Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Tajudeen Olusi, has clarified the circumstances under which Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, was described as the “incoming governor” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Olusi’s clarification follows widespread reactions from political stakeholders and observers after the remark surfaced during the General Assembly of Indigenous Associations in Lagos State, organised by the IBILE Eko Summit Foundation at the MUSON Centre, Onikan.
Speaking with Daily Independent on Friday, Olusi stated that he was not the originator of the statement, noting that the phrase was first used by a traditional ruler from Badagry during the event.
According to him, the monarch, who spoke in both Egun and English, referred to Hamzat as the “incoming Governor of Lagos State,” a comment that was later echoed and amplified.
“It is unfortunate that a number of people in the press and on social media do not bother about bringing people together,” Olusi said. “At the occasion, who first used the word ‘incoming governor’? Go and look at the recording of that event.”
He explained further that the term “incoming” should not be misinterpreted as a definitive political endorsement or declaration, but rather as a general expression of aspiration.
“To me, incoming means somebody who is on the way. That means that the person is still struggling to achieve something. That is what is meant, and it is unfortunate that people are reading all kinds of meanings into it,” he added.
The comment has sparked political debate in Lagos, with some interpreting it as an endorsement of Hamzat as his principal, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s succesor.
However, Olusi maintained that the interpretation being given to the remark by sections of the media was misplaced.
He urged the public to rely on the full context of the event rather than isolated statements circulating online.
