E KOH E RE: What can Kadiri Hamzat Do?

Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, the current deputy governor of Lagos State, is set to become the next governor in 2027, a move widely seen as a foregone conclusion. Hamzat, a long-serving member of the Lagos establishment and a staunch supporter of the Tinubu political dynasty, has secured the crucial "nod" from the state's powerful godfather figure. This endorsement, coupled with his party's ticket, makes his electoral victory almost certain, regardless of popular will.

The article, however, casts doubt on the actual power Hamzat will wield once in office. It argues that since 1999, the governorship of Lagos, Nigeria's economic powerhouse, has been effectively hijacked by a "godfather" who dictates who holds the position. This patron-client relationship means the elected governor's autonomy is severely curtailed, with their actions and decisions subject to the approval of this overarching power.

Hamzat, described as well-read with a doctorate in IT and Computing from England, is presented as arguably the best candidate for the job. Yet, the piece contends that his personal capabilities are secondary to the political realities of Lagos. The "monster that vanquished Lagos", the entrenched system of godfatherism, continues to hold the state captive, leaving even a seemingly well-qualified leader like Hamzat with limited room to maneuver or enact significant independent change.