By Esther Onyegbula

The political class in Badagry on Sunday gathered to celebrate veteran politician and APC Apex Leader in Badagry West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Joseph Hontonyon Bamgbose, as prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, paid glowing tributes to his decades of service to the party and grassroots development.

The surprise birthday celebration attracted a host of political heavyweights, including former Minister and Director-General of the Hamzat-Sonayon James Campaign Organisation, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule; Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende; council chairmen, party leaders, traditional rulers and stakeholders from across Badagry Division.

Speakers at the event described Bamgbose as a loyal party stalwart, mentor and bridge-builder whose contributions to the growth of progressive politics in Badagry and Lagos State have remained significant over the years.

Leading the tributes, Senator Obanikoro recalled his long-standing relationship with the former lawmaker, noting that both men served during the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State in 1999.
According to him, while Bamgbose served as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, he was Commissioner in the state cabinet, a period that enabled him to witness firsthand the celebrant’s commitment to public service and grassroots development.

Obanikoro said Bamgbose had consistently placed the interests of Badagry above personal considerations and remained steadfast in his dedication to the growth of the APC and the advancement of the community.
He said: “Bamgbose is a humble and listening leader who does not struggle to be at the forefront, yet his impact is felt across every corner of Badagry and beyond.

“He remains a mentor, bridge-builder and statesman whose experience continues to guide both established and emerging political leaders.”
Speaking on behalf of himself and the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, described Bamgbose as a dependable pillar of the progressive family whose contributions to party stability and political development have remained invaluable.

Sule recalled the celebrant’s active participation in the campaigns of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, particularly his role as Chairman of the Security Committee and several other strategic assignments.
He prayed for greater wisdom, strength and longevity for the celebrant.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, praised Bamgbose’s consistency in leadership and mentorship, saying his guidance had continued to inspire younger generations within the APC.
He described the celebrant as a repository of political experience whose counsel remained highly sought after.

The APC candidate for Lagos State House of Assembly, Badagry Constituency II, Hon. Olusegun Oladunjoye, popularly known as Oladun, described Bamgbose as a unifying force in Badagry politics.
According to him, the former lawmaker’s humility, accessibility and willingness to listen had earned him widespread respect across the political spectrum.

Similarly, the APC candidate for Lagos State House of Assembly, Badagry Constituency I, Hon. Joseph Gbenu, described Bamgbose as a mentor whose support and guidance had played a significant role in shaping his political career.
Gbenu expressed appreciation for what he called the fatherly role the celebrant had continued to play in the lives of many aspiring leaders.

In his remarks, Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren, popularly known as RIKAY, described Bamgbose as a father figure whose influence transcended politics.
He said the APC leader had nurtured generations of leaders through wisdom, support and commitment to the development of Badagry.

“I never imagined I would become Council Chairman, but Hon. Bamgbose stood by me, gave me the needed support, guidance and encouragement. He believed in me and remained a source of strength throughout my political journey,” Yemaren said.
Representing the Bamgbose family, Hon. Detola Orekoya thanked the organisers and guests for what he described as an overwhelming show of love and solidarity.

Orekoya described the celebrant as the pillar of the Bamgbose family, whose humility, generosity and commitment to family values had helped keep the family united over the years.
He added that beyond politics, Bamgbose remained a dependable adviser and source of inspiration to family members and associates.

Responding to the tributes, Bamgbose expressed appreciation to the organisers, dignitaries, friends, political associates and family members for what he described as a humbling and unexpected gesture.

The former lawmaker said the celebration reflected the enduring bonds of friendship, loyalty and mutual respect that had defined his political journey.
“I am truly overwhelmed by this show of love. I did not see this coming, but I receive it with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility.

“To Senator Obanikoro, our commissioners, council chairmen, party leaders, my political sons and daughters, and everyone who contributed to making this day memorable, I sincerely thank you all,” he said.

Bamgbose prayed for the organisers and guests, asking God to reward their kindness, preserve their families and grant them good health and success in their endeavours.
He also urged younger politicians to remain committed to service, loyalty and the collective development of Badagry and Lagos State.

The celebration was marked by tributes, prayers and goodwill messages, with speakers unanimously describing Bamgbose’s enduring legacy as one built not only on the offices he had occupied but also on the lives he had impacted, the leaders he had mentored and his unwavering commitment to the progress of Badagry and the APC.