For years, Surulere Constituency 1 has watched some of its state representatives arrive from outside, speak for the ward, and disappear when the cameras turn off.
That’s about to change. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, a lawyer, former Special Adviser to Lagos Governor on Housing, and Surulere’s own, has officially stepped forward to represent the constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly. And this time, the grassroots are backing her all the way. Odunuga-Bakare is not new to Surulere.
She is the one who made things work when it mattered most. As TGSEE Campaign Secretary in 2023, she coordinated the ground operation that delivered victory for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the present Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Wasiu Eshilokun and the incumbent, Desmond Elliot.
She knows every ward, every polling unit, and every challenge because she’s been there – organising, mobilising and solving problems without waiting for applause or seeking for attention or reward. Little wonder, APC stakeholders across Surulere 1 have rallied behind her. Ward leaders, women’s groups, and youth mobilsers have publicly endorsed her, calling her “our own” and the right choice for the next chapter of Surulere’s growth.
What sets Odunuga-Bakare apart is her track record of delivering results, not just promises. As Special Adviser on Housing, she tackled systemic barriers holding women back in real estate, pushed for fair housing policies, and drove the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority to resolve over 1,000 fraud petitions.
She understands that good governance is about making life easier for the people – cleaner markets, safer housing, better opportunities for youth and women. Her campaign is built on that same principle: practical solutions, accessible leadership, and a lawmaker who lives in the constituency and answers to the people. Desmond Elliot has served Surulere for three terms. He came in with name recognition, but residents say what they need now is presence, consistency, and someone who prioritises Surulere over photo ops.
Odunuga-Bakare stepped aside for him twice in the past out of loyalty to the party. Now, with the support of the people and party leaders like Gbajabiamila, Mr. Sulaiman Yusuf (chairman of Surulere Local Government) and Khadijat Kareem (Personal Assistant to President Tinubu on Constituency Affairs), she is stepping up because Surulere deserves representation that stays.
The APC primary will decide more than a candidate, it will decide whether Surulere keeps recycling familiar faces or chooses a leader who has proven she can deliver. Odunuga-Bakare has the structure, the experience, and the trust of the people. She’s not asking Surulere to take a chance on her. She’s asking Surulere to recognise the leader who been working for them all along. Odunuga-Bakare is a proud Lagosian.
She is the daughter of the Oshodi,Olorogun Adodo and Onisemo royal families of Isale Eko area of Lagos. Educated in Nigeria and United Kingdom, she started school at Mainland Preparatory in Bank-Olemoh, Surulere then Anglican Secondary School in Akinhanmi, Surulere before proceeding to Lagos State Model College, Kankon.
She then crossed over to the College of North East London for A-Levels in Law, History, Politics and Psychology before reading for an LL.B at the University of Bedfordshire, UK and returning to the same institution for an LL.M in International Commercial Law.
She also attended the Nigerian Law School to complete her law qualification. Her experience a former Leader of Surulere Legislative Council and her profession as a lawyer make her suitable for legislative seat. Surulere knows who has been there and now is the time to send her to the Assembly
