With the five-year tenure of the incumbent Education Secretary, Barr. Abiola Remi-Williams, set to expire on December 20, 2025, political leaders across the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency have been prompted to begin consultations on his successor. The constituency leadership has been given a deadline of December 21, 2025, to present its position on the vacancy.
Multiple interests have reportedly emerged in the race to produce a replacement, as political maneuvering intensifies around the coveted seat. Hon. Kalejaiye, who has previously played a key role in producing past occupants of the office, is again said to be actively involved.
Also with vested interest is Yeye Ireti Oluwa, who is said to have an aspirant in mind, and her support to any cannot be waived aside, while within the camp of the apex leader, Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa, his two political sons are reportedly locked in a fierce struggle for his endorsement, further complicating the succession contest.
At a recent joint Ajeromi and Ifelodun leadership meeting, stakeholders unanimously resolved that the slot should return to the Ajeromi Local Government axis, despite resistance from the Member, House of Representatives, Hon. Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul (PhD), who maintains that Remi-Williams should be allowed to complete a second term. Dr. KAP is noted to have produced previous Education Secretaries, including Hon. Adeogun (two terms) and Solomon Abouloudu (one term).
As consultations intensify, four aspirants have emerged for consideration:
- Sakariyau Ogulana Jubril
A seasoned educationist and grassroots politician, Jubril attended Ajeromi-Ifelodun Primary School, Ajeromi-Ifelodun High School, and later Lagos State University, where he studied Political Science Education. A long-standing progressive, his political journey spans the UNCP, AD, AC, ACN, and APC. He previously served as Secretary of Dankaka CDA and is associated with the Oluwa political dynasty. Stakeholders say his cross-constituency relationship and educational background make him a strong contender.
- Tope Okeseni
Okeseni has spent over 33 years in progressive politics, dating back to his days in the SDP during the MKO Abiola era. A teacher since 1994, he holds an NCE in Business Education and a degree in Educational Management. He describes the Education Secretary’s role as directly aligned with his professional competence. A former ward party executive and Chairman of Justice Forum in Ward D, Okeseni, says he has never sought any political office until now.
However, he is strongly tipped as a replacement to Barr Remi Williams despite some leaders argument that his emergence would reinforce an imbalance in Ward D, which previously produced a former Education Secretary (Solomon Abouloudu) and currently hosts the serving House of Representatives member.
- Oduntan Tawa Olayinka
A retired head teacher who last served at Model School, Achapo, Olayinka, recently joined partisan politics. Critics say she is not sufficiently grounded politically and no longer resides in Lagos, having relocated to Ijebu-Ode.
- Ibikunle Ismail
A non-teaching staff member currently serving as Head of Finance in Lagos Island Local Education District, Ismail, is new to Ajegunle politics. Though he claims Ward D, stakeholders say he neither resides in Ajegunle nor has deep political roots there.
Sources within the constituency suggest that the contest may ultimately narrow to Okeseni and Jubril, both described as “omo baba” within the political family, giving them leverage within party structures.
Role and Requirements of an Education Secretary
Under the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act of 2004, the office of the Education Secretary serves as the chief executive and accounting officer of the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA). The position demands strong academic qualifications, typically a B.Sc or B. Ed, at least 10 years of experience in education or administration, proficiency in planning, and alignment with established civil service standards.
As deliberations continue, political watchers expect a decision in the coming days, ahead of the official expiration of Remi-Williams’ tenure.
