By Bilesanmi Abayomi
As the Executive Chairmen of Kosofe Local Government, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, and Ikosi-Isheri LCDA prepare for inauguration, attention is gradually shifting to the equally critical legislative arm of local governance. With the legislative houses expected to be inaugurated shortly after the chairmen take their oath of office, political stakeholders are keenly watching who will emerge as the next Leader of the House in each council.
Kosofe Local Government
In Kosofe, four second-term councillors are in strong contention for the position of House Leader:
Hon. Femi Oyesile (Ward C)
Hon. Hakeem Oshijirin (Ward E)
Hon. Sulyman Baruwa (Ward G)
Hon. Ibrahim Bakare (Ward F)
While all four candidates are experienced, Hon. Sulyman Baruwa stands out based on his track record. If merit, performance, and community engagement are prioritized over internal party dynamics and political affiliations, Baruwa is widely regarded as the most effective and high-performing councillor during the last four years.
Ikosi-Isheri LCDA
In Ikosi-Isheri, the returning councillors vying for leadership include:
Hon. Adekoya Gbadegoke (Ward E – current Majority Leader)
Hon. Adedeji Osinowo (Ward C)
Hon. Ismail Onikosi (Ward D)
All three are well-qualified and returning for a second term, but many believe Hon. Gbadegoke is the frontrunner. His strategic positioning and deep-rooted political alliances—especially the backing of his political mentor, Hon. Afolabi Kazeem (aka ABK)—could give him a decisive edge. Their unwavering support during the controversial re-election of Executive Chairman Princess Samiat Bada is seen as a significant factor in Gbadegoke’s favor.
Agboyi-Ketu LCDA
In Agboyi-Ketu, Hon. Adekunle Aderoju (Ward G) and Hon. Oluwatoyin Akinyemi (Ward F) are the two returning councillors from the outgoing administration of Mayor Dele Osinowo.
Among them, Hon. Olutoyin Akinyemi is widely viewed as a potential trailblazer. If long-standing calls for equitable representation of the Agboyi ancient town are finally answered, she could make history as the first female Leader of the House in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA.
Recent political developments suggest that the Agboyi community—long overlooked in council leadership—may be on the verge of claiming the third most powerful seat in the council structure since the LCDA’s creation.
As legislative arms across Kosofe’s councils await formal inauguration, all eyes are on who will emerge as the next House Leaders. While party loyalty and political alliances will undoubtedly shape the outcome, there is a growing public expectation that competence, performance, and fairness will guide the final decision.
Only time will tell whose cap truly fits.