The Publisher of online news platform, August24news.com, Mr. Adeyemi Teslim Ajagbe (popularly known as Omoatitebi) has entered the political arena, declaring his intention to contest the Lagos Island state constituency II into the state House of Assembly under the banner of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
At a media briefing at the weekend, which signalled his first major step from the media gallery to the legislative chamber, the seasoned media entrepreneur with decades of political reporting experience in the state, said: ‘My humble self and my media platform have been reporting Lagos politics effectively, particularly the Lagos State House of Assembly, for decades. I am versatile about the Lagos State House of Assembly doctrine, politics and lawmaking. I have learnt the ropes of legislation in Lagos State and I shall deliver perfectly without any lacuna‘.
Ajagbe cuts a distinctive figure among the emerging crop of aspirants. He explained that his declaration is fuelled by repeated calls from constituents — particularly the youths — who have experienced his grassroots leadership style firsthand.
The journalist-turned-politician framed his legislative ambition as a civic duty — a way of ‘paying back to his community’ — drawing on what he described as a wealth of experience in media, communications, and public exposure.
Ajagbe is no stranger to Lagos Island’s political landscape. He previously contested a councillorship seat in Ward E3, Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), and later served as the Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications to the Executive Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Muibi Alade Folawiyo — a role that deepened his immersion in local governance and party administration.
Beyond advisory roles, Ajagbe has left visible imprints on APC political culture in Lagos. He is credited as the architect of the 2011 Lagos Island APC Almanac, a landmark publication that profiled APC leaders, Local Government Area executives, and ward chairmen across all 10 wards — a document widely used as a strategic guide during federal, state, and local government primaries.
He also conceived the celebrated Governance Advisory Council (GAC) Golden Frame, branded the Lagos GAC Frame, a curated political portrait of APC leaders from across the three Lagos senatorial districts. The frame was officially presented to Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.
In a further demonstration of his advocacy for women in governance, Ajagbe also produced the “80 Distinguished Female Political Office Holders Frame in Lagos State”, covering the period from 1999 to date — a project unveiled by state’s First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.
Another of his unique political achievements is the political platform known as “The Great Islanders”, a loop that featured the world famous and powerful political gladiators in Lagos where Lagos and Nigeria’s politics are discussed. Ajagbe remains the sole Administrator of the Loop.
The declaration has attracted swift endorsements from within the APC fold in his constituency. The Chairman of the APC Leadership Forum, Hon. Jide Damasio, and the newly elected party Chairman for theonstituency, Hon. Ibrahim Ganiu expressed strong support for the aspiring lawmaker.
Both officials said in a joint statement: ‘Ajagbe is no doubt a core party man — dedicated and loyal. His aspiration is a welcome development in our party and in Lagos Island. It signifies that Islanders are well comfortable with the leadership style of the ruling APC, and that youths are motivated to work for the development and progress of our dear party’.
They further noted that Ajagbe had consistently deployed his professional platform — his pen and media channels — to champion the party’s message and advance Nigeria’s development.
As the 2027 electoral cycle begins to take shape, Ajagbe’s entry into the state Assembly race adds a compelling dimension to what is shaping up to be a highly competitive legislative contest. His background in journalism, coupled with his proximity to APC power structures in Lagos, positions him as a formidable presence in the emerging field of aspirants.
With the APC primary process yet to commence, political watchers in Lagos Island will be monitoring closely whether the pen-wielding publisher can convert media influence and grassroots goodwill into a winning legislative ticket.
