Damilola Sonayon-James is at the centre of a political development that could mark a first for the Badagry division of Lagos State.
The 41-year-old politician recently emerged as the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election, joining governorship candidate Obafemi Hamzat on the party’s ticket.
If elected, Sonayon-James would become the first person from Badagry to serve as deputy governor of Lagos State, giving the division a place in the state’s executive leadership for the first time.
Born into the Kweme royal family in Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Sonayon-James is a granddaughter of the late Oba Afolabi James.
Her father, the late Bolarinwa James, was a former member of the House of Representatives and played an active role in politics in the Badagry division.
Despite her family background, Sonayon-James built her political career through party activities and public service. Her journey was not without setbacks.
She previously sought the chairmanship of Badagry West LCDA but was unsuccessful. She was also overlooked for the position of secretary to the local government.
Rather than step away from politics, she remained involved in local governance and accepted an appointment as supervisory councillor for agriculture and social services in Badagry West LCDA.
Her work at the local government level helped establish her presence within the community and the APC structure in the area.
Over the years, she rose through the ranks of the ruling party. She served as state assistant women leader before becoming deputy state women leader of the APC in Lagos.
Beyond politics, Sonayon-James has built a career in public administration and the private sector.
She holds a degree in business management and human resources management from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom and a master’s degree in social work with a focus on community development from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
Her professional experience includes a six-year stint at the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), where she worked in public finance administration.
She later moved into the private sector, serving as head of sustainability risk and strategy at Conrad Clark Nigeria and working as a consultant for Bolt Nigeria.
In 2020, she was part of a technical team that reviewed Lagos State’s youth policy to align it with international development standards.
Her emergence as APC’s deputy governorship candidate has been viewed as a recognition of her years of party involvement and grassroots mobilisation.
Following her nomination, Damilola Sonayon-James expressed gratitude to APC leaders and supporters, saying her journey reflected the opportunities available in Lagos.
She thanked President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and other party stakeholders for their support.
She also acknowledged traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youth groups across the state, with special appreciation to the people of Badagry and Badagry West.
Sonayon-James said she would work with Deputy Governor Hamzat to continue the APC’s governance agenda in Lagos if elected.
