David Oladimeji
The political landscape of Lagos Island received a fresh jolt as Publisher of August24news.com, Mr. Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim, popularly known as Omoatitebi, officially declared his intention to contest for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat representing Lagos Island Constituency II ahead of the 2027 general elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ajagbe unveiled his legislative ambition during a well-attended press conference held in Lagos on Thursday, where journalists and political stakeholders gathered to witness what many described as a symbolic transition from journalism into active political leadership.
The declaration marked a defining moment for the media entrepreneur, who has spent decades chronicling political developments across Lagos State, particularly legislative activities within the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Speaking at the event, Ajagbe emphasized that his decision was largely inspired by persistent appeals from constituents, especially young people who, according to him, believe his grassroots engagement and leadership experience can translate into effective representation.
He noted that years of reporting governance and legislative proceedings have equipped him with deep institutional knowledge of lawmaking processes, parliamentary traditions, and policy formulation within Lagos State.
According to the aspirant, his ambition represents a commitment to give back to the community that shaped his professional and political journey, stressing that public service remains the ultimate extension of responsible journalism.
Ajagbe’s political journey is not entirely new to Lagos Island politics, having previously contested for Councillorship in Ward E3 of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, where he built networks within party structures and grassroots communities.
His experience further expanded when he served as Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications to the Executive Chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA, Hon. Muibi Alade Folawiyo, a role that strengthened his administrative exposure and governance insight.
Within party circles, Ajagbe is widely acknowledged for intellectual contributions to APC political organization, notably as the architect of the 2011 Lagos Island APC Almanac, a strategic publication profiling party leaders and ward executives across the island.
The publication later evolved into a reference material during party primaries and internal consultations, reinforcing his reputation as a political mobilizer and chronicler of party history.
Ajagbe also gained recognition for conceptualizing the Governance Advisory Council Golden Frame, popularly known as the Lagos GAC Frame, which showcased prominent APC leaders across Lagos’ three senatorial districts and was presented to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.
Demonstrating advocacy for gender inclusion in governance, he equally produced the 80 Distinguished Female Political Office Holders Frame in Lagos State, unveiled by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, celebrating women’s contributions to public leadership since 1999.
His declaration has already drawn endorsements from party stakeholders, including Chairman of the APC Leadership Forum, Hon. Jide Damasio, and APC Party Chairman for Lagos Island Constituency II, Hon. Ibrahim Ganiu, who described him as a loyal party man committed to progressive ideals.
The party leaders noted that Ajagbe has consistently used his media influence to promote party ideology and developmental narratives, adding that his aspiration reflects growing youth participation within the ruling party.
As political activities gradually build toward the 2027 elections, Ajagbe’s entrance into the Lagos Island Constituency II contest is expected to reshape calculations within APC ranks, with observers watching closely to see whether the seasoned publisher can successfully transform media credibility and grassroots goodwill into electoral victory.
