The atmosphere at the LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, was one of celebration, reflection and intellectual engagement as politicians, academics, journalists, students, family members and friends gathered to witness the launch of Lagos Boy and Lagos Politics (An Autobiography), a 451-page memoir by Associate Professor of History and International Relations at Lagos State University (LASU), Dr. Dapo Thomas.
More than a conventional book presentation, the event became a reunion of personalities who have shaped Lagos politics, former classmates from Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro, University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and University of Ibadan, where he obtained his PhD, (which was supervised by Prof Adigun Agbaje), the media and academia. The audience reflected the breadth of the author’s influence as a student, journalist, political strategist, public affairs analyst and university scholar.
The programme featured a beautiful rendition of the citation of the author by Dr. Jumoke Amoo, a formal review of the book by Prof. Akin Alao of Obafemi Awolowo University, goodwill messages, the author’s response, official unveiling of the book by Prof. Oluwarotimi Ireti Akinola, the book launch, and a signing session.
Yet, beyond the ceremonial pageantry, it was the book itself that commanded attention.
Unlike many political memoirs that merely document public offices or celebrate personal achievements, Lagos Boy and Lagos Politics reads as a first-hand chronicle of Lagos’ democratic evolution from the perspective of a participant-observer who occupied unusual spaces. Thomas traverses the worlds of journalism, government and academia, providing readers with an insider’s account of political negotiations, media strategy, leadership transitions and institutional conflicts that have shaped governance in Lagos State.
The autobiography begins with his formative years as a young Lagosian, capturing the experiences that shaped his worldview before following his journey through the newsroom into the corridors of power and eventually the lecture halls of Lagos State University. The narrative is deeply personal without losing sight of broader political developments, making it both a memoir and an important contribution to contemporary Nigerian political history.
Perhaps the greatest strength of the book lies in its willingness to reveal the human side of politics. Thomas presents politics not simply as a contest for power but as a complex arena where friendships, loyalties, betrayals, convictions and personal sacrifices constantly intersect.
Throughout the memoir, readers encounter vivid accounts of his working relationships with prominent political figures, particularly President Bola Tinubu during his years as Governor of Lagos State, former Governor Babatunde Fashola and former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Rather than sensationalise political disagreements, the author offers measured reflections on how succession battles, competing loyalties and differing leadership styles shaped critical moments in Lagos politics.
One recurring theme is the delicate balance between principle and pragmatism. Thomas recounts occasions when unexpected political appointments emerged, demonstrating how opportunities often arrive without warning but require careful judgment before acceptance. He reflects on seeking divine guidance before making major decisions and underscores the importance of understanding the political consequences of every move.
The memoir equally explores the realities of godfatherism, perhaps one of the defining characteristics of Nigerian politics. While acknowledging Tinubu’s widely recognised role as a political kingmaker, Thomas also illustrates how strategic alliances, political communication and resilience influenced leadership succession in Lagos.
Media practitioners will find particular interest in the chapters detailing Thomas’ years as a journalist and political communicator. He reveals how carefully crafted newspaper articles and strategic messaging sometimes helped shape public narratives during politically sensitive periods, demonstrating that communication is often as powerful as political action itself.
Yet the autobiography avoids glorifying politics. Instead, it repeatedly reminds readers of its harsh realities. Loyalty, Thomas suggests, is frequently conditional; friendships are tested by ambition, while misinformation and propaganda become instruments of political competition. His experiences with political betrayal, strained professional relationships and changing administrations illustrate the emotional cost often hidden behind public office.
Another compelling dimension of the memoir is its emphasis on leadership. Through numerous anecdotes, Thomas argues that effective leadership requires empathy, strategic thinking, respect for institutional protocols and genuine concern for the welfare of subordinates. Several episodes recount efforts to advocate for colleagues, resolve conflicts and influence policy decisions through quiet persuasion rather than public confrontation.
The academic chapters provide a refreshing contrast to the turbulence of politics. Thomas describes academia as a place of intellectual stability, recounting his transition into university teaching and research while reflecting on governance challenges within LASU. These sections reinforce the idea that scholarship offers not only professional fulfilment but also an enduring platform for national development beyond partisan politics.
For younger readers, the autobiography offers practical lessons extending far beyond politics. Preparation, persistence, networking, strategic communication, documentation, teamwork, adaptability and resilience emerge as recurring themes. Thomas demonstrates that careers are rarely linear and that success often depends as much on relationships and character as on competence.
The goodwill messages delivered during the launch echoed many of these themes. Speakers described the book as an important historical document that preserves the political memory of Lagos while providing valuable insights for students of history, political science, governance and public administration.
By the time the ceremonial unveiling concluded and guests queued to purchase signed copies, it had become evident that Lagos Boy and Lagos Politics is more than an autobiography. It is a political memoir, a historical record and a leadership handbook rolled into one.
In documenting his journey from a Lagos boy to a respected scholar, journalist and political actor, Dapo Thomas has also documented the story of contemporary Lagos itself – a city whose politics has profoundly influenced Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
For scholars seeking primary material on Lagos politics, practitioners hoping to understand the dynamics of political communication, or ordinary readers interested in the personalities behind Nigeria’s most influential political state, Lagos Boy and Lagos Politics offers an engaging and illuminating account of power, service and the enduring lessons of public life.
