By Bisi Bamishe
The Publisher of online news platform August24news.com, Mr. Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim, popularly known as Omoatitebi, has formally entered the political arena, declaring his intention to contest for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat representing Lagos Island Constituency II under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ajagbe made his aspiration public during a press conference held in Lagos on Thursday, attended by selected journalists, signalling his transition from the press gallery to the legislative chamber.
From the Newsroom to the Assembly Floor
A seasoned media entrepreneur with decades of political reporting experience in Lagos, Ajagbe cuts a distinctive figure among the emerging crop of aspirants. His declaration is fuelled, he says, by repeated calls from constituents — particularly the youth — who have experienced his grassroots leadership style firsthand.
“My humble self and my media platform have been reporting Lagos politics effectively, particularly the Lagos State House of Assembly, for decades,” Ajagbe told journalists at the event. “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.”
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.
A Political Résumé Rooted in Grassroots Mobilisation
Ajagbe is no stranger to Lagos Island’s political landscape. He previously contested a Councillorship seat in Ward E3, Lagos Island East LCDA, and later served as the Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications to the Executive Chairman of Lagos Island East 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, LGA 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 Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) 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 Lagos First Lady, Her Excellency Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.
Party Leaders Back His Candidacy
The declaration has attracted swift endorsements from within the APC fold in Lagos Island Constituency II. Both the Chairman of the APC Leadership Forum, Hon. Jide Damasio, and the newly elected APC Party Chairman for Lagos Island Constituency II, Hon. Ibrahim Ganiu, expressed strong support for the aspiring lawmaker.
“Ajagbe is no doubt a core party man — dedicated and loyal,” both officials said in a joint statement. “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.
A Race to Watch in 2027
As the 2027 electoral cycle begins to take shape, Ajagbe’s entry into the Lagos Island Constituency II 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.
