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Tag: Ijebu

  • Entrepreneurial journey positions him as a catalyst for Ijebu’s development

    Entrepreneurial journey positions him as a catalyst for Ijebu’s development

    By the time he was 25, Ọmọba Abimbola Onabanjo had already done what many seasoned entrepreneurs spend decades attempting: he had built a thriving business from nothing.

    It was 2007, and the young Banking and Finance graduate from Lagos State University saw an opportunity in a market that seemed impenetrable-integrated security services. Armed with little more than vision and determination, He founded Event Secure which later metamorphosed to Extol Security, entering what he describes as “a very closed market” dominated by established players with deep pockets and deeper connections.

    Nineteen years later, Extol Security Services stands as one of Nigeria’s most respected security companies, serving government agencies, private corporations, and non-governmental organizations across Lagos and beyond. But this is only one chapter in Onabanjo’s story of building-a story that offers compelling insights into the kind of leadership Ijebu land needs for its next phase of development.

    Building from the ground up

    Unlike many of his contemporaries who inherited family businesses or leveraged political connections for contracts, Abimbola Onabanjo’s entrepreneurial journey is a masterclass in starting from scratch. Each of his ventures-Extol Security Services, KMF Oil & Gas Limited, Scent Arcade Limited, and most recently, Kleensteps Limited-began with identifying genuine market needs and developing solutions through meticulous planning and execution.

    “When you build something from nothing,  you understand value differently,” says a longtime associate who has watched Abimbola Onabanjo’s businesses grow. “You know what it means to make payroll when there’s uncertainty, to retain clients through service excellence rather than connections, to innovate when established players have every advantage.”

    This builder’s mentality manifests in Abimbola Onabanjo’s approach to problem-solving. Where others see obstacles, he sees construction projects. The security sector was too closed? He positively disrupted it through service excellence. The oil and gas downstream sector presented opportunities? He established KMF Oil & Gas and pursued strategic initiatives that capitalized on emerging market trends. High-end hospitality needed luxury scent solutions? Scent Arcade Limited was born.

    The dependability factor

    In Nigerian business circles, particularly in Lagos where Abimbola Onabanjo has operated for nearly two decades, dependability is currency. It’s the difference between one-time transactions and long-term partnerships, between contracts that end and relationships that endure.

    Those who have worked with Abimbola Onabanjo across his various ventures speak consistently of his reliability. Government agencies that engaged Extol Security Services found not just armed guards but integrated security solutions delivered with consistency. Private corporations discovered a partner who understood that security was about prevention, not just reaction.

    This dependability extends beyond business transactions. During his tenure as Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties to the Governor of Lagos State from 2019 to 2020,  Abimbola Onabanjo earned a reputation for seeing initiatives through to completion. In a political environment often characterized by abandoned projects and unfulfilled promises, he became known for data-driven advices and suggestions ensuring that policies were rooted in evidence and research.

    “He doesn’t just start things; he finishes them,” notes a former colleague from his time in government. “And he doesn’t just finish them-he ensures they’re sustainable.”

    Loyalty in action

    In an era where business relationships are often transactional and political allegiances shift with the wind, Abimbola Onabanjo’s loyalty stands out as both old-fashioned and refreshingly rare. But his loyalty isn’t blind adherence to individuals or institutions; it’s a deeper commitment to principles, people, and places.

    This loyalty manifests in how he has maintained his business base in Lagos even as opportunities emerged elsewhere. It’s evident in his long-term relationships with employees, some of whom have been with his companies since their early days. It’s visible in how he approaches partnerships-not as stepping stones but as long-term commitments requiring mutual investment and trust.

    For Ijebu land, this quality carries particular significance. Development isn’t about parachuting in with grand projects and disappearing when challenges arise. It requires sustained commitment, the ability to weather difficulties, and the persistence to see transformative initiatives through multiple phases.

    The trustworthy steward

    Perhaps nothing illustrates Abimbola Onabanjo’s trustworthiness more than the nature of his businesses. Security services, protection services, armoured vehicle rentals-these are sectors where trust isn’t optional; it’s existential. Clients literally trust Extol Security Services and Kleensteps Limited with their lives, their assets, their most vulnerable moments.

    Building businesses in such trust-intensive sectors requires more than competence; it demands absolute integrity. A single breach of trust, one compromised operation, one moment of unreliability, and the entire enterprise collapses. That Abimbola Onabanjo has not only survived but thrived in these sectors for 18 years speaks volumes.

    His approach to financial management reflects this same trustworthy stewardship. In industries where cash flow can be unpredictable and temptations numerous, he has built sustainable business models, maintained regulatory compliance, and implemented effective risk management strategies.

    Speaking the language of youth

    At 45, Abimbola Onabanjo occupies a unique position-young enough to understand the aspirations, frustrations, and innovations of Nigeria’s youth bulge, yet experienced enough to translate those insights into actionable strategies.

    This relatability to young people isn’t performative. He built his first company at 27, navigating the same challenges today’s young entrepreneurs face: limited access to capital, skepticism from established players, and the need to prove oneself repeatedly. He understands the hustle because he lived it.

    More importantly, his continued engagement with cutting-edge business education-recent certifications from Harvard Business School, Wharton School, and Columbia Business School Executive Education-demonstrates a commitment to staying current. He hasn’t allowed success to ossify his thinking; instead, he continuously updates his knowledge base, studying disruptive innovation, authentic leadership, and scaling businesses for profitable growth.

    For a region like Ijebu land, where youth unemployment and underemployment represent both a challenge and an opportunity, this connection to younger generations could prove transformative. Onabanjo doesn’t just understand youth; he can translate their energy and innovation into structures that create lasting value.

    The problem-solving mindset

    Across Abimbola Onabanjo’s career, a consistent pattern emerges: he enters sectors with entrenched problems and develops innovative solutions. The security sector needed modernization and professionalization-he built a company that set new standards. The downstream oil and gas sector presented complex regulatory and operational challenges-he navigated them through strategic partnerships and effective risk management.

    During his time in government, this problem-solving approach translated into developing ideas for special projects that addressed critical issues facing Lagos State. As the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, he provided strategic advisory support by assessing issues of concern, coordinated information flow, engaged relevant stakeholders, and offered informed recommendations in line with the Governor’s policy direction.”

    This systematic approach to problem-solving represents exactly what traditional institutions need as they navigate modernity. Ijebu land faces challenges common to many Nigerian communities: infrastructure deficits, youth unemployment, brain drain, underdeveloped local economies, and the need to balance tradition with progress.

    Abimbola Onabanjo’s track record suggests he possesses both the analytical framework to understand these challenges and the execution capability to address them. He doesn’t just talk about problems; he builds solutions.

    Vision for development

    What emerges from Ọmọba Abimbola Onabanjo’s business portfolio is a leader who understands development as multifaceted. Economic development, yes-but also security, quality of life, access to services, and creating environments where businesses and communities can flourish.

    His work spans sectors critical to modern development: security (the foundation of stability), energy (the enabler of economic activity), quality of life services (from luxury scents to protection services), and most recently, his focus on scaling businesses for profitable growth while maintaining operational excellence.

    This holistic understanding of what communities need to thrive positions him uniquely to think comprehensively about Ijebu land’s development. Not just attracting businesses but creating secure environments where they can operate. Not just infrastructure but the services that make infrastructure valuable. Not just economic growth but the quality-of-life improvements that retain talented young people.

    The ancestral connection

    Ọmọba Onabanjo’s lineage traces directly to the Awùjalẹ̀ Fasẹ̀ngbúwà through Ọmọba Òṣinúgà, Ọmọba Òṣíyọ̀nkú, and Ọmọba Lámínú Abímbọ́lá Adéríbígbẹ̀, his great-grandfather.This isn’t mere genealogy his great-grandfather. This isn’t mere genealogy; it represents a connection to Ijebu’s institutional memory, its values, and its aspirations across generations.

    Yet he has enriched this inheritance with contemporary skills, global exposure, and entrepreneurial success. He represents a bridge, someone who understands the rich culture and tradition of his lineage while speaking the language of innovation, disruption, and modern development.

    Building the future

    As Ijebu land contemplates its future development trajectory, the builder’s approach offers compelling advantages. Builders understand that sustainable development isn’t about grand gestures but consistent, strategic construction over time. They know that foundations matter, that structural integrity determines longevity, and that the best buildings serve their communities for generations.

    Ọmọba Abimbola Onabanjo has spent 19 years building businesses, building teams, building solutions, and building his reputation as someone dependable, loyal, trustworthy, and effective. Each business he founded still operates, still employs people, still serves clients-tangible evidence that when he builds, it lasts.

    For a region seeking to build its future while honouring its past, the question isn’t whether a builder is needed. The question is whether the community recognizes one when he emerges.

    In Onabanjo’s case, the evidence has been building for nearly two decades. Ijebu land stands at a moment of readiness, prepared to build with someone whose record demonstrates endurance, credibility, and the discipline to turn vision into lasting institutions.

    Ọmọba Abimbola Onabanjo holds a BSc (Hons) in Banking and Finance from Lagos State University and executive certifications from Harvard Business School, Wharton School, and Columbia Business School. He is married to Mrs. Tolu Onabanjo, and they have three children.

  • Akpabio seeks Remo, Ijebu unity to achieve Ijebu-Remo State

    Akpabio seeks Remo, Ijebu unity to achieve Ijebu-Remo State

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has urged the people of Remoland to strengthen unity and cooperation with their Ijebu kinsmen in pursuit of the proposed Ijebu-Remo State.

    Akpabio, who made the call at the 2025 Remo Day celebration, held at the Akarigbo Pavilion in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Saturday, described harmony as essential to the realisation of the collective aspiration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was themed:  ‘One People, Diverse Cultures, One Identity.’

    He described the Remo people as industrious, enterprising and astute industrialists, noting that their spirit of cooperation would be pivotal to the creation of the new state.

    “I want to urge the Remo people to continue to live in peace. Remo is blessed with hardworking industrialists, which explains the concentration of industries in this area.

    “I want you to work closely with the Ijebu people towards the creation of Ijebu state. We at the National Assembly will support you.

    “I’ll not speak about where the capital will be located, but you already know. However, the capital must be in a peaceful environment,” he said.

    READ ALSO: No place for terrorists, kidnappers in Kwara, says Abdulrazaq as forest guards end training

    Akpabio said that the cultural celebration served as an opportunity for collective reflection and strategic thinking about the development of the homeland.

    He added that his presence at the event symbolised Nigeria’s unity across ethnic boundaries, stressing that diversity should be embraced as strength rather than a weakness in nation-building.

    The senate president assured Nigerians that insecurity across the country would soon become a thing of the past, noting that President Bola Tinubu is working assiduously to address the nation’s security challenges.

    Akpabio also commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun for his infrastructural strides across the state, singling out the Gateway International Airport, which he described as the best airport in the country.

    In his remarks, Abiodun described Remoland as a land blessed with illustrious sons and daughters who had contributed immensely to the development of Ogun state and Nigeria.

    The governor said that the massive turnout at the event underscored the unifying power of culture, warning that societies that lose touch with their roots risk losing their identity.

    “Remo is far more than a geographical expression; it is a people defined by a rich and enduring history,” the governor said .

    Earlier, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, said the vision behind instituting Remo Day was to celebrate, preserve and project Remo culture to the global stage.

  • We will never be part of proposed Ijebu State – Ondo monarchs

    We will never be part of proposed Ijebu State – Ondo monarchs

    The Ilaje Council of Obas in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State has vowed never to be part of the proposed Ijebu State. 

    It said it would not also be part of any other State being proposed in the east and west of Ilaje land. 

    The Obas said Ilaje shall remain one and indivisible entity with no part excised except by creation of more Local Governments or administrative units within the same state.

    This was contained in a communique after a meeting of Ilaje Obas held at Igbokoda and signed by its Chairman, Oba Olusegun Williams Akinyomi, the Amapetu of Mahin.

    The communique called on the Ondo State and Federal Government to ensure security of the Ilaje people and advised officials including security agencies making false territorial claims for Ogun State to desist from creating unwarranted crises in the area.

    It said attempts to extend Ijebu or Ogun State authority to Irokun have been rejected by Irokun Obas.

    According to the communique: “Meeting affirmed our avowed commitment to the maintenance, defence and promotion of Ilaje unity, territory and culture as an integral part of the Federation of Nigeria and urge persons of Ilaje origin or descent to remain vigilant and shun all forms of inducement that may compromise our inherited territorial integrity.”

  • IJEBU: hints on new movie ‘Aso Ebi’

    ACTOR Olatayo Amokade aka Ijebu, has hinted that he will be releasing another movie titled ‘Aso Ebi.’

    The actor known for his local dialect ijebu, posted the picture of what to expect in the upcoming movie on Instagram. In the picture, the actor is seen dressed in Aso-Oke with headgear and a purse, posing like a lady.

    The actor had starred as a lady alongside Adedimeji Lateef in the movie, ‘Ise-Won’ by Nollywood Actress and producer, Tayo Sobola. He also acted like a lady in a movie titled ‘Abami Eda.’

    Ijebu’s movie, Jungunu, which was released last year was well-received and shown at the Film House Cinemas across the country.

  • Ode to my Ijebu-Ode lover (Part 2)

    THE look on the faces of my August visitors was alarming, except my friend who brought them. It was such a pitiable sight that the rector broke into tears, I was not moved. I was used to such a condition. If they were crying when they came to wake me up from my slumber, what would they still have done if it was the day a cobra came to feel my body temperature? Or the day I was forced to share the big plastic storage with maggots due to the heavy rain? Anyway, poverty itself was afraid of me because it knew that I was unshaken. I no longer pity myself; my concern was how to make something out of nothing.

    That night, the rector took me to his house. His wife had already prepared a very hot meal for me. I devoured it the way a hungry vulture devoured a fresh dead body. I was taken to a room at the back of the house where the mother in-law was staying with other extended family members. It was a bungalow with six rooms, by the left after you enter is the guest toilet. Very big and neat!  The building was painted green which made it closer to the well cut grass planted there.

    Mama Iragbiji, as the mother in law was fondly called, was tall and beautiful. Though elderly, you could see some elements of   modernity in her and her surroundings. Despite, it was in the night, I could see the tribal marks on her cheeks. She held unto me as if she had known for a long time. She asked of my town and when I told her Ofa in Kwara State, she started singing my forefathers’ lyrics; it was at this junction I lost my emotions. I started shedding tears, and they were flowing freely. I could not hold back the tears or control my emotions. She too burst into tears and held me very close as if I was her long lost child.

    After the whole show, I was taken to my room, a big one to be shared with Risikatu, who is a niece of the rector. Her father I learnt lives in Ivory Coast. She was brought home in order to learn about our Yoruba culture, acculturate herself to her real native environment. She was slim and I wonder if she ever ate at all. She put white powder on her face that night which made her look like ‘ ojuju calabar’. She had a soft voice, and again I wondered if she would not belong to the choristers’ club.  She became my friend instantly.

    Immediately we entered the room, she showed me my bed because there were two beds in the room. Very big and soft when I touched mine! She also told me where the toilet was in case I wanted to ease myself in the night. There was an old air conditioner by the right corner of the room. Risikatu asked if I wanted it on or off. I just laughed within myself, when did it become a must that I must use this?

    In my other room in the school bukataria, my air conditioner was the night breeze that gives me goose pimples at night. Per the light, she also wanted to know if I wanted the light on or be put off. Hmmmmm, life changes!

    I slept like a log of wood and didn’t know when the day broke. The bed was soft, the room was warm and beneath this s the fact that I didn’t need to be half asleep thinking that something was coming to devour me. I was thinking of my life. I was thinking of going back to my former abode the next day. I thought of many things, how some people were out there slugging it out with fate via cold and loneliness. And same fate was playing servant to those that could afford the luxury like the rector and his family.

    I did not know when I slept off. I wanted to visit the toilet and looked at the time, behold, it was quarter to eight. I jumped out of the bed in a hurry. In my other house, I must wake up by 5am; take my bath so that the owner of the kiosks wouldn’t know I slept there. And if they must know, my presence would not be an impediment to their businesses. As I jumped out of the bed, I noticed there were some faces looking at me by the entrance door I cleared my eyes, then rubbed. It was the Rector, his wife and mama Iragbiji.

    I knelt down to greet them and asked where the broom was in order to clean the house before going back to my abode.  But what came out of their mouth surprised me. It was one of the turning points of my life, hence the need to burst into crying again.

    “Good morning Sir and Ma. Thanks form the reception. E seun Sir,” I beckoned to all of them.

    “How are you? Hope you had a sound sleep? It was the rector’s wife.

    “Yes Ma, I did. Appreciation once again Ma,” I replied shyly.

    “Omo mi baby girl, Omo Olofamojo, the great granddaughter of the greatest warriors. Hope you were not disturbed by the noisy generator? Mama Iragbiji asked me, as she came closer to hold me again.

    “I am grateful Mama. Let me help with the cleaning so that I can go away……”

    ‘Haaa, go where again” Tunji, come here your daughter wants to go away”. Mama told the rector as they closed the door to go back to the main building.

    “ Tunji, maybe you should explain to her,” the wife whom I later started calling Aunty Emily told her husband.

    “Listen and listen carefully. You will start living here as from now. We can’t close our eyes to your plight. I have told my wife to get you some dresses and some toiletries. Once you are done with that, we will fix your educational needs,” the rector said like a real teacher he was, without waiting for me to say no.

    “ Thanks a lot ma and sir…….” I mustered courage to say it without shedding tears; the wife cut me short.

    “ Or you don’t like our environment? Even if you don’t like it, we won’t allow you to go back to the cold again. Never . It’s either you stay here with us or go to the female hostel to stay. Is that clear? Madam asked

    “ It’s clear Ma, I like here but I don’t want to be a burden to you and your family”

    “I understand, don’t worry, you see what I told you Tunji hours back; this girl is a virtuous one. I pray she gets good husband when it’s time for her to choose,” Mama Iragbiji said.

    “Mama, you and husband! Hope you won’t force her to marry our President so far you want a good husband for her”

    The following day, my friends were surprised to see me in one of the cars owned by the Rector. I sat at the owner’s seat as Kerekou drove me to my department. News spread wider of my new status. And many were amazed that despite my condition, it was hard to know that I have no place to call my own. Well, that is their story or thesis, life continues in splendor. I was mindful of where I was coming from; this guarded me by not falling short of good behaviour in my rector’s house.

    This was how I became part of the family. Life was good. I had a place to lay my head. Good food to eat, nice and decent folks to call mine. My self- confidence was restored. I got new friends, but I didn’t discard my old ones because they were there for me in terms of need.

    Our rector’s always host different types of parties and at these part, we all had more than enough to eat. Risikatu and I were always pilling the leftovers and store in the large deep freezer by the exit door leading to the generator’s house.   Many times we did include Yisira, the house maid and Alam, the gateman in the sharing formula. I wrote a long letter to my parents to intimate them of my new success. They were happy and they wrote a long and beautiful letter to my guardian which they cherished!

    At each party, Aunty Emily, the rector’s wife will cloth me and make me look beautiful. There was a day I looked at myself in the mirror that it was unbelievable I was the one. If I couldn’t believe my eyes about my new appearance, how many people then would do? Asides this, I had more than six bags of clothes that Aunty gave me. Beautiful ones! The beauty of it was that we wor same esize. Risikatu was too skinny to wear them, And trust Risi, she is a termite when it comes to eating. She can eat twenty times daily.

    The rectors International Festival was being hosted in our school. Ramani Ogundipe came with his a father, a multibillionaire with hands in exporting. They were known across Ilesa and environs. It was at the cocktail party Aunty Emily organized that we met. This was the new dimension to my life.

    ( To be continued)

  • Buhari commends Adenuga for creating jobs in Nigerians

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Chief Michael Adenuga who turns 65 on Sunday and commended his deep sense of loyalty and patriotism by investing in sectors that have created jobs for many Nigerians.

    The president gave the commendation in a congratulatory message addressed to Adenuga which was issued by the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Saturday.

    President Buhari noted that Adenuga had added strong value in the provision of effective services that make life easier and more comfortable for many in the country, and across the African continent.

    The President therefore joined family, friends and the business community in congratulating the business magnate, philanthropist and one of Nigeria’s most renowned entrepreneurs.

    He observed that Adenuga rose from a modest background, defied many odds, and realized his dream of setting up and grooming successful companies in the oil and gas, banking and telecom sectors.

    Read Also: Buhari, NASS and unlawful use of $469m ECA funds

    President Buhari stated that apart from creating jobs through entrepreneurship, Adenuga’s contribution to the development of sports and the entertainment industry had remained remarkable.

    He said these sectors of the economy had continued to provide lifelines for many, and inspiring ingenuity and creativity.

    The President believed that Adenuga’s exploration and encouragement of youth entrepreneurship in the country would always be remembered, while his penchant for helping the less privileged through scholarships and healthcare financing deserves more commendations.

    He prayed that the almighty God would grant the Otunba of Ijebu land longer life, good health and more wisdom to continue serving the country and humanity.

    NAN

  • NiMet predicts sunny, hazy conditions on Wednesday

    NiMet predicts sunny, hazy conditions on Wednesday

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunny and hazy weather conditions over the central States of the country on Wednesday.

    NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Tuesday also predicted day and night temperatures in the range of 32 to 40 and 15 to 25 degrees Celsius respectively.

    The agency predicted that the southern States would experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions in the morning with day and night temperatures in the range of 35 to 39 and 22 to 26 degrees Celsius respectively.

    It also predicted localised thunderstorms over Lagos, Ijebu, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Eket, Oshogbo, Ibadan, Akure, Benin and environs during the afternoon and evening period.

    According to NiMet, Northern States will experience sunny and hazy conditions throughout the forecast period with day and night temperatures in the range of 32 to 40 and 14 to 19 degrees Celsius respectively.

    “It will be dry over the North, while increased cloudiness with chances of rainfall activities are expected over the south within the next 24 hours,” NiMet predicted.

    NAN

     

  • Ogun to spend N30.7bn on roads in 2018

    Ogun to spend N30.7bn on roads in 2018

    Ogun Government says it will spend N30.7 billion on the construction of roads across the state in 2018.

    The state’s Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, stated this on Monday while defending the ministry’s 2018 budget before members of the House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, in Abeokuta.

    Adegbite said that part of the amount would be used to settle the bill of contractors of ongoing road projects in major towns of the state, adding that some roads would be constructed through direct labour.

    He disclosed that N5 billion had been budgeted for continuous maintenance and repairs of new roads in the state.

    He explained that the main objective of the 2018 budget was the completion of the 20 ongoing road projects, covering about 357.11kilometres across the state.

    “The government will construct additional 500 kilometres of durable asphalt roads in major towns of the state.

    Read also: Ambode proposes N1.046tr budget

    “I want to apologise for the delay in the work done on Ijebu bridge; initially funds were very tight but I can tell you categorically that contractors have gone back to site on the bridge.

    “Also, the Sagamu-Ogijo road, contractors are also on site and work has commenced on the road.

    “The government has commenced the process of the establishment of one asphalt plant in the state,” he said.

    The commissioner said that the ministry had proposed N38.9 billion as capital expenditure for 2018, saying that N445 million was earmarked for recurrent expenditure.

    He said that N345 million was expected revenue for the ministry.

    The Chairman of the committee, Mr Olusola Bankole, advised the ministry to ensure that there were good road network across the state.

    Bankole urged the ministry to liaise with the Federal government to fix major roads in the state.

    Other lawmakers who spoke decried the deplorable state of Lagos-Abeokuta, Sagamu-Ogijo and Owode-Ilaro and Emuren road, and called on the ministry to find a lasting solution to the roads.

    NAN

  • ‘Ijebu can aspire but Yewa will rule Ogun in 2019’

    The senator representing Lagos West and a frontline governorship aspirant from Ogun West, Olamilekan Adeola, has said every son and daughter of Ogun State is qualified to aspire for governor in any democratic dispensation.

    But he urged other zones, particularly Ogun East, to support Ogun West to produce the governor in 2019, to succeed Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

    Adeola said he believed in what the Ijebu-Remo Governorship Agenda Elders’ Forum did recently when it picked the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, as its consensus candidate.

    He said the forum’s position was within the realm of freedom of expression and association.

    The senator noted that “equity, balance, fairness and justice” demand that the Ogun West should be supported to produce Amosun’s successor.

    Adeola addressed reporters at the weekend in Ilaro, headquarters of Yewa South Local Government Area, during the celebration of Orona Day Cultural Festival.

    The senator said the Yewa (Ogun West) would not be confrontational in asking for justice, fairness, equity and consideration for the zone’s quest to produce a successor to Amosun.

    He said his people would only appeal to other zones, especially the support of the Ijebu and the Egba, for the “2019 Yewa Governorship agenda”.

    Adeola said: “First of all, I believe in freedom of speech and that of association. The governorship of Ogun State is for every son and daughter of the state. It is as a result of the attempt to balance the equation that led to the agitation of Yewa for governorship, after 41 years of creating Ogun State.

    “What the Ijebu have done is nothing strange; it is just laying claim to what they believe is their right.

    “But we are only using this opportunity to appeal to them that it is only fair, it is only equity and justice that they should allow us, for the first time after over 40 years of our existence as a people under one indivisible entity called Ogun State, to allow Ogun West to produce the governor, at least for once.

    “It is not a matter of confrontation; it is a matter of appeal, a matter of understanding. We are calling on the Ijebu to allow a Yewa man to be governor for the first time after these years.”

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant said he remained a loyal party man and a progressive politician.

    The senator described as mere speculation a report that he was shopping for an alternative political platform to actualise his agenda.

    He urged stakeholders in Ogun to allow the Yewa to pick the best of their indigenes as the zone’s consensus candidate for the 2019 governorship race.

    Adeola said: “I am a progressive from day one I joined politics. I intend to remain as one. So, whosoever is saying I am shopping for another platform, apart from APC, is just speculating.

    “As far as I am concerned, I remain a loyal member of APC. As a party man, I want to say that I will respect the rules of the party, provided everything works according to the party’s guidelines. There must be equity, justice and fair play.

    “I have only warned that for the first time Yewa is presenting a governor, let the candidate be from the people of Yewa (Ogun West) and not a governor that will be forced on the people.

    “This is because it was a standard practice in the past, where other two senatorial districts produced the governors; nobody forced the governors on them. They allowed them to choose whoever became the governor and contested the election. At the end of the day, only the best candidate emerged.

    “It is in the same spirit that I am calling on all relevant stakeholders in the state to allow fair play, equity, fairness and justice to reign so that the Yewa can have their best of the best as governor in 2019.” he said.

    Addressing the people during the Orona Day Festival, the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of the Yewa, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, expressed the confidence that Amosun’s successor would come from Yewa in 2019.

  • Ijebu Today makes its debut

    In order to contribute his quota to the development of his town, Olaleye Kayode, a graduate of International ýRelations of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has begun a grassroots publication known as Ijebu Today.

    According to Kayode, the publication of the magazine was borne out of the need to report the under-reported areas of Ijebu area of Ogun State. He said that Ijebu comprises nine local government areas in the state which is the highest.

    He also said his long researches about Ijebu and long discussion with one of his mentors, Prof. Yinka Adesina, brought about the idea to begin the publication. He added that it was not solely ýfor financial gain.

    Kayode stated that the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as the President of Nigeria has made many graduates to have a rethink about their careers and to make useful choices.

    The establishment of the magazine, which he said will be published monthly and later weeklyý, will also generate employment for not less than 20 people.