The emergence of Hon. Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as the deputy governorship running mate to Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, is a development that reflects the convergence of legacy, competence, grassroots political experience and a lifelong commitment to social development.
While her nomination has drawn attention to her distinguished family background, political stakeholders and observers note that her emergence is equally a recognition of her impressive professional accomplishments, grassroots political credentials and unwavering dedication to inclusive governance and community empowerment.
Princess Damilola Sonayon-James comes from one of Badagry’s most respected royal and political families, whose influence has shaped the socio-economic and political development of Lagos State for decades.
At the foundation of this legacy stands her grandfather, the late Oba (Dr.) Ogungbe Afolabi James, Okiki, Arolagbade I, the revered Aholu of Kweme Kingdom. A visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist and traditional ruler, Oba Afolabi James distinguished himself as one of the most influential indigenous businessmen of his generation.
Born into the prestigious Anagbo Ruling House of Kweme, he pioneered Nigeria’s indigenous gaming industry through the establishment of Liberty Pools Limited in 1956 and built a thriving business empire that contributed significantly to infrastructure development, job creation and economic growth across the country.
His influence extended beyond commerce into traditional leadership, where he became a respected monarch known for promoting peace, development and community advancement across the Badagry Division.
The family’s political pedigree was further strengthened by Damilola’s father, the late Hon. Seyon James, popularly known as Hon. Bolarinwa Sonayon-James. A respected grassroots politician and accomplished public servant, Hon. Bola Sonayon-James James represented the Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, where he championed developmental initiatives and advocated for the welfare of his constituents.
Throughout his political career, he maintained a close political relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and was widely regarded as one of the trusted progressive leaders who contributed significantly to the growth and consolidation of the progressive political movement in Lagos State.
His grassroots influence, political loyalty and commitment to public service earned him widespread respect within the APC and across the political spectrum. Today, that legacy finds a worthy successor in Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, whose emergence is rooted not only in family history but also in her own impressive record of leadership and service.
A prominent grassroots politician, sustainability specialist and social policy profession. Hon. Damilola has steadily built a reputation as a mobilizer, advocate and development-focused leader. Her commitment to empowering women, advancing youth participation and promoting inclusive governance has made her a respected figure within Lagos politics.
Within the All Progressives Congress (APC), she currently serves as the State Assistant Woman Leader and Deputy Woman Leader, positions through which she has played a strategic role in strengthening grassroots mobilization, expanding women’s participation in politics and supporting party-building efforts across the state.
Before her elevation to state-level leadership, she served as Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West Local Council Development Area, where she was actively involved in community-focused programmes, social intervention initiatives and policies aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
Her political journey has been defined by direct engagement with communities, making her one of the emerging female leaders whose influence extends beyond party structures into grassroots development and social advocacy.
Beyond politics, Princess Damilola possesses an extensive professional background spanning multiple sectors, including human resources, logistics, sustainability, governance and social policy.
She is a certified Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability Risk Expert, a qualification that reflects her understanding of modern governance frameworks, responsible leadership, sustainable development and institutional accountability.
Academically, she combines international and local educational experiences. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Human Resources Management from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom and later obtained a Master of Science degree in Social Work from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).
Her professional experience cuts across both the corporate and development sectors. She has worked with reputable organisations, including Bolt Nigeria and CCN Limited, where she gained valuable experience in organisational management, operations, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning.
She also demonstrated entrepreneurial leadership as Chief Executive Officer of DGS Chauffeurs & Logistics, successfully managing business operations while creating opportunities within the transportation and logistics ecosystem.
Her expertise extends into public policy and social development. In 2020, she collaborated with social policy practitioners in the review of the Lagos State Youth Policy, contributing to efforts aimed at strengthening youth development frameworks and enhancing opportunities for young people across the state.
This blend of political experience, professional expertise, social policy engagement and grassroots activism has distinguished her as a leader with a deep understanding of the developmental challenges facing communities and the policy solutions required to address them.
Observers believe that her strong pedigree in social work, sustainability, youth development, women’s empowerment and inclusive governance significantly contributed to her emergence as deputy governorship candidate.
These experiences have equipped her with the capacity to bridge the gap between government and the people while promoting policies that prioritize social inclusion, economic empowerment and sustainable development.
Her emergence therefore represents more than a continuation of a respected family legacy. It is also a recognition of merit, competence and years of dedicated service across political, professional and developmental spheres.
From the entrepreneurial brilliance of Oba Afolabi James to the political stewardship of Hon. Seyon James and now the rise of Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, the James family continues to leave an indelible mark on the history of Lagos State.
As Lagos prepares for a new political chapter, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James stands as a symbol of continuity, innovation and inclusive leadership, bringing together the strength of a distinguished royal and political heritage with the professional expertise, grassroots experience and social consciousness required for effective governance in the 21st century.
– Bello Akinkunmi Yakub, Editor of Parrot Reporters and member, Renewed Hope Global.
