Princess Damilola Sonayon-James is the newly nominee for Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.
She is a sustainability professional with experience in governance, strategic planning, project implementation, social policy development, community engagement, and risk management.
She 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.
She attended ASCON Badagry and Lagos State Model College, Kankon, before proceeding to the United Kingdom, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Human Resources Management from the University of Hull.
She later earned a Master of Science degree in Social Work, with specialisation in Community Development, from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
Princess Damilola has worked in sustainability, governance, and social development, with experience in technical governance, strategic planning, policy review, stakeholder engagement, and project management.
She has worked with organisations including Conrad Clark Nigeria and BOLT Nigeria, where she was involved in sustainability strategy and risk management initiatives.
She is a certified Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability Risk Champion and holds professional certifications, including the Risk Management Society Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP).
Through private sector partnerships and non-profit initiatives.
She has participated in programmes focused on socio-economic development, social inclusion, and community support.
She is particularly interested in using risk-based approaches to strengthen ESG practices, sustainability actions, climate protection, and heritage preservation.
In 2020, she was part of a team that reviewed the Lagos State Youth Policy and its thematic areas in alignment with the United Nations Youth Framework to support youth inclusion and participation.
Princess Damilola has served as Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West LCDA.
During her tenure, she led and supported several community-based projects, including the Light Up Project, which provided solar-powered lighting in communities to improve security and economic activity.
She has worked with organisations including the Lagos State Ministry of Youth, Mind-Gap Incubation Hub, and the National Youth Council of Nigeria on skills development, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and women-focused programmes.
Princess Damilola Sonayon-James turned 40 in 2025.
Her career spans sustainability practice, public service, policy development, and community engagement.