The Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Hammed Aroyewun, has reaffirmed his support for Babajimi Benson, dismissing reports suggesting opposition within the Justice Forum to the lawmaker’s continued representation at the House of Representatives.
In a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Thursday, Aroyewun said such claims were inaccurate and did not reflect his position or that of the community.
“I consider it necessary to state, clearly and without ambiguity, that such claims do not reflect my views, nor do they represent the true position of the good people of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA,” he said.
He also rejected any suggestion of division within the political group, insisting that internal positions should not be misrepresented.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that political tension is building in Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general elections as the Justice Forum openly rejected the reported fourth-term ambition of the lawmaker representing the area, Babajimi Benson.
“As the Executive Chairman of this LCDA and a committed member of the Justice Forum, I reject any attempt to misrepresent the stance of our political family or to project personal opinions as a collective decision,” Aroyewun stated.
The council boss said consultations with residents and stakeholders showed strong backing for Benson across the constituency.
“From my direct engagement with residents, community leaders, youth groups, artisans, and stakeholders across our wards and CDAs, the reality is unmistakable: there is strong, consistent, and growing support for Hon. Babajimi Benson,” he said.
He attributed the support to what he described as visible performance and development impact.
“This support is not built on sentiment; it is built on visible performance, accessibility, and sustained impact,” he added.
Aroyewun highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including road construction across Ikorodu Federal Constituency, as evidence of effective representation.
He said, “Over 100 roads facilitated across the constituency, including the ongoing 13km Offin–Oreta Road, a critical economic corridor linking over 50 communities.”
Within Igbogbo/Baiyeku, he listed several completed or ongoing roads, adding that they demonstrate “purposeful representation.”
On security, he pointed to the establishment of a smart police station in Elepe, saying it had strengthened local security architecture.
In healthcare, he referenced the 80-bed Mother and Child Hospital in Imota and plans for a Federal Medical Centre in Igbogbo/Baiyeku, describing them as “generational milestones.”
He also praised social intervention programmes such as the iCare FoodBank initiative, which he said supports vulnerable residents monthly.
“Through initiatives like the iCare FoodBank, thousands of vulnerable residents receive monthly support,” he said.
On legislative performance, Aroyewun noted Benson’s role as Chairman of the House Committee on Defence and his sponsorship of multiple bills.
“As Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Benson has sponsored over 50 bills, including landmark legislation such as the DICON Amendment Act,” he said.
He urged residents to support continuity in representation, arguing that development should not be disrupted.
“Development is not accidental. It is built over time through relationships, experience, and capacity,” he said.
Aroyewun also advised political actors to pursue their ambitions through democratic processes.
“Anyone who aspires to contest should courageously present themselves at the ballot and test their popularity,” he said.
Reaffirming his stance, he concluded, “I stand firmly and unapologetically in support of Hon. Babajimi Benson… supporting his continuity is about protecting progress and securing a stronger future for Ikorodu Division.”