By Dapo Akinrefon

A United Kingdom-based commentator on Nigerian political affairs, Mr Abanikanda Olumoro, has faulted the continued decision by prominent political figures in Lagos State to select non-indigenes for major political offices, saying such positions should primarily be occupied by individuals regarded as indigenes of the state.

This followed recent speculations surrounding a possible political alliance involving Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and technocrat, Ayo Gbeleyi.

Reacting to the development in a statement, Olumoro said the Hamzat/Gbeleyi arrangement had become controversial because it touches directly on the sensitive issue of identity and indigeneity in Lagos politics.

According to him, Hamzat’s potential running mate might have encountered resistance within influential party structures, including the Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC.

The statement reads: “The controversy has reignited advocacy by groups aligned with the ‘Lagos-for-Lagos’ movement and other indigenous political organisations, which have long argued that native Lagosians have been marginalised in the state’s political structure.

“These groups maintain that major political offices — including Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker of the House of Assembly, and Secretary to the State Government — should primarily be occupied by individuals considered indigenous to Lagos State.
“Political observers note that the reported Hamzat/Gbeleyi arrangement has become controversial because it touches directly on the sensitive issue of identity and indigeneity in Lagos politics.

“Some indigenous advocacy groups have questioned the historical and political claims of certain public office holders who identify as Lagos indigenes, arguing that such claims should be subjected to greater scrutiny.

“Reports circulating within political circles suggest that earlier speculations linking Hamzat with another possible running mate may have encountered resistance within influential party structures, including the Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC.

“Against this backdrop, the emergence of Ayo Gbeleyi’s name in succession conversations has generated fresh political interest. Supporters of the proposed combination reportedly describe Gbeleyi as a seasoned technocrat with extensive experience in public finance, economic management, and public-private partnerships. Political analysts say his profile is being projected as one capable of balancing administrative competence with indigenous representation, particularly from Lagos West Senatorial District, widely regarded as a politically strategic zone in the state.

“Ayo Gbeleyi is widely described as having roots in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area and is presented by supporters as an Awori indigene from Lagos West.

“His career in public service includes serving as Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State. At the federal level, he also chaired the board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN. He currently serves as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, the federal agency responsible for privatization and public enterprise reforms.

“Despite his public service credentials, questions continue to emerge from critics and indigenous advocacy groups regarding aspects of Gbeleyi’s family background and political identity.

“Some critics have pointed to reported connections between members of the Gbeleyi family and political activities in Ogun State. References have also been made to alleged ties with Ado/Odo Ota and to reports involving Oluseyi Bolanle Gbeleyi, said to have served in the Ogun State House of Assembly between 1999 and 2003.

“Attention has equally been drawn to claims concerning Chief E.A. Gbeleyi, identified in some reports as a former Federal Minister of Labour during the First Republic.

“While none of these claims have been officially established as disqualifying under constitutional provisions, advocacy groups insist that issues surrounding indigeneity remain central to the broader debate about political ownership and representation in Lagos State.

“Analysts say the unfolding conversations ahead of 2027 reveal growing tensions between elite political arrangements and grassroots demands for indigenous inclusion. For many indigenous political organizations, the issue extends beyond party politics and reflects what they describe as a struggle for recognition, inclusion, and historical political justice.

“At the same time, political strategists within the ruling APC are expected to navigate complex considerations involving electoral calculations, regional balancing, elite consensus, and public perception.

“Whether the eventual governorship ticket features Hamzat, Gbeleyi, or an entirely different political combination, observers believe the debates already emerging may significantly shape Lagos politics in the months ahead. For now, Lagos appears headed toward another defining political season — one likely to test the balance between political strategy, identity politics, and democratic representation.”