As part of his ongoing consultative tour, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (KOH) paid a courtesy visit to elder statesman and distinguished Nigerian lawyer, Alhaji Lateef Femi Okunnu, in a move seen as part of efforts to consolidate support ahead of the Lagos State governorship race.
During the visit, Alhaji Okunnu reflected on the history of Lagos State and Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of history as a guide for leadership and governance, especially for the incoming governor.
According to him, “the essence of the history is to serve as a guide for Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat in his administration as governor.”
Also speaking at the meeting, former Lagos West Senator, Musiliu Obanikoro, expressed appreciation to Alhaji Okunnu for the warm reception accorded the delegation.
Obanikoro stated that the purpose of the visit was to formally present Dr. Hamzat as the anointed candidate for the next Governor of Lagos.
Throwing his weight behind Hamzat’s candidacy, Obanikoro described him as a committed Lagosian with a proven record of service. “Today, we are presenting your son as the next governor. He is a committed Lagosian. Considering his over sixteen years’ experience in the government of Lagos, and the fact that he has distinguished himself as someone with the interest of this state at heart, he is the right person and best man for the job,” he said.
In his remarks, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat expressed gratitude to Alhaji Okunnu for receiving the team and took time to clarify some of the issues concerning his affinity to Lagos.
He stressed that beyond questions of origin, the major priority should be the development of Lagos State.
“What is important is how Lagos is progressing. We need to know that Lagos is too important for Nigeria. So our priority should be how Lagos progresses,” Hamzat stated.
Speaking further on the mission of the consultative visits, he said, “We are meeting political leaders of progressive extraction and notable figures within the state to seek their blessings and support.”
At the end of the visit, Alhaji Okunnu assured him of his support, offered special prayers for Hamzat and showered him blessings, praying that God would make the journey ahead easier for him.
The consultative tour later moved to the residence of former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who warmly received Hamzat and his entourage.
Welcoming the delegation, Orelope-Adefulire described the governorship project as a collective mission.
“This project is our project. We know what you stand for — capability and relationship with people. You have been one of us for many years and are part of the system. It is a round peg in a round hole,” she said.
She further commended the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as an uncommon personality whose vision continues to shape Lagos and Nigeria.
“Those who do not understand the dynamics and economic realities will not appreciate what Asiwaju is doing. At the end, it will benefit Nigeria and Lagos,” she said.
She urged party loyalists and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilization ahead of the elections.
“This election is not one to be taken lightly. All required efforts must be intensified. We must start canvassing people now — door-to-door, everyone, every cluster. We must intensify efforts to ensure the elections are won,” she charged.
Commending the administration of President Tinubu during the meeting, Hamzat said many Nigerians fail to appreciate transformative leadership because of vested interests in a dysfunctional system.
“A lot of Nigerians do not like good things because they are benefitting from the bad system. It takes a reasonable person to know that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done a lot of great things,” he said.
