EPE 2027: WHO GETS THE NOD? OLADUNJOYE OR ANOMO

An in-depth look at Epe’s 2027 House of Representatives Contest 

By Olusegun Apena 

The contest for the All Progressives Congress ticket in Epe Federal Constituency presents two distinct models of public service. On one side is Barrister Saidat Olayinka Oladunjoye, a lawyer by training, former Commissioner, and current Federal Commissioner at the National Population Commission. On the other side is Akogun Wale Raji Anomo, the sitting Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA.  

Both aspirants have declared interest in the House of Representatives seat for 2027. Both have documented records in public office. Their backgrounds, however, reflect different pathways through which representation is understood and delivered.  

OLADUNJOYE’S PUBLIC SERVICE RECORD  

Barrister Saidat Olayinka Oladunjoye’s career spans law, insurance, education policy, and party administration. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999 and holds a BA and MA in History, and an LLB, all from the University of Lagos. Professionally, she is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London and Nigeria and rose to CEO/Executive Director in the private sector before returning to public service.  

Her most cited period in government is 2011 to 2015, when she served as Lagos State Commissioner for Education under Governor Babatunde Fashola. During that tenure, multiple projects were executed across Epe Division.  

Education Infrastructure Delivered by Barrister Oladunjoye Between 2011-2015:  

~Hostel Renovation: Lagos State Senior and Junior Model Colleges, Igbonla; Lagos State Model College, Agbowa-Ikosi; Government College, Ketu-Ikosi Ejinrin.  

~Classroom Blocks Constructed: Adesowon Grammar School, Ilara-Epe; Molajoye High School, Ikosi-Ejinrin; Epe Girls Senior High School; St. Patrick Senior Grammar School, Eredo-Epe.  

~Science Laboratories Rehabilitated: Alaro Senior High School, Epe; Epe Girls Senior High School; Lofi Ogunmude Senior College, Ejinrin.  

~Perimeter Fencing: Epe Girls Grammar School; Ogunmodede Senior College, Papa-Epe; Alaro High School, Iraye; Epe Grammar School; Molajoye Community High School; Pobuna Senior Grammar School, Poka-Eredo; L.A. Primary School, Epe.  

~Toilets and Water Projects: Lagos State Model Senior College, Igbonla; Lofi Ogunmude Junior College, Ejinrin; Lagos State Junior Model College, Agbowa-Ikosi.  

~Multi-Purpose Hall Renovation: Lagos State Model College, Igbonla.  

~Furniture Supply~: Students’ and teachers’ furniture distributed across Education Districts serving Epe Division.  

After Education, Oladunjoye served as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry. She later became Vice Chairman of APC Lagos East Senatorial District. She currently serves as Federal Commissioner representing Lagos State at the National Population Commission, a role that provides access to demographic and development data. 

 ANOMO’S LOCAL GOVERNMENT RECORD  

Akogun Wale Raji Anomo is the serving Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA. His administration has focused on rural infrastructure and social services.  

Road Rehabilitation Program  

As of January 2024, the LCDA had graded over 20 streets and feeder roads in Wards E1 and E2. The project moved to Ward F1, where roadside bushes were cleared along Otta-Ikosi and Odo-Ayandelu main roads. Streets graded include Jakande Way, Otta-Ikosi Jnr and Snr School Road, Bisi Road, Eid Road, Cemetery Road, Araromi Street, and the back of Odo Market. The stated target is to grade more than 100 earth roads across the LCDA’s six wards.  

The process involves Community Development Associations and Community Development Committees. Residents identify deplorable earth roads through their CDA Executives or the LCDA Works department for inclusion in the schedule.  

Free School Bus Shuttle Program  

The LCDA introduced a Free School Bus Shuttle for primary and secondary pupils, described as the first of its kind by any council in Epe Federal Constituency. The program addresses long and unsafe commutes for students. Reported outcomes include increased attendance rates and reduced barriers to education.  

Other Roads Graded Under the Initiative Include: 

Mustapha Cottage, Agbowa; Alh. Ganiyu Mustapha Street, Agbowa; LK Jimoh Street, Owu-Ikosi; Court Road, Agbowa; Bakare Street, Agbowa; Samson Adeniyi Street; Olufuwa Street.  

Anomo’s tenure is ongoing, meaning his campaign operates alongside active project delivery. His administrative approach is characterized by direct intervention in local infrastructure and services.  

The two aspirants represent different institutional experiences. Oladunjoye’s background is in state and federal policy environments. Her roles required budget planning, policy design, and inter-governmental coordination. The NPC position provides access to population and development data used in planning and resource allocation. Her legislative pitch centers on lawmaking, oversight, and attracting federal projects through committee work and MDA engagement.  

Anomo’s background is in local government administration. His role requires direct execution of projects and response to community-level needs. His methods involve ward-by-ward implementation and collaboration with grassroots structures. His pitch centers on proven delivery and knowledge of local infrastructure gaps.  

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE APC PRIMARY  

Three main considerations will shape delegate decisions:  

~Legislative Capacity: The House of Representatives functions through lawmaking, budget approval, and oversight of federal agencies. Delegates will assess which aspirant can navigate that environment to benefit Epe. Oladunjoye cites cabinet and federal commission experience. Anomo cites executive experience and grassroots mobilization.  

~Constituency Structure: Epe Federal Constituency includes Epe Town, Ejinrin, Agbowa-Ikosi, Eredo, Poka, and Ketu-Ejinrin. Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA is one of the major population centers. Oladunjoye has statewide party networks from her time as APC Lagos East Vice Chairman. Anomo has established structures within the LCDA.  

~Demographic Representation: No woman has represented Epe in the House of Representatives. This is a point of reference in Oladunjoye’s consultations with stakeholders, including Apex Leaders of Epe Central. 

Both aspirants are engaging party leaders and delegates. Oladunjoye has held meetings with Apex Leaders of Epe Central, discussing her public service record and priorities for the constituency. Anomo continues road grading and social programs while building on existing CDA relationships.  

The APC primary, expected in May 2026, will determine the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election. The seat is currently occupied by Hon. Wale Raji, serving his third term.  

The primary will test how Epe APC weighs policy experience against local government delivery, statewide networks against LCDA structures, and the question of gender representation. 

The contest features a lawyer with a record in education and commerce policy, federal appointment, and party administration; and an LCDA boss with ongoing infrastructure and social programs. One approach is defined by policy and data, the other by direct project execution.  

Epe delegates will determine which model they believe best serves the federal constituency in the House of Representatives from 2027. Oladunjoye or Anomo?