Cabinet Appointments Reveal Political Winners and Losers in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA
By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The recent release of cabinet nominees by the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has further highlighted the political winners and losers within Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area for the 2025/2026 governance period.
Key political actors in the unfolding developments include the Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Saidat Bada, the lawmaker representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, Kafilat Ogbara, and members of the Coalition of Chairmanship Aspirants in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA during the 2025 election cycle.
Bada’s Political Comeback
Princess Bada had earlier faced strong opposition over her bid to return to office following the enactment of the 2025 Local Government Administration Law. However, an executive order by the Lagos State Government clarified that the implementation of the law would commence in August instead of May, effectively removing the legal obstacle to her candidacy.
Following the clarification, Bada contested the local government election and defeated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party at the polls. Her victory was later upheld at the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal.
Cabinet Slots Reflect Political Alliances
The newly announced cabinet appointments appear to mirror the evolving political alliances within the council. Several nominees identified as loyalists of the chairman and prominent party leaders who supported her return were included in the list.
Notably, two nominees linked to the Soname/ABK political bloc secured positions in the cabinet. In addition, former Vice Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Princess Bola Kazeem, who had earlier withdrawn from the Coalition of Chairmanship Aspirants ahead of the 2025 election, reportedly secured a cabinet slot for her son.
Ogbara Secures Representation for Loyalists
Meanwhile, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara was able to secure between two and three cabinet slots for her supporters and loyalists across the three councils within Kosofe Federal Constituency.
In Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, she ensured that two of the appointed cabinet members were women, a move observers say reinforces gender representation within the local executive structure.
Coalition Aspirants Left Out
In contrast to developments in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, where about four chairmanship aspirants were accommodated in cabinet positions, none of the younger members of the Coalition of Chairmanship Aspirants in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA were appointed.
Political observers suggest the exclusion indicates that reconciliation among political actors in Ikosi-Isheri may still be incomplete.
Analysts also believe the lingering political divisions could shape future alliances and power dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections in Lagos politics, particularly within the Kosofe axis.