Barakat Odunuga-Bakare: The Surulere Daughter Poised to Represent Her People

For years, many residents of Surulere Constituency I have expressed concerns about leaders who emerge to represent the community without truly being connected to its daily realities. Now, a familiar grassroots figure is stepping forward with a promise of accessible and people-focused representation.

Barakat Olawunmi Odunuga-Bakare — lawyer, former Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Housing, and a proud daughter of Surulere — has officially declared her intention to contest for the Surulere Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Unlike many politicians who appear only during election periods, Odunuga-Bakare has remained deeply rooted in the constituency’s political and community structure over the years. Her supporters describe her as a loyal party woman, an organiser, and a grassroots mobiliser who has consistently contributed to the growth and success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Surulere.

As Secretary of the TGSEE Campaign during the 2023 general elections, she played a strategic role in coordinating grassroots mobilisation efforts that contributed to the victories of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun, and the incumbent lawmaker, Desmond Elliot.

Political stakeholders in the constituency say her strength lies in her deep understanding of the people and the terrain. Having worked extensively across wards and polling units, she is seen as someone who understands the real needs of residents and has built lasting relationships within the community.

Her growing support base within the APC includes ward leaders, women’s groups, youth mobilisers, and community stakeholders who believe she represents a new phase of leadership anchored on visibility, accountability, and practical governance.

Odunuga-Bakare’s public service record has also strengthened her reputation as a results-driven administrator.

During her tenure as Special Adviser on Housing, she championed policies aimed at improving fairness and transparency within the housing sector. She was particularly recognised for advocating for women’s inclusion in real estate and supporting initiatives through the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority that led to the resolution of over 1,000 fraud-related petitions.

To many supporters, her performance in office demonstrated an ability to combine policy knowledge with practical governance solutions capable of improving everyday life for ordinary residents.

Her campaign message reflects this philosophy — focusing on responsive leadership, youth empowerment, safer communities, improved opportunities for women, and stronger engagement between elected officials and constituents.

After three terms of representation by Desmond Elliot, many party members and residents believe the constituency is ready for a representative with stronger grassroots visibility and a more consistent local presence.

Although Odunuga-Bakare previously stepped aside in support of party interests, supporters say the current political climate and widespread endorsement from key stakeholders have encouraged her to step forward once again.

She is reportedly receiving support from influential APC leaders and stakeholders, including Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Surulere Local Government Chairman Sulaiman Yusuf, and Khadijat Kareem, Personal Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Constituency Affairs.

The APC primary election scheduled for March 20, 2026, is expected to shape the political future of Surulere Constituency I and determine who carries the party’s banner into the next legislative election.

Supporters insist that Odunuga-Bakare’s combination of political experience, legal expertise, grassroots structure, and longstanding loyalty to the constituency makes her a strong contender for the Assembly seat.

A proud Lagosian, she traces her roots to the Oshodi, Olorogun Adodo, and Onisemo royal families of Isale Eko.

Her educational journey began at Mainland Preparatory School in Surulere before proceeding to Anglican Girls Secondary School and Lagos State Model College, Kankon. She later moved to the United Kingdom, where she obtained A-Levels in Law, History, Politics, and Psychology from the College of North East London.

She earned both her LL.B and LL.M in International Commercial Law from the University of Bedfordshire before returning to Nigeria to complete her qualification at the Nigerian Law School.

Beyond her legal career, her experience as former Leader of the Surulere Legislative Council has further positioned her as someone with firsthand legislative and governance experience.

For many residents and supporters, the conversation is no longer about whether she is qualified, but whether Surulere is finally ready to elect one of its own to represent the constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly.