other contenders who coalesced under the Coalition of Chairmanship Aspirants to challenge what they termed Bada’s illegal third-term bid, Princess Bola notably distanced herself from the protests and legal tussles that ensued.
SEE: THE COALITION OF ALL 2025 (1)
Multiple sources allege that following the primary, Princess Bola was courted by Bada’s political camp with promises of appointments and other forms of compensation. While her fellow aspirants mobilised support and pursued redress locally and internationally, Princess Bola quietly resumed grassroots political activities, fuelling speculation that she was strategically positioning herself as a compromise candidate should both Bada and the coalition be disqualified from the race.
That perception shifted dramatically when Princess Bola was seen at the Lagos East APC campaign flag-off event, openly aligning with Princess Samiat Bada, who received the party flag amid widespread controversy.
Her appearance triggered strong backlash from members of the coalition and party faithful, with many accusing her of betrayal and political opportunism.
One particularly scathing response came from Amos Ojewunmi, an aggrieved APC member in Ikosi-Isheri Ward , who in a strongly worded statement described Princess Bola as a “betrayer of justice.”
“It is both shameful and disgraceful that Princess Bola Kazeem, a supposed elder and respected figure, has shamelessly aligned herself with the illegality of Princess Bada’s desperate third-term ambition,” Ojewunmi wrote.
“Her support for a blatant breach of the Lagos State Local Government Administration Law raises serious questions about her judgment, loyalty, and moral compass.”
Ojewunmi further argued that Princess Bola’s current political ambition “reeks of opportunism and self-interest,” accusing her of attempting to benefit from a struggle she neither joined nor supported.
“This is not leadership; this is greedy ambition,” he added.
Prior to her recent realignment, Princess Bola had a publicly documented fallout with Bada over the control of Gunwa Market. She was also allegedly locked out of an APC stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro at the LCDA secretariat—a move that underscored the strained relationship between both politicians.
Her sudden public reconciliation with Bada, however, underscores the often-cited political truism: “There are no permanent friends or enemies in politics—only permanent interests.”
With the July 12 local council elections fast approaching and the fate of APC’s flagbearer still under legal scrutiny, Princess Bola’s latest move is being closely watched by political observers and residents alike, many of whom are now questioning the integrity and direction of leadership within Ikosi-Isheri LCDA.