As Lagos approaches another defining moment in its political history, the conversation about the future of the state must go beyond political parties, familiar slogans and electoral promises. It must centre on leadership experience, innovative ideas, economic opportunities, security, accountability and the quality of life of ordinary residents.
One of the candidates bringing these issues into the 2027 governorship conversation is Prince Adelaja Adeoye, popularly known as Laja Adeoye, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Lagos State.
Adeoye comes into the political conversation with experience spanning banking, entrepreneurship, real estate development, oil and gas, philanthropy and political participation. His professional background provides the context for understanding the economic and administrative ideas he is proposing for Lagos.
1.Bringing Private-Sector Experience into Public Governance
One of the defining features of Laja Adeoye’s background is his exposure to the private sector.
Having worked in banking, oil and gas and entrepreneurship, he brings experience from industries that depend on planning, investment, efficiency and accountability.
His argument is that Lagos needs a governance model that combines public responsibility with private-sector efficiency, ensuring that government resources translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
2.ÀTÚNTÒ ÈKÓ 1.0: A Blueprint for a Different Lagos
At the centre of Adeoye’s political vision is Àtúntò Èkó 1.0 – Re-engineering Lagos for Inclusive Prosperity.
The agenda addresses several critical areas:
*Electricity: Independent Power Projects across Lagos’ five divisions to improve electricity supply.
*Affordable Housing: Development of affordable housing communities in areas such as Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu.
*Employment: A proposed 1.5 million new jobs through SME development, technology, agriculture and other productive sectors.
*Healthcare: Improved access to affordable and quality healthcare.
*Education: Investment in quality education, science, technology and vocational training.
*Security: Strengthening community policing and exploring the establishment of Lagos Amotekun.
*Infrastructure: Improved roads, transportation, drainage systems and flood management.
*Governance: Greater transparency, local government autonomy and citizen participation in budget preparation.
These are proposals that will require clear implementation timelines, sustainable financing and measurable performance indicators.
3.An Economy That Works for Ordinary Lagosians
Lagos is home to millions of entrepreneurs, traders, artisans, transport operators, professionals and small-business owners.
Yet many struggle with multiple levies, inadequate infrastructure, unreliable electricity and the rising cost of doing business.
Adeoye has proposed streamlining taxation, reducing unnecessary tax burdens and creating a friendlier environment for small and medium-sized enterprises.
His vision also includes technology hubs, investment in artificial intelligence, blockchain and robotics, as well as opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
The central question is how government can create an environment where hard work translates into prosperity.
4.A Lagos That Belongs to Everyone
Another important element of Adeoye’s stated philosophy is inclusive governance.
Lagos is a cosmopolitan state, home to people from different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.
His publicly expressed position is that every resident, irrespective of origin, should have access to opportunities and enjoy the benefits of living in Lagos.
He has also emphasised deliberate empowerment of indigenous Lagosians, alongside an inclusive approach that accommodates all residents.
The challenge for any incoming administration will be translating these principles into policies that guarantee fairness, equal opportunity and social cohesion.
5.Youth Empowerment and the Future of Lagos
The future of Lagos depends significantly on what happens to its young population.
Adeoye’s proposed agenda includes youth technology hubs across local government areas, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship support and opportunities for women-led businesses.
Rather than seeing young people merely as campaign volunteers or election participants, the proposed approach is to make them active contributors to the state’s economy.
This is particularly important in a state where unemployment, underemployment and the cost of starting a business remain significant concerns.
6.Accountability and People-Centred Governance
Perhaps one of the most important issues in the Lagos governorship conversation is accountability.
Adeoye has proposed town hall meetings before annual budget preparation, allowing residents, traditional rulers, market leaders, students, professionals and civil society organisations to contribute to government priorities.
He has also advocated transparent budgeting, stronger local government administration and adherence to the rule of law.
These proposals raise an important question for Lagosians: how can government become more responsive to the people who finance and depend on it?
THE BIGGER CONVERSATION: WHAT KIND OF LAGOS DO WE WANT?
The 2027 governorship election should provide Lagosians with an opportunity to examine the backgrounds, policies, records and commitments of everyone seeking to lead the state.
For Laja Adeoye, Àtúntò Èkó 1.0 represents his proposed framework for addressing the challenges of electricity, housing, transportation, healthcare, education, security and economic development.
Ultimately, the strength of any political vision will be determined not merely by how attractive it sounds during a campaign but by its feasibility, funding arrangements, implementation and measurable impact on residents.
Lagos deserves a serious conversation about its future. And every candidate, including Prince Laja Adeoye, should be judged by the clarity of their ideas, the credibility of their commitments and their willingness to be held accountable.
Written by:
Ayodele Kazeem
Spokesperson,
Laja Adeoye Campaign Organisation (LACO).
