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Justice Forum vs Mandate: The Brewing Supremacy Battle Over Lagos

Published

4 hours ago

Jan 13, 2025.

The Justice Forum and the Mandate Movement has become a high-stakes contest for political dominance in Lagos
Cardinal Odumbaku exceptional ability to mobilize and organize earned him the nickname ‘Baba Eto,’ by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola
Hon. Faleke aims to support his preferred candidate, while Baba Eto seeks to maintain the status quo

In the lead-up to the highly anticipated Lagos State Local Government council elections, tensions have arisen between two political factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC): The Mandate Movement and the Justice Forum.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Hon. James Faleke, a prominent member of the House of Representatives and former Ojodu LCDA Chairman, recently defected to the Justice Forum along with his followers from the Ikeja Federal Constituency, comprising Ikeja LG, Onigbongbo LCDA, and Ojodu LCDA.

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Faleke aims to revitalize the Justice Forum and increase its influence within Lagos State politics, challenging the dominance of the Mandate Movement led by Cardinal James Omolaja Odumbaku, also known as Baba Eto.

As the leader of the Justice Forum, Hon. Faleke is determined to make a strong statement in the upcoming local government elections, highlighting the significance of these polls for the balance of power within Lagos State’s political landscape.

With both factions vying for influence, the election outcomes will undoubtedly shape the future direction of Lagos State politics.

Justice Forum vs Mandate : The Brewing Supremacy Battle Over Lagos

Cardinal James Omolaja Odumbaku, also known as Baba Eto

It’s important to note that the Justice Forum has a strong history within the Lagos APC, having previously produced influential political figures such as President Bola Tinubu, former Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola, and current Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

Recognizing this legacy, the party appointed Hon. Faleke to leverage his political expertise and close relationship with President Tinubu in order to secure more political opportunities for the caucus, particularly as the local government elections approach.

In recent months, Hon. Faleke has made concerted efforts to restore the Justice Forum to its former prominence.

Historically, the Mandate Movement has held a significant portion of appointments within the state, overshadowing the Justice Forum’s influence.

However, with Faleke at the helm, the Justice Forum aims to reclaim its position as a major player in Lagos politics and secure more political posts for its members.

Justice Forum Logo

A few weeks back at the commissioning of the Justice Forum secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos, the group’s coordinator, James Faleke, and other Justice Forum’s leadership, including former Deputy Governor Abiodun Ogunleye, Olorunfunmi Basorun, Chief Rabiu Oluwa, Alhaji Alabi Macfoy, and Otunba Oladele Ajomale, urged members to work tirelessly, mobilize for the party, and ensure victory in the upcoming polls.

They stressed the importance of avoiding the mistakes of 2023, which led to APC’s loss in the presidential election, urging a renewed commitment to the party and the group.

The recent event held at the new secretariat in Ikeja GRA drew a diverse crowd of party figures and leaders.

Attendees noted that the new facility, located along Sobo Arobiodu Street, outshines the party’s main office on Acme Road in Ogba, standing as a testament to the Justice Forum’s enduring political influence in Lagos.

Hon. James Faleke

In his address, Faleke, who recently switched allegiances from the Mandate Group to lead the Justice Forum, expressed optimism about the group’s ability to shape Lagos’ political future.

He vowed to live up to the expectations of the group’s founders and leaders, confidently declaring that the next governor of Lagos would come from the Justice Forum.

Although Faleke’s assertion that the Justice Forum should produce the next governor was met with enthusiasm, no consensus has yet been reached on a specific candidate.

APC LOGO

The internal power struggle is expected to intensify as the group’s rivalry with the Mandate Movement within the APC heats up ahead of the elections.

The battle between the Justice Forum and the Mandate Movement has become a high-stakes contest for political dominance in Lagos.

The Mandate Movement currently holds a number of influential positions and is keen to maintain its power beyond 2025.

In anticipation of the upcoming local government elections, prominent figures such as Baba Eto have been actively campaigning and recruiting new members to strengthen their respective factions.

Mandate Movement Logo

The election results will serve as a litmus test for the strength and vitality of each group within the Lagos political arena.

The ongoing power struggle between the two political figures has been fueled by their competing ambitions to control key local government areas, including Ojodu Local Council Development Area.

Both figures seek to assert their influence over these regions, but doing so without causing internal conflict has proven challenging.

In Ojodu LCDA, for instance, Hon. Faleke aims to support his preferred candidate, while Baba Eto seeks to maintain the status quo.

The situation is similar in Ikeja, creating a tense atmosphere between the two formerly allied politicians.

Cardinal Odunmbaku, also known as Baba Eto, has successfully navigated the intersection of spirituality and partisan politics over the past four decades.