Who is Damilola Sonayon-James? The sustainability expert poised for Lagos deputy governorship

Princess Damilola Sonayon-James has emerged as one of the prominent figures in Lagos State politics following her nomination as the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 governorship election.

Expected to run alongside Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Sonayon-James is widely known for her work in sustainability, governance, community development and grassroots politics.

Her nomination has generated excitement, particularly in Badagry Division, where many see her selection as a major political milestone for the coastal axis of Lagos State.

Royal Heritage and family background

Damilola Sonayon-James was born into the royal family of Kweme Kingdom in Badagry West Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

She is the granddaughter of the late Oba Afolabi Ogungbe James and daughter of the late Hon. Bolarinwa Sonayon James, a former member of the House of Representatives.

Her family has a longstanding history of leadership, public service and political participation within Badagry and Lagos State.

Her upbringing within a family closely associated with traditional leadership and governance helped shape her interest in public service from an early age.

Academic journey

Sonayon-James began her education at ASCON Badagry before attending Lagos State Model College, Kankon.

Seeking further academic advancement, she moved to the United Kingdom, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Human Resources Management from the University of Hull.

She later obtained a Master of Science degree in Social Work with a specialisation in Community Development from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), equipping her with knowledge in governance, social policy and community engagement.

Her educational background combines management, leadership and social development, areas that have shaped both her professional and political careers.

Career in sustainability and governance

Over the years, Sonayon-James has built a professional career spanning sustainability practice, governance, strategic planning, policy development, project implementation and risk management.

She has worked with organisations including Conrad Clark Nigeria and BOLT Nigeria, contributing to sustainability programmes, governance systems, stakeholder engagement and organisational risk management.

Her expertise in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks has earned her recognition as a sustainability professional focused on balancing economic growth with social responsibility and environmental protection.

She is a certified ESG and Sustainability Risk Champion and also holds the prestigious Risk Management Society Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) certification.

Throughout her career, she has advocated for stronger sustainability practices, climate-conscious development and risk-based approaches to governance.

Commitment to community development

Beyond her corporate engagements, Sonayon-James has remained actively involved in programmes designed to improve the welfare of communities, young people and women.

Through collaborations with public institutions, private organisations and non-governmental groups, she has participated in initiatives aimed at entrepreneurship development, skills acquisition, youth empowerment and social inclusion.

Her work has focused on creating opportunities for vulnerable groups while encouraging greater participation in economic and civic activities.

She has also shown interest in heritage preservation and community-based development programmes that seek to strengthen local institutions and improve living conditions.

Contribution to youth development

One of her notable contributions came in 2020 when she participated in the review of the Lagos State Youth Policy.

The exercise aligned the state’s youth development framework with the United Nations Youth Framework, with the objective of promoting youth inclusion, participation and access to opportunities.

Her involvement reflected her longstanding commitment to policies that support young people and encourage their active participation in governance and development.

Political experience and public service

Sonayon-James has steadily built her political profile through grassroots engagement and public service.

She served as Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West Local Council Development Area, where she was involved in several community-oriented programmes.

During her tenure, she championed and supported projects aimed at improving social welfare and community development.

Among the most notable was the Light Up Project, which provided solar-powered lighting in communities to improve security, support businesses and enhance daily life for residents.

Her performance in local government administration helped strengthen her reputation as a grassroots leader with a practical approach to governance.

Role within the APC

Within the All Progressives Congress, Sonayon-James currently serves as Assistant State Woman Leader in Lagos State.

She has played an active role in political mobilisation, party-building efforts and advocacy for greater inclusion of women and young people in politics.

Her growing influence within the party has been linked to her grassroots connections, organisational skills and consistent involvement in community engagement initiatives.

Party insiders say her nomination received the support of key APC stakeholders, including President Bola Tinubu and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the party in Lagos State.

Entrepreneurial ventures

In addition to her work in governance and public service, Sonayon-James is an entrepreneur.

She serves as the Chief Executive Officer of DGS Chauffeurs & Logistics, where she has gained experience in business management and corporate leadership.

Her entrepreneurial background has further strengthened her understanding of economic development, job creation and private-sector participation in governance.

Growing political influence

The emergence of Sonayon-James as the APC’s deputy governorship nominee has been widely welcomed in Badagry Division and beyond.

Many political observers view her selection as recognition of her years of service, professional accomplishments and commitment to grassroots development.

Supporters describe her as a bridge between traditional institutions, community leaders, young people and government stakeholders.

They argue that her blend of professional expertise, political experience and community engagement positions her as an important figure in Lagos politics.

As Lagos State prepares for the 2027 governorship election, Damilola Sonayon-James is expected to play a key role in shaping the APC’s campaign and political strategy.

Her journey from community advocate and sustainability professional to deputy governorship nominee reflects years of involvement in governance, policy development and grassroots mobilisation.

With experience across the public and private sectors, a strong educational background and deep roots in Badagry, Sonayon-James enters the next phase of her political career as one of the most closely watched emerging figures in Lagos State politics.