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Tag: Ogun 2027

  • Ogun 2027: Kings have spoken, let the campaign begin

    Ogun 2027: Kings have spoken, let the campaign begin

    • By Kunle Somorin

    For nearly half a century, Ogun State has stood as a federation of Yoruba subgroups – Egba, Ijebu, Remo and Yewa. Yet one fact remains: since 1976, Yewa has never produced a governor. Equity – affirmed by the Nigerian Constitution and Yoruba custom – demands that no part of a polity be permanently excluded from its highest offices. The late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, foresaw this imbalance and urged that Yewa should produce the next governor of Ogun State. His prognosis carries truth to its destination. Democracy without fairness descends into exclusion by another name.

    Against this backdrop, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) emerges not as a mere aspirant but as a corrective to historical imbalance – a moral and democratic necessity. Attempts to weaponise genealogy – casting him as an outsider – have now met their answer. Yoruba wisdom cautions: Àlejò kì í mọ ìtàn ilé – a stranger cannot know the full story of the house. That story has been affirmed by those who keep it, and by the institutions that preserve lineage and belonging. As a Yoruba saying reminds us, ìrò lè rìn pẹ́, òtítọ́ ní í dé l’ẹ́yìn – falsehood may travel far, but truth arrives all the same.

    In Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler, publicly affirmed Adeola as a son of Yewa. Indeed, Adeola holds the traditional title of Aremo (prime son) of Yewaland, underscoring a lineage rooted in place and custom. The maternal seal followed. At Kemta Day the previous Sunday, Adeola declared: “Ilu iya mi ni mo wa yi. Emi omo Abibat Olasumbo, omo Akinola Baba Pupa from Kemta Odutolu.” The Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, then added a defining pronouncement: “Kemta ti fun wa ni Governor!” In Yoruba cosmology, kings are custodians of heritage; their declarations carry authority. Agbà kì í wà l’ọjà, kí orí ọmọdé tuntun wó – elders do not stand by while a child’s head is misshapen. To question Adeola’s indigeneity now is, effectively, to challenge the crowns.

    Constitutionally, a governorship candidate must be an indigene. Nigerian courts often consider attestations by traditional rulers when questions of lineage arise, recognising that in matters of ancestry, custodians of custom provide important context. With these royal affirmations, the central question – indigeneship – can reasonably be regarded as resolved. Eligibility is clear. Whether Yewa or Egba, count Senator Adeola a bona fide candidate. A kì í fi ẹ̀tẹ̀ sílẹ̀ pa lápálápá – one does not abandon leprosy to treat ringworm. The debate must now shift from ancestry to governance.

    On that score, Adeola’s record is measurable and visible across all three senatorial districts of Ogun State. He has facilitated over 270 infrastructure projects across Ogun West alone; empowered 15,000 market men and women with cash grants; trained thousands in entrepreneurship; and supported over 5,000 students through a Scholarship and Bursary Board. He helped reopen the Ikenne–Ilishan road, a corridor associated with the Awolowo era, long overdue for rehabilitation, and donated 102 transformers serving 435 communities. In Sagamu, youths point to empowerment schemes; in Ifo, traders speak of solar-lit markets; in Abeokuta, students recall scholarships; in Yewa, elders reference roads linking their villages. These are not promises; they are monuments. The works that touch daily life are the truest testimonials across the three senatorial districts.

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    Politically, the Egba Lokan sentiment has broadened into a wider call for justice, grounded in the ethos of balance and inclusion. This call aligns with the current profile of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, a son of Yewa with an Egba mother. High Chief Bode Mustapha, the Osi of Egbaland, has publicly commended Adeola’s service and described him as highly qualified among the field of contenders in terms of public service records. One voter captured governance’s essence in practical terms: the road he built reduced her car repair costs. Adeola’s dual heritage – paternally Yewa, maternally Egba – is a bridge, not a burden. Tí kì í ṣe ti bàbá ẹni, ó lè ṣe ti ìyá ẹni – what is not of one’s father may be of one’s mother. For advocates of the Egba Lokan agenda, this is a conundrum that requires wisdom. Agbájọ ọwọ́ la fi n s’ọ̀yà; ọwọ́ kan kì í gb’ẹrù d’órí – it takes joined hands to lift a load. In a state sometimes strained by sub-ethnic rivalry, such a bridge can steady the polity.

    Legitimacy, philosophers remind us, is earned. Aristotle wrote: “The good ruler is not he who is born to rule, but he who rules well.” Yoruba thought echoes this in omolúàbí – honour, responsibility and service. Ìwà l’ẹwà – character is beauty. Adeola’s record is his manifesto; his projects are his pledges in brick and mortar, in kilowatts and scholarships. The question of origins is closed by law and custom. The campaign must now be fought on competence, character and outcomes.

    History also counsels balance. Since 1976, Ogun’s leadership has passed from Olabisi Onabanjo (Ijebu), through periods of military rule, to Olusegun Osoba (Egba), Gbenga Daniel (Remo), Ibikunle Amosun (Egba) and now Dapo Abiodun (Remo). Yewa’s omission is glaring. The spirit of federal character – understood as an ethic of inclusion and fair representation – reminds us that cohesion is strengthened when all components see themselves in leadership. When law, custom and conscience converge, the argument is unassailable: justice demands that Yewa should have its turn.

    Service-delivery indicators reinforce the case. In numerous town halls and community meetings, stakeholders point to reopened roads, restored power, improved market lighting, bursaries and training programmes that have equipped young people to start small enterprises. These are lived realities, not abstractions. As policy moves from spreadsheet to street, citizens measure leadership by the bridges they cross, the lights that stay on and the opportunities that open. The test of governance is not rhetoric but results – how many lives are tangibly improved through would‑be leaders’ interventions.

    It is only fair to acknowledge that Yewa/Awori sons and daughters have every right to aspire to the governorship of Ogun State, even as I acknowledge Yayi’s edge. I do not consider any aspirant a footnote. Each is a chapter in this long‑drawn struggle that has marginalised people of Yewa/Awori origin. Over the years, names such as Gboyega Isiaka, Abiodun Akinlade, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Biyi Otegbeye and others have surfaced – each carrying the hopes of their people. Many observers argue that the seat has eluded Yewa not for lack of talent or ambition, but for want of unity and a common front. Fragmentation, multiple candidacies and internal rivalries have, at times, diluted the collective claim. The lesson is clear: a house divided against itself cannot stand. The right to contend is sacrosanct, but it is best exercised with caution, dignity and a commitment to the larger cause of Yewa’s long‑awaited turn.

    If Senator Adeola has been deemed worthy to sit in the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly, where he has distinguished himself with tangible service and verifiable delivery, then it follows by both logic and justice that he is equally qualified to occupy the Governor’s Office at Oke Mosan. The Constitution does not prescribe a lesser standard for the Senate than for the governorship; indeed, both demand competence, integrity and commitment to the people. Having facilitated infrastructure, empowered communities, and touched thousands of lives through scholarships and social programmes, he has already demonstrated the capacity to translate vision into dividends of democracy. To deny him the gubernatorial ticket after such a record would be to contradict both law and custom, and to deprive Ogun State of a tested hand whose service has spoken louder than rhetoric.

    Within this context, the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola should be seen not as a threat but as an opportunity. If he is qualified to be a senator and has delivered verifiable dividends of democracy – roads, scholarships, empowerment and infrastructure – what principle would justify denying him a fair contest for the gubernatorial ticket? The crowns have spoken, the Constitution is satisfied and his record is manifest. What remains is for all aspirants to embrace consensus where possible, coalition where necessary and civility at all times. Campaigns should elevate issues, not inflame identities; they should test plans, not impugn persons. A race anchored on programmes, capacity and probity will serve Ogun better than one framed by whispers of ancestry.

    The road to 2027 will be defined by three questions that every contender must answer plainly. First, what is your plan to accelerate inclusive growth across Ogun’s three senatorial districts – industrial corridors, agribusiness value chains, urban renewal and rural connectivity alike? Second, how will you deliver reliable power, water, primary healthcare and basic education to communities that have waited too long? Third, what is your approach to youth employment – skills, finance and markets – so that entrepreneurship is not a slogan but a pathway? On these questions, Adeola’s portfolio of projects provides an opening bid. Others should place their records alongside his and let the people compare, line by line.

    Good politics is, at heart, good governance. It listens, learns and builds. It makes room for difference without turning difference into division. It honours tradition without becoming captive to nostalgia. It remembers that in a republic, leadership is stewardship: those who seek the people’s mandate must show the people’s returns. As the saying goes, ohun tí a bá fi ọwọ́ ṣe, kì í bà ẹnìkan lórí – the work of one’s hands vindicates. In a competitive field, the voters will look for what is concrete and measurable.

    The argument, then, is complete. Indigeneity has been addressed in law and affirmed by custom. The historical omission of Yewa has been acknowledged by monarchs and widely recognised in public discourse. The service record in question is tangible and verifiable. The Constitution demands fairness; Yoruba tradition demands balance; democracy demands justice. All three converge on a simple conclusion: it is Yewa’s turn. And if the race is to be run on competence, delivery and character, Adeola enters it with a record that can be examined without fear or favour.

    For now, the crowns have spoken. History calls. Let the campaign begin. In that campaign, one name stands – not as a slogan, but as a standard; not as a whisper, but as a monument; not as a claimant, but as a custodian. Yayi.

    • Somorin, former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, writes from Crescent University, Abeokuta.
  • Ogun 2027: Group canvasses support for Adeola’s guber ambition

    Ogun 2027: Group canvasses support for Adeola’s guber ambition

    In a bid to further deepen the propagation of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola’s aspiration for the Ogun governorship seat in 2027, a socio‑political group, Ogun Visionaries, on Thursday organized a Town Hall Meeting for the people of Ogun West.

    The Ogun West edition, with the theme, ‘Yayi 2027: Making a Case for Ogun State Unity and Prosperity,’ was held at Sango‑Ota in Ado‑Odo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    Earlier, the Director‑General of Ogun Visionaries, Odunleye Odunjo, stated that the socio‑political group is set to hold interactive sessions with Ogun‑state indigenes via statewide town‑hall meetings.

    “We will listen to people across the state—asking them what kind of government they would like to have in 2027 and how their next leader should govern their affairs. We will x‑ray individuals and support the best among us to emerge as our elected public servants. With the resources extractable from our state, we must be conscious of those aspiring to lead us.” He noted that town‑hall meetings are not new to the state’s political space, emphasizing that the meetings are to pinpoint and scrutinize the existing challenges, opportunities and ways to fix them all for the benefit of the people of Ogun State.

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    Speaking at the well‑attended event,  the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaq Kunle Salako, who also chaired the event, represented by Hon. Sheriff Abiodun described the gathering as not just another political event, but a statement of solidarity and a reaffirmation of the people’s collective resolve and demonstration of their commitment to the unity and progress of Ogun State.

  • Ogun 2027 and the imperative of power shift

    Ogun 2027 and the imperative of power shift

    • By Kayode Oladele

    As Ogun State inches toward the 2027 governorship election, one name keeps rising above the usual hum of political chatter: Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, fondly called Yayi.

    Across the three senatorial districts, from bustling Abeokuta to the border towns of Idi-Iroko and Imeko, Yayi’s name now comes up not as a fleeting political slogan but as the embodiment of a long-delayed promise: the promise that Ogun can finally embrace inclusive leadership and people-centred development.

    For decades, Ogun West has stood at the margins of the state’s political history. While Ogun East and Ogun Central have alternated in producing governors, Ogun West has never had a turn at the highest office. The resulting sense of exclusion has lingered for years, surfacing each election season but often receding in the face of entrenched power blocs.

    Yayi’s rise has given that sentiment a credible, tangible face. His candidacy has become synonymous with a long-awaited correction of the imbalance; a chance for the state to practise, within its borders, the very principle of equitable representation that Nigeria’s Constitution prescribes for the federation as a whole.

    What makes the Yayi remarkable is the breadth of his appeal. Inside the ruling APC, he is seen as the most formidable contender for the party’s ticket. Yet his influence reaches beyond partisan lines: senior figures in the PDP and ADC openly admit his credibility, while smaller parties have hinted that they would rally behind him if he emerges as the APC’s flag-bearer.

    This unusual cross-party resonance is driven by three factors: a track record of visible performance, a reputation for accessibility to ordinary people, and his symbolism as the voice of a region long denied its fair share.

    Yayi’s political odyssey began in Lagos, where he built a reputation as a legislator focused on fiscal discipline and constituency intervention projects that had real impact. Since crossing over to represent Ogun West in the National Assembly, he has deepened that record with road interventions, medical interventions, scholarships, micro-credit support for market women, and programs for youth and women’s empowerment.

    These are projects that farmers, traders, students, and ordinary people can point to in their communities with pride and commendation for Yayi. This grounding in practical service has strengthened the aspiration of the people that Ogun deserves a leader who can match promise with delivery.

    Importantly, Yayi’s narrative does not dismiss the gains of the current APC-led administration in Ogun. Governor Dapo Abiodun’s investments in road rehabilitation, agro-industrial parks, ICT corridors, and housing have been acknowledged even by his critics.

    Yayi often highlights these achievements as a foundation to build on, not tear down, pitching himself as the candidate of “continuity with innovation.” His vision is to scale up the industrial corridors in Sagamu and Agbara and expand them into the long-neglected border towns between Lagos and Ogun States, integrating them into the state’s growth hubs.

    That vision also aligns naturally with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Tinubu’s focus on infrastructure financing, power reform, credit for small businesses, and security improvements requires state-level partners who understand both the policy details and the urgency behind them.

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    Yayi, a long-time Tinubu ally, often frames his campaign around bringing these national reforms home by unlocking agro-processing value chains in all three senatorial districts, improving cross-border trade facilities, and tackling youth unemployment with vocational skills hubs.

    Yet policy plans alone do not account for his momentum. Much of it lies in his personal brand: humility, grounded and widely seen as a bridge-builder among Ogun’s diverse blocs: the Yewa-Awori, Egba, Remo, and Ijebu, respectively. His Movement has deliberately mobilised youth and women not as token supporters but as stakeholders with a voice in decision-making. The refrain “Yayi Ni Jooo” resonates because it reflects that inclusiveness.

    As the APC prepares for its primaries, the process itself is likely to shape the outcome of 2027. Party faithful argue that a direct primary, giving every member a vote, would best reflect grassroots will and avoid the factional rancour that sometimes trails delegate-controlled systems.

    Many within the party believe that rallying around a popular Ogun West candidate like Yayi would not only correct a historic imbalance but also energise the base, positioning the APC to retain the state comfortably and deliver a decisive vote for President Tinubu’s expected second-term bid.

    For the ordinary voter, however, these high-level calculations boil down to very tangible aspirations. The market woman in Ilaro wants better feeder roads to get her produce to markets. The farmer in Imeko dreams of accessible storage and processing facilities. The industrial workers in Sagamu, Otta, and Agbara ask for safer highways and more reliable power.

    The trader at Sapon and Itoku markets in Abeokuta hopes for a stable power supply and more empowerment to operate her business, while a student in Ijebu Ode wants affordable skills training and jobs after graduation. To these everyday concerns, the call for Yayi feels less like a political slogan than a chance at dignity and opportunity.

    Yayi’s surge is therefore not merely about who occupies Oke-Mosan Government House. It is about whether Ogun can at last reconcile equity with progress, continuity with reform, and politics with people-centred development. His emergence as a frontrunner suggests that 2027 may be the year the state charts a fairer, more inclusive course.

    –          Oladele is the Acting National Chairman, Federal Character Commission (FCC), Abuja

  • Ogun 2027: Adeola’s burgeoning strength and fears of others

    Ogun 2027: Adeola’s burgeoning strength and fears of others

    By Olanrewaju Fatunmbi

    An ideal of good governance begins with the selection of candidates for an election. It is the most critical starting point for a healthy democracy. If the selection process is transparent, free, fair, and credible, emerging contestants will not only be accountable to the people, but they will also be responsive to their needs. Being responsive to the needs of the populace is seeking the happiness of the greatest number of people.

    On the other hand, in a system where candidates are chosen in a backroom deal by a political godfather, their primary allegiance is not to the electorate, but to the person who put them there. They are accountable to a single individual or a small clique, not the wider populace.

    A transparent primary election forces a candidate to campaign and win the trust of party members and, by extension, the public. This makes them accountable to the people who voted for them. If a candidate secures the nomination through a fair and transparent process, he will be less indebted to special interests, and he is more likely to serve the public good.

    In Nigeria, one of the reasons for the growing culture of impunity in governance is the manipulation of the leadership selection process and a lack of a level playing field. Almost all political parties have been criticized for a lack of internal democracy and barefaced imposition of candidates, which has become a rule rather than an exception.

    If the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State is genuinely desirous of a seamless succession process, the leadership of the party must wash its hands off any form of manipulation that could trigger internal disaffection. A desperate attempt by some individuals to manoeuvre the selection process for the governorship candidate of the party has been uncovered.

    It behoves the stakeholders to halt the power-play intrigues in the interest of the sustenance of peace and unity within the rank and file of the party. Experience has taught us enough lessons about anointing an unpopular candidate. We cannot afford to repeat the same mistake because Ogun State deserves nothing short of a capable successor who can consolidate the legacy of the current administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

    Not crass opportunistic individuals who want power for self-aggrandizement at all costs. For continuity, we need a refined mind, a capable individual, imbued with the right leadership values, requisite knowledge, experience, and a proven track record of good performance. Someone who understands the technicalities of governance, rather than an unprepared individual who lacks a clear vision for the next level of development and economic prosperity for all and Sundry.

    One of the leading contestants for the governorship race, who has a commanding height, encompassing all the right qualities to lead the state, is Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (aka Yayi). His name resonates across all sections of the state. His towering leadership capacity is evident in various projects he has facilitated across all sectors, including education, economy, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, human capital development, job creation, youth and women empowerment, among others.

    Having the capacity to govern is more than academic qualifications or mere political patronage. While academic qualifications and a deep understanding of policy are very important, they are just a part of the puzzle. It’s a combination of other critical variables like experience, emotional intelligence, vision and strategic thinking, right exposure, courage, decisiveness, integrity, trust in grassroots connection, and commitment to effective service delivery.

    Senator Adeola’s representation track record embodies these virtues. Leveraging his extensive legislative experience and connection with his constituents, he has acquired an in-depth understanding of the technicalities of governance. He has spent over two decades in the legislature, giving him a deep understanding of the challenges of governance at different levels.

    He was a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2011. During this time, he was instrumental in the enactment of the law that significantly boosted Lagos’s internal revenue, a clear demonstration of his grasp of fiscal policy.

    Thereafter, he served in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015, where he chaired the powerful House Committee on Public Accounts. As a two-term Senator, representing Lagos West from 2015 to 2023 and currently representing Ogun West since 2023, combined with his position as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations in the 10th Senate, he is currently playing a key role that gives him a deep understanding of the national budget and fiscal management.

    Beyond his legislative experience, he is a chartered accountant, a qualification that sets him apart as a technocrat with a strong command of financial matters. His professional background and legislative experience, particularly in finance and public accounts, are seen by his supporters as qualities that are essential for a governor who will be responsible for managing the state’s finances and driving economic growth.

    A major factor in Yayi’s rise is his position as a champion for the Ogun West senatorial district, which has never produced an elected governor.

    He is seen as a unifying figure for the Yewa/Awori people, who have long felt marginalized in the state’s political landscape. His move from Lagos to contest in Ogun in 2023 was a powerful statement of his commitment to his ancestral home.

    Critical stakeholders in his Senatorial District, including traditional rulers, prominent figures, and grassroots supporters, see his gubernatorial bid not just as a personal ambition but as a political movement to correct a historical injustice and ensure equity in the state.

    Above his other contenders, he has a strong grassroots following, which he has cultivated through numerous empowerment programs and infrastructural projects in his senatorial district. These initiatives, which include scholarships, financial support for traders, and the facilitation of public infrastructure, have earned him immense goodwill and a reputation as a leader who is in touch with the needs of the people.

    Additionally, Senator Adeola has the political machinery and war chest necessary to successfully contest the governorship race. Having served in different political capacities, he has built a formidable political machinery and has the financial resources to mount a serious and competitive campaign. His wide network and influence extend beyond his senatorial district, as he has worked to build alliances in Ogun Central and Ogun East.

    Read Also: Ogun 2027: Waiting for Yayi Adeola

    His formidable profile is based on his impressive political resume, his professional background as an accountant, his position as the leading voice for the Ogun West agenda, and his demonstrated ability to mobilize grassroots support. He is a key figure in the APC’s succession battle, and his ability to navigate the complex internal party politics will be a decisive factor in the 2027 elections.

    That implies that there must be a level playing field rather than crooked manipulation of the process in favour of a self-anointing candidate. It is only a free, fair, and credible process that can guarantee internal cohesion and a genuine sense of belonging for all and Sundry.

    One strong factor that is going to work in favour of Senator Adeola is the political capital he brings to bear in the Ogun State governorship race. His support base, particularly in his home senatorial district of Ogun West, is not just a collection of voters but a well-organized and deeply motivated political machine.

    His candidacy is inextricably linked to the historical injustice of the Ogun West senatorial district never having produced an elected governor. This is a powerful, unifying narrative that transcends party lines and personal affiliations within the district.

    By championing this cause, he has positioned himself as the standard-bearer for the aspirations of the Yewa/Awori people. This gives him a solid, emotionally charged support base that is highly important to his success.

    Yayi has built a robust political structure within Ogun West, capable of mobilizing voters and delegates. This is not just a matter of having supporters but having an organized and disciplined team that can deliver votes when it matters most.

    The political capital Adeola has in his home base is a major advantage. It is a potent combination of a powerful emotional narrative and a well-organized political machinery. This makes him a formidable force in the governorship race and a candidate who cannot be underestimated, as his political strength is built on a foundation of both a committed and grateful electorate.

    Fatunmbi writes from Okeagbede, Imeko-Afon LGA of Ogun state

  • Ogun 2027: What is Yayi up to?

    Ogun 2027: What is Yayi up to?

    By Bolaji Oyeleye

    In the tapestry of Nigerian politics, there are leaders whose actions speak louder than their words. And one such individual is Senator Olamilekan Adeola (fondly known as Yayi). Representing the Ogun West Senatorial District, Yayi has exemplified what it means to be a servant-leader, deeply rooted in the welfare of his people. Through his relentless drive for development and empowerment, he has not only earned the admiration of his constituents but has also positioned himself as a visionary leader with the potential to transform Ogun State.

    Yayi’s tenure as a senator has been marked by a slew of impactful initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people in Ogun West. Understanding the critical importance of infrastructure in fostering socio-economic growth, he has championed numerous educational, vocational and infrastructural projects across the district. Roads that were once impassable and a bane to economic activities have now become smooth pathways connecting communities, enabling trade, and improving mobility. These infrastructure projects are not just constructions of concrete and asphalt but are symbolic of his commitment to laying a solid foundation for the prosperity of Ogun West.

    In addition, Senator Adeola has also been a pillar of support for the empowerment of youth and women. Recognising that a vibrant and skilled youth population is the bedrock of any progressive society, he has introduced various programmes aimed at providing vocational training, startup capital, and mentorship for young people in his constituency. Women, who often face systemic barriers to economic opportunities, have also benefited immensely from his empowerment schemes. Whether through skills acquisition programmes, grants for small businesses, or agricultural support initiatives, Yayi has demonstrated his resolve to uplift the often-overlooked segments of the society.

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    His leadership philosophy is anchored on inclusivity and grassroots engagement. Unlike some politicians who become detached from their constituents, Yayi has remained accessible, listening to the needs and aspirations of the people he represents. This close connection has enabled him to implement projects that are both relevant and impactful. The positive changes he has brought to Ogun West have not only improved living standards, but have also restored hope in the power of governance to effect meaningful change.

    Looking to the future, Senator Adeola has the right skill set and competencies to serve as the Chief Executive of Ogun State come 2027. This will not only be a logical extension of his service to the people but rather an opportunity to upscale and deploy his service to the people of Ogun State on a larger scale.

    His exemplary track record in Ogun West presents a compelling argument for his suitability to lead Ogun State to unprecedented heights. Despite its immense potential as an economic powerhouse, the state’s resources have remained largely underutilised, with successive administrations failing to maximise these opportunities. The state now needs a leader with the rare ability to combine visionary thinking with pragmatic execution. Yayi’s tenure as a senator has demonstrated that he embodies these qualities, offering a clear and transformative vision, a tireless work ethic, and an unshakable commitment to the well-being of the people.

    Beyond his developmental strides, Yayi’s leadership is also underpinned by his integrity and ability to inspire hope. In a political landscape often characterised by cynicism, he stands out as a beacon of trustworthiness and dedication. His ability to mobilise resources and implement sustainable projects reflects his financial prudence and administrative acumen – qualities that are indispensable for governing a state like Ogun.

    As 2027 approaches, the demand for visionary leadership and effective governance becomes more urgent. Ogun State requires a leader who can navigate the complexities of a VUCAD (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous, and Disruptive) environment with clarity and resilience. Such a leader must possess the strategic acumen to adapt to challenges, the foresight to anticipate opportunities, and the decisiveness to drive impactful solutions. Yayi’s proven track record of results-driven leadership and his ability to inspire confidence among his constituents position him as the ideal candidate to lead Ogun State into a future of stability and prosperity.

    Senator Adeola has made remarkable strides in empowering his Ogun West constituents and transforming the region. Through his skill acquisition programmes, he has trained and equipped over 6,000 indigenes with essential vocational skills. Demonstrating his commitment to education, he funded the construction of a library at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and played a pivotal role in its upgrade to a university.

    In education, Senator Adeola has facilitated the construction of 156 classrooms equipped with modern facilities, along with three ICT centres located at Nazareth High School, Imeko in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area (LGA); the School of Nursing, Ilaro (Yewa South LGA); and AUD Comprehensive High School, Ota (Ado-Odo Ota LGA). He also provided school furniture for 25 institutions, spanning primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

    Similarly, his Mega Empowerment Programme has renewed hope among his people by providing startup grants and empowerment tools to over 10,000 constituents and institutions, bolstering their capacity to contribute meaningfully to societal development. Additionally, he has improved access to electricity by donating transformers to various communities across his senatorial district.

    In a groundbreaking achievement, Senator Adeola recently facilitated the construction of a state-of-the-art two-storey building at Mayigi Community High School in Ilashe, Ipokia LGA. This imposing structure, set to be commissioned soon, features 18 fully furnished classrooms and modern offices, representing a significant leap forward in the educational development of Ogun West Senatorial District.

    Senator Adeola has shown that leadership is not about wielding power, but about empowering others. His developmental projects in Ogun West, his commitment to youth and women empowerment, and his accessibility to his constituents all underscore his deep love for his people and his desire to see them thrive.

    As he sets his sights on the governorship of Ogun State, one thing is certain: with Yayi at the helm, the future of Ogun State will be Bountiful, Resilient, Inclusive, Great, Harmonious and Thriving (BRIGHT).

    The people of Ogun West are proud of their senator, and the entire state looks forward with optimism to the realisation of a greater Ogun under his leadership. Yayi is not just a politician; he is a movement, a promise, and a leader we can all believe in.

    • Oyeleye was Ogun State Commissioner for Environment

  • It’s not time to talk about Ogun 2027 gov race  – Yayi 

    It’s not time to talk about Ogun 2027 gov race  – Yayi 

    Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West) popularly known as Yayi has declared that it is too early for people to be concerned about Ogun 2027 governorship race. 

    He said his focus is on trying to bring more empowerment and developments to constituents and Nigeria generally.

    Adeola, who is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, urged his people to expect more empowerment and quality representation in 2025.

    He noted 2025 will be far better than the outgone year for his constituents and Nigerians, stressing that the ongoing Renewed Hope Agenda Reform are also beginning to yield positive fruits.

    The Senator who spoke while fielding questions from newsmen shortly a special thanksgiving at the RCCG, Unity Cathedral Ilaro, Ogun State, expressed the confidence that sustainable and bearable socioeconomic circumstances beckons in the new year. 

    He said: “I don’t think it is time for that now. We are still involved in trying to bring more dividends of democracy to our people”

    “We thank God that we are able to be counted among those that see 2025 and for 2024 we must thank God. It has been a fantastic year for me, for my family and for constituents. And we thank God for what He is able to use us for in 2024 for all the development in all my senatorial district and also through the empowerment of my people by extension.

    “So, 2025 is going to be another year which is going to be very exciting and we should be expecting good things. As far as we are concerned, as far as Senator representing Ogun West is concerned in terms of development, in terms of employment of my people and in terms of contributing to national issues on the floor of the Senate so that together we can build a virile and very good country for everybody.

    “I have friends that cut across the state, who share in my beliefs who also believe that it is good to celebrate with me, I have extended my invitations to them who are friends and well wishers from other Senatorial districts. 

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    “Our people should only expect the best. We started and we have started well. So, there is no room for us to stop, we want to continue in that trend. We want to ensure that we attract many more developmental projects across the length and breadth of the Senatorial district. In 2025, they should expect more developments in Ogun West Senatorial district.

    “What I’m doing here today is celebration with our people. We are optimistic that the year 2025 will be far better than the outgone year for his constituents and Nigerians stressing that with the ongoing Renewed Hope Agenda Reform that are beginning to yield positive fruits, a sustainable and bearable socioeconomic circumstances beckons in the new year.”

  • Ogun 2027 and the cacophony of voices

    Ogun 2027 and the cacophony of voices

    By Tayo Oyekanmi

    In the book, “AWUJALE, The Autobiography of Alaiyeluwa Oba S.K Adetona Ogbagba 11”,  Kabiyesi wrote inter alia on page 179/180. “As for Ogun State, I took a stand leading to the Ogun State gubernatorial election in 1999 that it was time for Yewa man to become our Governor.

    The state has three prominent groups; the Egbas, the Ijebus, and the Yewas. Both Ijebu and Egba have had their sons as Governor. I thought in the interest of fairness and going by rotation the politicians clamored for, the next governor should be from Yewa.

    To ensure this, I called a meeting of the Ijebu political leaders and marshaled my arguments in favor of having a Yewa man emerge as the next governor of Ogun State. I had no Yewa son or daughter in mind, and it was not for me to choose. I was just going by the fairness of it in the interest of the State”.

    For the few individuals like Otunba Deji Osibogun singing discordant tunes that the Ijebu Division should take the Governorship seat after Governor Dapo Abiodun, one would urge them to enrich their reading culture and learn more from those who should know.

    The above extract from AWUJALE’s book will help in deepening their understanding of the history of Ogun State. As far back as 1999, AWUJALE said he has been clamoring for justice and fairness on behalf of Ogun West.

    AWUJALE is not just one of those Obas, he is the custodian of not just the culture and tradition of Ijebu but also an historical reservoir. His influence looms large across the country.

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    In a similar vein, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Ishola, the former Nigeria Ambassador to the UK, whose personal aspiration is an open secret, has been throwing all kinds of darts against Ogun West aspiration. He even goofed by saying the Egbas have resolved to have the Governorship back in the zone in 2027. This is preposterous, fallacious, insensitive, and the highest level of political immorality. The opinion of Sarafa can’t be equated to be the general opinion of Egba nation. This is the same Alhaji Sarafa, who was the campaign DG of APM’s governorship candidate, Hon Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade, an Ogun West man in 2019 with imprimatur of senator Ibikunle Amosun. Sarafa was also with Biyi Otegbeye in 2023.

    The implications of the present stance of Alhaji Sarafa is that he sabotaged those two outings of Ogun West sons that he was an integral part of just for him to be in an advantageous position in 2027. But man is not God. Ogun West has changed. Ogun West is now yielding perennial lamentation to the likes of Alhaji Sarafa and Otunba Deji Osibogun, whose opinions are personal, laced with individual blindfolded ambition package to hoodwink the people of Ogun State.

    The “never-experience-before” kind of representation that Sen Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) has been giving Ogun West senatorial district is now the cynosure of all eyes across the state. It’s enough to send jitters to the spine of oppositionists and competitors. The current reality across Ogun State today is that no political permutation around 2027 will take place without Yayi’s name cropping up conspicuously. Those who had always seen Ogun West as a pawn in the political chess board of Ogun State and more as a whining baby are now developing goosebumps. Yayi is the cause and effect. So the attack against him has been fierce and ferocious as they can be but with no effect. The likes of Otunba Deji Osibogun should exercise patience.

    Yayi hasn’t declared Governorship aspiration at least, officially. The man is still preoccupied with making life more meaningful for the people of Ogun West and, by extension, Ogun State through effective collaboration with Governor Dapo Abiodun.

    Therefore, the energy being dissipated on the personality of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) and his yet to be declared governorship aspiration is misplaced. The mudslinging will continue to fizzle away like a mirage because they are not based on any material facts but warranted with bad intentions. Propaganda does have its limitations! It’s Yayi’s finest hour. The people can see it, and Yayi is seizing it with a kind of representation that has never been heard of.

    Despite the cacophony of voices ahead of 2027, the choice of Yayi from Ogun West for the Governorship won’t be a superficial anecdote or formula for solving the perennial intractable problem of Ogun West. But it will be an act of good and abiding fate to change historical lexicon of not just Ogun West, but that of Ogun State in general, where no one will regard the other as a junior partner or servant in the collective patrimony of Ogun State.

    Yayi is currently the face of developmental politicking in Ogun State. He’s the cheerleader of some sort. Yayi has become an unstoppable force of nature politically.

    Gathering major and key players around Ogun political turf and even nationally with ease like the  honey bees gathering nectar in the middle of flowering season.

    It’s becoming crystal clear to all and sundry that Yayi is unflappable even with all targeted bricks against his person. His good deeds are spreading like gospel’s truth across the 3 senatorial districts and daily winning adherents.

    Yayi is nonpareil, highly inimitable, and a consumate patriot. Anyone will be in order to describe him in any superlative terms. He had earned it by the acts of his hands and mind. With Yayi as APC guber candidate in Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun can easily go to bed as the State will be in the safest hands.

    Otto Von Bismarck once opined politics as the art of possible, the attainable, and the art of next best. Clearly and ahead of 2027, Yayi is the possible. He’s the attainable, most reliable, and next best after Governor Dapo Abiodun tour of duty in the state.

    Governor Dapo Abiodun must spot this. It may however take brilliance, discipline, sacrifice, intelligence, vision, patriotism, farsightedness, deep retrospection, and much more for Gov Dapo Abiodun to sincerely judge the moment, recognize the period and produce the confidence and boldness to cease the occasion, and upstage those who are working tirelessly, and albeit, selfishly to derail him from having peaceful succession.

    As a student of politics and power, I’m aware that elections are mostly about three Cs: condition, candidate, and culture. The condition in APC today nationally, which is saddled with the statutory responsibility of conducting selection of candidates. This places Yayi in a vintage position. I need not expanciate more. Only the act of God can alter it. Yayi, as a candidate, is a special brand himself and metaphorically a success at the poll. He has a believability and winning mentality culture. Anyone in doubt can go memory lane, conduct background checks, and his antecedents.

    In all of these, Yayi should not and can not be tired of doing that, which is right for the people. He must be ready and continue on the altruistic trajectory of working like the best Swiss clock for the common good of the people. It is his works that are speaking for themselves. He must not interrupt as Henry J. Kaiser counseled.

  • Ogun political outlook ahead of 2027

    Ogun political outlook ahead of 2027

    By Tayo Oyekanmi

    The electoral umpire in the country (INEC) might not have officially released a schedule of activities culminating in the 2027 elections. But trust politicians, you can’t stop them from politicking all year round. The subtle positioning, alignment, and nocturnal meetings are already gathering steam across the country. Ogun State is not an exemption. Though who becomes the next Governor after Prince Dapo Abiodun in 2027 might be too early to say as of now. But that discourse is already gaining traction and momentum across the three senatorial districts in the state. All the senatorial districts have interested individuals. Yes, Ogun State political turf can be highly hellacious to predict, but the outlook as related to individual gladiators within the two major political parties of APC and PDP look straightforward as of now. Twenty hours can be a long time in the chess game of politics. But currently in APC, it will be Yayi and other teleguided or better still, gang up induced ambitions. Many will be in the race to muddle up the turf for sundry negotiations to achieve certain ends. But the summary of it all is that you are either for Yayi or against him. A similar scenario will be on display in PDP; it will be the game of Ladi Adebutu and others. However, it’s easy to forecast that PDP will eventually be home to renegades who will be seeing difficulties in Ladi Adebutu emergence and therefore will be interested in slugging it out for the ticket of the party. How the ranging battle for the control of the structure and the next Exco of the party pans out in the few weeks will go a long way in determining where the pendulum will swing within the party. However, it will be a herculean task to wrestle Lado to the floor for PDP’s ticket unless something extraordinary happens. That’s how the PDP is wired today in the state. Ultimately, Lado will always have a fairly good showing, particularly in Ogun East. Because the goodness of Baba Kensington Adebutu to a good number of people over time, coupled with his deep pocket will always count for something. But Ogun State is not just limited to Ogun East.

    Beyond the ticket affairs, Ladi Adebutu Governorship interest in 2027 will not be helped by the simple fact of hailing from Iperu, the same town of “outgoing” governor Dapo Abiodun. The changing of Ladi Adebutu’s electoral base to Odogbolu can only do little to erase the fact of originality of his homestead as Iperu, where he has always aspired and contested from. Besides, Lado will not likely abandon his abode in Iperu for anything beyond the political subterfuge. However, either Iperu or Odogbolu both still belong to Ogun East Senatorial District. Thus, the ambition will be a hard sell, putting into consideration that in the history of Ogun State, never have we had a Senatorial District succeeding itself for the Governorship seat. The people of Ogun State are too politically conscious and sophisticated for this kind of imaginative fiefdom.

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    Paradoxically, while the ever social affectionado and governorship obsessed Ladi Adebutu will be angling to do a straight double of 8 years for Ogun East, Ogun West people are already waiting with bated breath for 2027. The waiting this time is with a difference. Ogun West of today is totally different from Ogun West of time past. The ascendancy of Yayi has changed all permutations. The people of Ogun West now see the full arrival of Yayi as pivotal and focal point to break a seemingly jinx around the governorship seat. Despite the fierceness and multifaceted layers of opposition against Yayi that went beyond the shores of Ogun West in 2023, he polled the highest number of votes in the history of Senatorial election in Ogun West (112,887). His popularity and mobilisation even helped other candidates in APC to win their own elections. Having been in the saddle, the popularity and acceptability of Yayi are not waning. It keeps soaring day after day across the 59 Wards of Ogun West and beyond.  Many are now seeing Yayi, and rightly so, as the man with the wildest political reach and network to consolidate the APC hold in the State at both Governorship and Presidential election level. Which people will not be happy and grateful to have a son who puts his talents and self at the behest of his race and country?