……As Comrade AKOD Hosts Mega Prayer Summit, 3,000 Baales, Imams Pray for Nigeria.
Emmanuel Clement.
No fewer than 3,000 traditional rulers, Baales, Chief Imams, political leaders and community stakeholders from across Lagos State have rallied behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term and endorsed Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as their preferred candidate for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.
The declaration was made during a two-day mega prayer summit organised by the Lagos Baale Forum and League of Chief Imams and hosted by the Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD).
The gathering brought together representatives from the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas across the state to pray for the peace, unity and continued progress of Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, AKOD commended the traditional rulers and religious leaders for their consistent support for government, describing them as indispensable partners in grassroots development and nation-building.
He said the gathering was not merely a political event but a convergence of one family united by a common desire to see Lagos and Nigeria continue to progress.
The Ikeja council chairman said traditional institutions and religious bodies had continued to play important roles in maintaining peace, social cohesion and stability within communities.
He urged the leaders to sustain their partnership with government and use their influence to promote peaceful participation, civic responsibility and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
AKOD disclosed that the programme received the support of the Member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke.
He also revealed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had established strategic committees covering youth mobilisation, security, social engagement, religious organisations and traditional institutions as part of preparations for the forthcoming elections.
The Chairman called on the traditional rulers and religious leaders to continue supporting efforts aimed at ensuring peace before, during and after the elections, stressing that their enduring presence in their communities gives them a unique responsibility that goes beyond political office.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with them for the development of the grassroots.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Onigando of Igando Land, Oba Lasisi Gbadebo Gbadamosi, commended AKOD for bringing Baales from across Lagos together under one platform.
He urged traditional rulers to protect the peace of their kingdoms and mobilise their subjects to support President Tinubu and Dr. Hamzat, while cautioning against violence during the electioneering period.
Also speaking, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Engr. Sulaimon Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, said the special prayer session reflected the civic responsibility of the Islamic community to seek divine intervention and guidance for Nigeria.
He encouraged citizens to participate actively and responsibly in the democratic process while promoting peace and unity.
The event was attended by prominent personalities, including the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Abdullahi Jebe; member representing Agege Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Jubreel Ayodeji Abdulkareem; Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Richard Adedamola Kasumu; former Executive Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Comrade Engr. Dr. Valentine Buraimoh; Convener and Coordinator of the Lagos Baale Forum, Seyi Bamigbade; alongside other traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, political leaders and community stakeholders.
