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Tag: Ogun West

  • ‘Our agenda for Ogun West governorship candidate’

    ‘Our agenda for Ogun West governorship candidate’

    As next year’s governorship election draws near, a group, Ogun West Professionals, works towards cohesion and unity of purpose among major political players within the zone. In this interview, the Chairman of Steering Committee of the group, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, the Executive Secretary of Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), bares his mind why the zone should produce the next governor. He speaks with Bola Olajuwon

    What is the group, Ogun West Professionals, all about?

    Most of the professionals came together as a group of individuals from various disciplines. I’m not one of the visionaries. I was only saddled with the responsibility of steering or planning the group’s media chat, which is one of their various programmes; maybe because I belong to the media profession. Later, I was co-opted into the administration.

     The primary intention of this group, as I understand, is to ensure that there is coherence among the people of Ogun West, I mean Ogun West Senatorial District.

     The Ogun West Senatorial District has not been fortunate enough to occupy the number one position in Ogun State since the state was created in 1976, most especially under this democratic dispensation. And this has been largely alluded to the fact that the people from the zone, most especially the politicians, have not been speaking with one voice. So, the Ogun West Professionals identified lack of unity, one voice and coherence among the people as militating against their desire to win the governorship seat.

    The professionals are indigenes of various towns and villages across the zone; that is, we have them from the Awori, the Yewa, the Anago, the Ketu, etc in all the Ogun West’s five local governments: Ado-Odo Ota, Imeko Afon, Ipokia, Yewa North and Yewa South. We want to correct this mistake

    The hidden agenda of the group is to present a common front before 2027. But the senatorial district is known for divisions. Do you think the professionals can break the jinx and unite the people?

    In all these local governments, we have these professionals full of determination this time around. They want to find a way of making sure that there is unity among the people; so that with that unity from the internal, then we can sell our unity to the external – that is to the two remaining senatorial districts in Ogun State (Ogun Central and Ogun East). That is the primary focus of the group, to break the jinx of not being able to produce a governor since Ogun West was created in 1976.

     So, the part the group is charting is to look around and then look at the various political aspirants, those that have been showing interest that they are going to contest and they are looking for the right platform.

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     Are your members and other groups reaching out to other interests from other zones and the zone itself?

    So, the media chat is being organised in Ilaro, where the attendance is expected to be over 2,000 because the professionals themselves – a platform of a little close to a thousand members – are reaching out to other formidable groups, formidable clubs and the artisans across the state.

    They have been contacted to ensure that they are part of the programme. The primary intention is that we are looking at everything that we can do to harmonise opinions, to bring people together so that a formidable team and a formidable voice can emanate from Ogun West Senatorial District so that we can get the buy in of Ogun Central Senatorial District and Ogun East Senatorial District in terms of support, so that come 2027, we’ll be able to get the nod for it. So, I think the body is equally looking at who is likely and who is more favorable within the ranks of the politicians that are clamouring to contest.

    So, these are the things that I know about it: we want to bring unity and allow coherence to happen among the politicians. Certainly, we cannot get 100 per cent support for any particular candidate because as long as we have different political parties, there will be different interests and there could be different candidates. But this time around, I think part of what the Ogun West Professionals are clamouring for is to make sure that aspirants from the zone in key political parties ensure that they are made the flag bearers of their parties so that the people of Ogun West Senatorial District can eventually determine whom they wanted.

    What is your February 1 media chat all about?

    The Ogun West Professionals are having a media chat with Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, in Ilaro on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Frontiers Hotel, Ilaro, Ogun State. He is the senator representing the district. The event is purely organised by the professionals who came together to contribute funds to organise the programme.

    The attendance is expected to be over 2,000 because the professionals themselves – a platform of a little close to a thousand members now – are reaching out to other formidable groups, clubs or the artisans across the state to be part of the agenda.

    The professionals said let’s have a media chat with Senator Adeola to hear from him directly and to let him tell the world what he has on the table to ensure that Ogun West can win the governorship election in 2027. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, is slated to be our guest speaker at the media chat.

  • 2027: Ogun West Professionals advocates consensus agenda

    2027: Ogun West Professionals advocates consensus agenda

    • Group to hold maiden media chat with YAYI on Sunday

    As part of its consensus agenda, a group, Ogun West Professionals, has advocated unity and consensus among political stakeholders in Ogun West Senatorial District.

    It says this is to ensure the district produces governor after the 2027 general election.

    The group is, therefore, holding its media chat on Sunday at Frontiers Hotel, Ilaro, Ogun State with the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation and the lawmaker representing Ogun West, Senator Solomon Adeola aka YAYI.

    Adeola is a frontline governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, is slated to be the guest speaker.

    The event is aimed at creating unity and coherence among Ogun West Senatorial District people on the clamour for a winning governorship candidate from the zone for the 2027 general election.

    Media representatives, monarchs, community leaders and guests will hear from Adeola on his agenda for the zone at the media chat.

    The Chairman of Steering Committee of Ogun West Professionals, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, who is the executive secretary of Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), at a media briefing in Ilaro, said since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, the governorship seat had been exchanged between two senatorial districts, namely Ogun East and Ogun Central – to the detriment of Ogun West.

    ‘’But, Ogun West Senatorial District is a major economic hub covering 37 per cent of the state’s landmass,’’ he added.

    Bamgbose said as next year’s governorship election draws near, Ogun West Professionals is ready to tackle the impediments of lack of cohesion and unity of purpose among major political players in Ogun West Senatorial District.

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    He added: “So, the part the group is charting is to look around and look at the political aspirants, those that have been showing interest that they are going to contest and they are looking for platform.

    “So, the media chat is being held in Ilaro, where the attendance is expected to be over 2,000 because the professionals themselves – a platform of a little close to a thousand members – is reaching out to other formidable groups, formidable clubs or artisans across the state.

    “They have been contacted to ensure they are part of the programme. We are looking for everything we can do to harmonise opinions, to bring people together so that a formidable team and a formidable voice can emanate from Ogun West Senatorial District so that we can get the buy in of Ogun Central Senatorial District and Ogun East Senatorial District in terms of support so that come 2027, we’ll be able to get the nod for it.

    “So, I think the body is equally looking at who is likely and who is more favourable within the ranks of the politicians that are clamouring to contest.

    “So, we are working for unity and coherence among aspirants from the zone. Certainly, we cannot get 100 per cent support for any particular candidate because as long as we have different political parties, there will be different interests and there can be different candidates.

    “But this time, I think part of what Ogun West Professionals is clamouring for is to make sure aspirants from the zone in key political parties are made the governorship candidates of their parties so that the people of Ogun West Senatorial District can eventually determine who they want.”

    Bamgbose said: “Ogun West Senatorial District has not been fortunate enough to occupy the number one position in Ogun State in terms of governorship seat since the state was created in 1976, most especially under this democratic dispensation.

    “This was largely alluded to the fact that the people from the zone, most especially the politicians, have not been speaking with one voice. So, Ogun West Professionals identified lack of unity, one voice and coherence among the people as militating against their desire to win the governorship seat.

    “We the professionals are indigenes of various towns and villages across the zone; that is, from the Awori, the Yewa, the Anago, the Ketu, etc. That is, in all the Ogun West’s five local governments: Ado-Odo Ota, Imeko Afon, Ipokia, Yewa North and Yewa South.

    “The professionals said let’s have a media chat with Senator Adeola to hear from him directly and to let him tell the whole world what he has on the table to ensure  Ogun West can win the governorship election holding in 2027.”

  • ‘I’ll continue to encourage development of Ogun West’

    ‘I’ll continue to encourage development of Ogun West’

    The Senator representing Ogun West District at the National Assembly, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has aseured that he would continue to support events and activities that promote tourism, cultural development and unity in the senatorial district and beyond.

    Adeola also reaffirmed his commitment to the facilitation of infrastructural projects capable of transforming his district.

    The senator spoke at the grand finale of the 2025 Isaga Day Festival, held at the weekend, in Isaga town, Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State where he was the chairman of the event.

    He disclosed that he had attracted over 300 projects to complement the delivery of good governance by the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, in Ogun West and other parts of the state.

    He added that the constituency projects including roads, healthcare, educational development, security and empowerment had been facilitated and completed by him  in over two years in the saddle.

    Adeola who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations and native of Isaga settlement, Ago Pahayi in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, lauded the people of Isaga for organizing a colourful and violence-free event.

    He stressed that he would continue to support cultural development, particularly when it encourages tourism development and ultimately socio-economic development.

    Read Also: Siege of underdevelopment is broken in Ogun West, says Adeola

    The senator lauded the Onisaga of Isaga-Orile Kingdom, Oba Joseph Oladele Olusoji Tella, for his commendable strides in cultural renaissance and peaceful community development, which has enhanced unity among the indigenes of the ancient town across the 32 settlements in Nigeria and the neighbouring Benin Republic.

    “Your Royal Majesty has brought in legacies of unity by attracting and bringing together all sons and daughters of Isaga Orile from across various communities in Ogun and Lagos State and worldwide to identify and contribute to the development of their original homestead”, he added.

    Adeola, who disclosed that he has facilitated the construction and completion of an ultra  modern palace, internal roads fitted with street lights, town hall, blocks of classrooms and furniture in the  Isaga-Orile Kingdom, disclosed that work would soon commence on the construction of a pavilion and modern market in the town.

    While reiterating his commitment to the infrastructural and socioeconomic development of Ogun West, the senator otherwise known as Yayi, said work had commenced on the repair and upgrade of 10 major electric infrastructures affecting about 100 communities in perennial and months long black out in senatorial district and beyond.

    Adeola, however, saluted Governor Dapo Abiodun for his support for tourism development through promotion of different festivals in the state such as Ojude Oba, Oronna Ilaro, the Lisabi, Iganmode and Akesan Day celebration among others. 

    “I am aware that the governor’s pro-active policy in the primary areas of security is responsible for a violence- free- state and drastic reduction in criminal activities. I also commend our governor for the numerous construction projects in the area of roads, hospitals and educational institutions across the state with a flagship project in the area of aviation through the construction and commissioning of the Gateway Cargo Airport at Iperu.

    “There is no doubt that your policies and programmes are complimentary of that of the Renew Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the federal level”, the senator submitted.

    In his remarks, the Committee Chairman of 2025 Isaga Day Festival, Gboyega Aramide, noted that the event with the theme “A Legacy of Unity and Progress”, was aimed at bringing indigenes of Isaga together, strengthening relationships and building bonds.

    “This festival provides a unique opportunity for Isaga sons and daughters – both at home and in the diaspora – to reunite, interact and celebrate together, in honour of our founding fathers whose history dates back to around 1750, long before the Dahomey War of 1862.

    “Many of the Isaga people dispersed by the war settled in places such as Abeokuta, Ilaro, Iju, Ado-Odo, Mushin, Surulere, Isolo, Irogun and even Dahomey where they retain the name “Isaga” in remembrance of their origin”, Aramide stated.

    The Onisaga of Isaga-Orile Kingdom, Oba Olusoji Tella, said that the festival served as a platform to mobilize the people for development, fosterunity, strengthen communal bonds, open doors to visitors and investors.

     The monarch represented by Babatunde Tella, commended Senator Adeola for facilitating various developmental projects to the town, noting that the construction of the ultra modern market in Isaga-Orile would put the ancient town on the global map as a result of its strategic location along Sokoto-Badagry Road.

  • 2027: Time to break Ogun West’s 49-year jinx

    2027: Time to break Ogun West’s 49-year jinx

    • By Kayode Oladele 

    For nearly five decades, Ogun West has lived under a shadow. Since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, the governorship has rotated between Ogun Central and Ogun East, leaving the good people of Ogun West Senatorial District excluded from the top seat at Oke-Mosan. This glaring imbalance has hardened into what is now widely described as the Ogun West jinx.

    As the 2027 elections approach, the question is whether the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will finally summon the courage to break this cycle of marginalisation. The answer lies in the hands of the party machinery and leadership in the State. Perhaps also in the rising political momentum of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

    Few politicians in Ogun today command the breadth of popularity that Yayi enjoys. His political journey from Lagos State House of Assembly to the House of Representatives and the Senate has given him legislative experience, national visibility, and formidable grassroots networks. More importantly, his footprint in Ogun West is visible in real projects: roads, electrification, schools, health centres, portable water systems, empowerment for farmers and artisans, and scholarships for students.

    Unlike previous Ogun West aspirants, Yayi’s appeal is not confined to his senatorial district. From the Ijebu axis to the Egba heartland, his name resonates with ordinary citizens who see him as a pragmatic politician capable of bridging divides. Some even call him “talk and do Senator”. This broad appeal matters, because winning the governorship requires more than sectional sentiment, it requires state-wide acceptability.

    Complementing Gov. Abiodun, Advancing Renewed Hope Agenda. 

    Undoubtedly, Governor Dapo Abiodun has laid a solid developmental foundation. From road networks and industrial corridors to the Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport, ICT hubs, and youth empowerment, his administration has repositioned Ogun as one of Nigeria’s leading investment destinations. For this, he deserves great commendation.

    What makes the present moment unique is the synergy between Abiodun’s state-wide programs and Yayi’s Senatorial District interventions. Together, they amplify the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Already, Tinubu’s policies are yielding positive results, boosting infrastructure, agriculture, and job creation and Ogun is among the states where his popularity is surging by the day. As 2027 looms, it is apparently clear that Ogun will remain an APC stronghold, with President Tinubu overwhelmingly projected to win the state. 

    A Moral and Political Imperative

    Against this backdrop, the Ogun APC must answer a fundamental question: will it perpetuate 49 years of exclusion, or will it do the right thing by backing Ogun West for governor?

    The call is not only moral; it is political. No serious party can afford to alienate a bloc as significant as Ogun West. The sense of marginalisation has lingered far too long. Backing an Ogun West candidate, especially one with Yayi’s credentials and popularity, would therefore energise the base, unify the party, and send a strong message that APC stands for fairness, equity, and justice.

    The state leadership of the APC, led by Governor Abiodun, Chairman Yemi Sanusi, and other key actors, must act decisively. History will not be kind if the party ignores this moment.

    Ogun West has waited patiently for nearly half a century. The 2027 election provides the clearest chance yet to end this political injustice. In Senator Yayi, the APC has before it a candidate with the popularity, projects, and cross-state acceptability to finally break the jinx.

    The task before the APC leadership is simple but profound: zone the governorship ticket to Ogun West and rally the party behind it. Ogun. With popularity, projects, and cross-state appeal, Senator Yayi offers the clearest chance to finally shatter Ogun West’s political marginalization. Anything less would be a betrayal of equity and a clear assault on good conscience. Ogun’s future demands fairness. Ogun West’s time has come. And the APC must rise to the occasion.

    * Oladele is the acting chairman, Federal Character Commission (FCC)

  • 2027: Ogun West reaffirms support for Tinubu, Yayi

    2027: Ogun West reaffirms support for Tinubu, Yayi

    Ogun West Senatorial District yesterday endorsed the re-election aspiration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirming that on “his mandate” in 2027 the zone stands.

    The people, who hailed President Tinubu for staying the course on his bold reforms and other interventions to get the nation’s economy back to the path of buoyancy and prosperity, unanimously chorused his mandate in 2027.

    They also expressed their support for the lawmaker representing Ogun West and Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Dr Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, aka Yayi, for his effective representation and commitment to the success of the President.

    Ogun West expressed its solidarity with the President and Senator Adeola at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion, Ilaro, the headquarters of Yewa South Local Government, during a massively attended event organised by supporters and associates of Senator Adeola to give him a befitting birthday in absentia to demonstrate their love, affection and support for him.

    Similar celebrations for the senator’s birthday also took place yesterday in Abeokuta (Ogun Central), Ijebu Igbo (Ogun East) and in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The Chairman, Central Planning Committee of the event and the Commissioner of Housing, Jamiu  Omoniyi, expressed delight that friends and supporters of the senator could come together to honour him and appreciate his unprecedented performance in the National Assembly.

    Also, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq  Salako, disclosed that the birthday celebration was organised by the friends and core supporters of Senator Adeola, to celebrate his accomplishments as a senator representing Ogun West.

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    Speaking with reporters at the event, Salako said they decided to pool resources together to celebrate and honour Senator Adeola at 56 in demonstration of their love, affection and support for him.

    In a concerted move in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda on Infrastructure of the administration of President Tinubu, Senator Adeola (Ogun West) has facilitated the donation and energisation of 102 electric transformers for 435 Community Development Areas (CDAs) spread across all senatorial districts of Ogun State.

    The transformers of different specifications according to the requirement of each benefitting localities include 500kva/33, 500kva/11, 300kva/33 and 300kva/11. They were presented yesterday to representatives of communities on the sidelines of the celebration of Senator Adeola’s 56th birthday at Asade Agunloye Pavilion, Ilaro in Yewa South Local Government.

    Seventeen local governments in Ogun State benefitted from this scheme of “Light Up Ogun State”, namely Yewa North, Ado Odo Ota, Yewa South, Abeokuta North, Ifo, Obafemi Owode, Ewekoro and Sagamu. Others are Ijebu Ode, Odogbolu, Ipokia, Ijebu North East, Ikenne, Ijebu East, Remo North, Abeokuta South and Ijebu North.

    Speaking through his media aide, Chief Kayode Odunaro, in a statement, Adeola said he elected to facilitate the 102 transformers after his office was inundated with many requests for transformers by many communities, adding that it was a thing of joy for him to bring light to homes and businesses through the provision of transformers and their energisation.

    Related to the provision of transformers in the “Light Up Ogun State” is the provision and installation of solar power street lights along streets, markets, communities and palaces with over 16500 poles installed so far across Ogun West Senatorial District and beyond.

  • Ogun West governorship aspiration: The chain is broken, the siege is over

    Ogun West governorship aspiration: The chain is broken, the siege is over

    • By Kayode Oladele

    The long-standing dream of Ogun West to produce a democratically elected governor is no longer just a quiet hope—it has become a powerful and unified movement. What once existed as a hushed conversation among political elites has transformed into a loud and assertive call for equity, justice, and inclusion. The tide is turning. The chain is broken. The siege is over.

    The rising tempo of the Ogun West governorship aspiration ahead of the 2027 elections is not merely political rhetoric—it is the cry of a people who have borne the brunt of systemic marginalization since the creation of Ogun State in 1976. For nearly five decades, Ogun Central and Ogun East have rotated the governorship seat, while Ogun West—despite its significant economic and demographic contributions—has remained politically sidelined.

    Today, the people of Yewa and Awori are no longer pleading; they are demanding their rightful place at the leadership table. This growing political consciousness is reflected in the birth of strategic advocacy groups such as the Ogun West Initiative, which are organizing grassroots mobilization and intensifying public engagement.

    The movement is no longer confined to partisan interests or ethnic advocacy—it has become a unifying call across political parties, religious institutions, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and everyday citizens. The message is simple: It is time for Ogun West.

    Prominent among the champions of this cause is Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), whose recent political re-alignment to Ogun West and his proactive legislative and constituency development efforts have positioned him as the most visible and viable aspirant to break the age-long jinx.

    At the recent Third Session of the Twelfth Synod of the Diocese of Yewa (Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion), held at Rev. Fry Memorial Anglican Church, Ishaga-Orile, the theme “The Siege is Over” was not just a scriptural reference—it became a political declaration. The Bishop of Yewa Diocese, Rt. Revd. Michael Oluwarohunbi, in a spiritually charged moment, declared that the “siege in Yewaland has ended,” and called Senator Adeola a divine instrument for transformation. This spiritual endorsement resonated with thousands and reinforced what many in Ogun West already believe: The time is now and Senator Adeola is the people’s choice.

    Senator Adeola’s legislative achievements and infrastructural footprint speak volumes. In just two years, his representation has brought unprecedented development to Ogun West and beyond.

    These include just to mention a few:Construction of strategic roads (Imasayi–Ayetoro, Ilashe–Koko–Alari, Ilaro–Owode, Atan–Agbara, and more), Modernization of state hospitals and internal roads in Ilaro and Imeko, Renovation of schools, markets, town halls, ICT centers, and police stations, Installation of solar lights, provision of transformers, and extension of electricity to underserved areas, Youth and women empowerment initiatives, including vocational training, scholarships, and health intervention etc. The list goes on and on.

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    These projects, along with mega empowerment programs likened to “the spoils of war” in 2 Chronicles 20:25, have fundamentally altered the socio-economic landscape of the Senatorial District.

    Ogun West is not a political afterthought—it is the economic engine of Ogun State, the HEN that lays the golden eggs. The Agbara–Ota industrial axis hosts a concentration of multinational companies that contribute a substantial portion of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The region also serves as a vital trade corridor to West Africa, due to its proximity to the Republic of Benin and Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub.

    Agriculturally, Ogun West boasts vast arable land with rich potential for food production and agribusiness. Despite these immense contributions, its people remain politically shortchanged.

    Since the state’s creation, Ogun Central (Egba) and Ogun East (Ijebu/Remo) have alternated in the governorship seat, effectively shutting out Ogun West. This imbalance has created a legacy of resentment, underdevelopment, and political alienation. One recurring factor has been the lack of unity among Ogun West politicians, who in the past failed to rally behind a single strong candidate. This internal disunity often resulted in fragmented votes, making it easier for other regions to consolidate and retain power.

    However, 2027 is shaping up differently. There is now a growing consensus across Ogun West to rally behind Senator Adeola, a candidate with a proven record, national reach, political stability, and strong grassroots connection with Over two  two decades of legislative experience (Lagos Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate) who is also respected for his philanthropy, loyalty to progressive politics, and hands-on leadership style. He is currently the Chairman of Senate Appropriations Committee—by far, the most influential legislative positions in the National Assembly with deep ties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national APC structure, ensuring federal alignment.

    His strategic repositioning to Ogun West is not opportunism—it is a return to his ancestral roots and a calculated mission to correct a historical injustice. It is the general consensus of the people that he is the most credible and prepared candidate to lead Ogun State to greater heights.

    Democracy thrives on inclusion and fairness. Power rotation is not just a political expediency—it is an expression of justice and a guarantee of balanced development. For 49 years, Ogun West has waited. The wait must end in 2027. It is time for the other zones to show solidarity by supporting Ogun West’s bid. The political elite across Ogun State must acknowledge this glaring imbalance and rally for equity.

    The 2027 governorship race is not just about politics—it is about correcting a generational injustice. With Senator Solomon Adeola leading the charge, backed by a now-unified Ogun West, the opportunity to break the jinx has never been stronger. This is more than an ambition. It is a movement. It is a declaration of intent. It is the fulfillment of a prophetic moment that signals the end of an era of exclusion.

    Indeed, the chain is broken. The siege is over. Ogun West is ready.

    •Kayode Oladele is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a member of the Federal Character Commission.

  • 2027: Adeola urges unity to end Ogun West 49-year wait for governorship

    2027: Adeola urges unity to end Ogun West 49-year wait for governorship

    Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, representing Ogun West Senatorial District, has called for unity among political leaders, stakeholders, and residents of the zone to break the 49-year-old jinx and produce a governor from the district in the 2027 general elections.

    Speaking on Wednesday during the official inauguration of the Yewa Think-Tank Secretariat, named ‘Yewa Unity House’ in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area, Senator Adeola said that only through cohesion and strategic planning can the long-standing marginalization of the Yewa-Awori people be addressed.

    “It is time for our leaders to consciously and painstakingly put the best foot forward in 2027. If we truly hope to break the jinx, we must act with unity and determination,” said the senator, who holds the traditional title of Aremo of Yewaland.

    He described the continued exclusion of Ogun West from the state’s top political office since the creation of Ogun State in 1976 as a painful and unjust anomaly, emphasizing that it was time to correct it.

    While acknowledging that external political forces may have hindered past attempts, Adeola urged the Yewa-Awori people to collectively and legitimately pursue power using every God-given resource at their disposal.

    He also charged the Yewa Think-Tank, a knowledge-based organization, to critically examine all factors necessary to ensure success in 2027, stressing the need for a well-coordinated and inclusive strategy moving forward.

    “Again, another opportunity beckons us in the year 2027. YTT, as a leading and knowledge-based organization, must objectively look at all the variables that should engender success for the senatorial district and so inform all critical stakeholders this time around on the way forward.

    “I have no doubt that the wherewithal to achieve the just aspiration of our people is available at this time, but we must consciously and painstakingly put our best foot forward this time around.

    “Going forward, I don’t expect anyone from Ogun West to be a bystander in the ongoing struggle for political power in Ogun State. Indeed, I look forward to a redoubling of our efforts at this time, as the prize is within reach and achievable.

    “This time around is not for sentiment, undue emotional outpouring, or pursuit of some parochial or personal interests. We must all put on our thinking caps and collectively strive to end injustice and take our people and indeed Ogun State to greater heights.

    “There is no doubt that much work is still in the offing for sustainable socio-economic and political development, and I want to charge all members of the YTT to further gird their loins for more initiatives and accomplishments in the years ahead,” Adeola stated.

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    He describing the YTT multimillion naira secretariat as a major landmark in the annal of Ogun West and expressed delight that he was able to fulfil his promise of completing the project when he met it at lintel level.

    “Let me state that the completion of the YEWA UNITY HOUSE and indeed the construction of the road passing the house is not my first collaboration with YTT in delivering some positive development initiatives for our people in Yewaland and elsewhere.

    “My collaboration dates back a long time before I became the Senator representing the good people of Ogun West Senatorial District. My partnership was based on the need to address the stark marginalization of our people in major development indices and the clear vision and dedication of YTT to the goal of sustainable development for Yewaland and beyond”, he submitted

    Addressing constituents of the senatorial district later at the grand finale of the 2nd Edition of Town Hall Meeting/Mega Empowerment and Thank You Tour, held at Asade Agunloye Pavilion in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area, Senator Adeola promised to continue to facilitate empowerment for the people and offer qualitative representation at the senate.

  • 2027: It’s unjust Ogun West hasn’t produced governor — Yayi

    2027: It’s unjust Ogun West hasn’t produced governor — Yayi

    Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Sen. Solomon Adeola (Yayi), says it is unjust that the district has not produced a governor since the creation of the state in 1976.

    Adeola, Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, made the statement on Saturday in Lagos.

    He spoke at the Yewaland Development Forum(YDF) 8th Distinguished Lecture Series, ‘Yewas Talk’ and his Investiture as the Grand Patron of the Forum.

    NAN reports that the lecture titled ‘Yewaland: Harnessing Our Potential and Opportunities Towards 2027 and Beyond,’ was held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

    “It is no longer news that our area has suffered in the scheme of things since the creation of Ogun State on Feb.3, 1976.

    “In the over 48 years history of Ogun State, no one from our senatorial district has been opportune to lead the state as the number one citizen.

    “This unjust and inequitable anomaly is not as a result of not presenting ourselves for service or indeed a result of lack of eminently qualified persons,” Adeola said.

    He said that all hands must be on deck to liberate the people of Yewaland politically and empower them economically.

    “Towards 2027, a leading and knowledge-based organisation as YDF must dispassionately look at all the factors that should engender success for Ogun West senatorial district in the governorship race.

    “I have no doubt that the wherewithal to achieve the just aspiration of our people is available but we must consciously and painstakingly put our best foot forward this time around.

    “Going forward, I don’t expect anyone from Yewaland to be a bystander in the ongoing struggle for political power in Ogun State,” he said.

    17 injured in accident on Ota-Idiroko Road

    The Ogun Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says no fewer than 17 persons were injured on Saturday in an accident that involved three vehicles and a tricycle.

    According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the accident occurred on Iju Bridge on Ota-Idiroko Road.

    Read Also: EFCC urges embassies not to charge visa, other services in dollar

    The FRSC spokesperson in Ogun,  Mrs Florence Okpe,  confirmed the accident on Saturday in Ota.

    She said that the accident happened at about   8.05 a.m.

    Okpe listed the three vehicles as Mazda with registration number AAA 729 AY, a Toyota Hiace marked LND 85 DA and a Sino truck with no registration number as well as a Bajaj tricycle marked TTN 58VND.

    She said that 32 people comprising 12 male adults and 20 female adults were involved in the crash.

    Okpe added that of the 32 persons, six male adults and 11 female adults sustained various degrees of injuries.

    She, however, said that no life was lost to the accident.

    She said that the suspected cause of the accident was excessive speeding on the part of the truck driver, who attempted to negotiate a bend on Iku Bridge and lost control in the process.

    Okpe said that the truck then rammed into the other two vehicles and the tricycle.

    “The survivors were taken to the Ota General Hospital for medical attention,” she said.

  • ‘Why Ogun West failed to produce governor’

    The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Progress (ADC) in Ogun State during the last general elections, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, spoke with Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN on how the division in the Ogun West Senatorial District robbed the zone the opportunity to produce the governor.

    You contested the governorship elections three consecutive times without winning. How do you feel?

    I am definitely not satisfied because I have set some targets for myself, which I intend to actualise if given the opportunity to serve. I am not pleased with the results. However, I take solace in the fact that the race of life is a marathon  in which all manners of surprises do happen. In any case, we have done our best and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to run such a tough race in  three consecutive times.

    Would you contest again in 2023?

    I am not thinking about that now, though I still remain in politics and I am convinced I will still serve my people in one capacity or the other. We leave the rest  till 2023. That will be determined by the circumstance of the time. I am not going to let any aspiration drive me as to what I can contribute to the society and to humanity. They are my main drivers. In the meantime, I have a business that I am running and a profession that I am practising. What will happen in 2023, we leave that to God.

    You hail from Ogun West Senatorial District that has never produced governor since the state was created over 40 years ago? What do you think is responsible?

    So many things are responsible. Ogun West is more multicultural and multi bilingual than the other sections of the state. Hence, it’s a lot more challenging to foster unity. We have the Yewas and the Aworis and within the Yewas are different dialects and culture. These offer some advantages in some instances, but also have lots of issues to contend with. Added to this is that the other zones had a advantage of having produced eminent public office holders like President, Ministers, ambassadors and of course governors, which give them major head start.

    This is not to say the other zones do not have their challenges and issues and having contested three times at the gubernatorial level, I can confirm they all do have their challenges and Ogun West is finding solutions to these poor internal cohesions albeit slowly.

    There are also issues of resources and more often than not, this has been used as a bait to further divide the West by external forces

    A school of thought argues that power should rotate between Egba and Ijebu provinces. What is your take on this?

    What I know and which the Nigerian constitution says is that we have three senatorial districts and I also know that no senatorial district lacks quality men and women to govern the state. I do not always want to get involved in those provincial arguments because we can as well trace it back to when Mungo Park discovered Nigeria or River Niger.

    What is of main concern to me is that Ogun State, like other states in Nigeria, needs a government  that would fairly and equitably promote good government, reduce poverty level and enhance quality of  living. I want history to remember me that I did everything to promote this towards a better society. A society will have the kind of government they deserve. In democracy, it’s one man, one vote. It’s the majority that decide the winner.

    As an an indigene of Ogun State, I have qualities to be governor. I offered myself to serve as governor of the state. I got relative support from the two senatorial zones outside Ogun West where I come from. Within the constraint and challenges in our political system, I did the little I can and I leave the rest for the future events and ultimately for posterity.

    If you eventually become governor, what will you do differently in Ogun State?

    My emphasis will be on human capital development. It is the people that drive development. The quality of life they live, their wellbeing will enhance economic development. I will give priority to qualitative education. As people of Southwest, we had a head start in education but we are no longer leading in that sector due to misplacement of priority.

    I will strive and make remarkable impact in the education sector which is crucial to human capital development required to transform our state.  It is very sad where Ogun State is currently placed in education but thank God the current administration is rising up to that. It doesn’rt justify the investment and vision of our forebears.  We need to build confidence and encourage the teachers. There is need for a special and efficient unit to manage the schools. Then we will also look at the curriculum with a view to making it relevant to today’s world of entrepreneurship where people want to be able to come out and be able to do something on their own.

    In the health sector, a lot of facilities have been locked up. Not many of them are functional, many are operating below capacity. We will ensure that these facilities optimally provide their services to better the lot of our people.

    How would you advice Governor Dapo Abiodun for him to succeed in office?

    We are close. I served in the Economic Committee of his transition programme. I am happy that his administration is putting in place systems and thinking that are more enduring. I like the idea of establishing Public Works Department to fix the roads in the state. The roads in rural areas are deplorable. Free movement of goods and services will boost the economy of the state. The governor had started well and I hope he will keep the momentum.

    My advice to the governor is that we should regain our lead in Education. We should create a conducive learning environment for the children and the teachers that will impart knowledge on them. We should explore a lot more the opportunities in the four corners of our State in conjunction with the private sector. And time is not on our side, the population is rising, the opportunities are shrinking and the people are on the edge thus our value system is breaking down. The governor has to continue on the path of instituting enduring and progressive systems and institution that benefit the entire State.

    Do you subscribe to the suggestion by Governor El-Rufai of Kaduna State that political parties should drop zoning for competence in 2003?

    I suspect Governor Nasir El-Rufai is testing waters. It is not his personal idea, but that of a political group. There is no section of the country that doesn’t have competent people and if the ruling party has combined competence with zoning in the two elections of  2015 and 2019,  I wonder why zoning bit of the equation now suddenly become unfashionable. Governor El-Rufai has a big task to convince us on this as I am not personally convinced yet. That’s my opinion.

    What is your suggestion on tackling insecurity in the Southwest and Nigeria at large?

    I commend the Southwest governors for coming together to tackle the issue of insecurity in the region. Those behind the criminal acts are external infiltrators. My advice is that whatever resources that is required for the template to work should be provided. The Southwest is the home of investment in the country.

    The criminal acts are engineered by poverty, hunger and idleness. To reduce the level of crime, we should engage our youths. It is better done as a region. The Southwest is endowed with economic potentials. We have the land, market and logistics to scale up the economy. We can come together and put our resources and potentials together. The Development Agenda of Western Nigeria (DAWN) in conjunction with the Odua Investments are veritable vehicles  we can use to bring up the potentials to enhance our economic growth and reduce the number of idleness.

    Security needs to be funded so that the infiltrators causing harm can be flushed out. When there is insecurity, people can’t move from one place to the other. No investor will risk coming to invest his money in a place where security of lives and property are not guaranteed.

    On Xenophobia attacks in South Africa, I suggest we work together with other African countries to put pressures on South Africa to stop that nonsense. Yes, no nation should abhor criminality but from the pictures and information we read on line and elsewhere, the South Africans looting those shops are obviously more criminally minded in my view than the few foreigners that may not be doing the right things. As Africans, we should not allow this to happen. Under normal circumstances, with a population of 1.2billion, which is little less than the population of China and home to nearly all the world’s 30 poorest countries, Africa should foster more unity and internal trading amongst itself to enhance its economy  rather than causing further division and strife amongst its people. The South African should rise up to its responsibilities to her citizens and the Continent at large.

  • When will Ogun West produce governor?

    The Ogun West Senatorial District has not produced governor since the creation of the state 43 years ago. LEKE SALAUDEEEN examines reasons why the seat has continued to elude the zone.

    Will Ogun West Senatorial District ever produce governor in Ogun State? Can it break the jinx?

    Two times, the zone came close to govern the state, but the chances were frittered because it failed to speak with one voice. The zone, made up of Yewa and Awori people, has not had the opportunity since it was created 43 years ago. The other two senatorial districts are: Ogun Central populated by the Egbas and Ogun East constituted by the Ijebu and Remo. They have been monopolising the office.

    In the just concluded election, Ogun West presented two candidates  on different platforms. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) inspired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo fielded serial contestant Gboyega Isiaka as its candidate. Similarly, Governor Ibikunle Amosun adopted the Allied Peoples’ Movement to enable his anointed candidate, Adekunle Akinlade, contest the election.  Amosun’s action was a fall out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary. The governor claimed that Akinlade emerged winner during the primary conducted by the party executive in the state. The APC National Working Committee said only the electoral panel set up by it had the right to conduct primaries. Thus, the NWC ratified Dapo Abiodun who emerged at the primary supervised by the panel as party candidate.

    Both Isiaka and Akinlade are from the West Senatorial District. Curiously, their sponsors, Obasanjo and Amosun, hail from Ogun Central District. The idea of giving the Yewa/Awori people a chance to produce  Amosun’s successor in 2019 was very popular among stakeholders before the election. Obasanjo and Amosun had agreed that the zone would produce the next governor. To demonstrate his commitment, Obasanjo said “the zone should be allowed to produce Amosun’s successor, in the interest of equity and justice” He said it was unfair that the zone has not produced governor since the state was created over four decades ago.  The former President warned that, if you don’t make Yewa and Awori people to feel that they belong, you are inviting trouble and breeding fertile ground for terrorism in the state.

    Amosun had made it known in 2015 that he would ensure that a Yewa/Awori indigene succeeds him in office. He made it a campaign issue in 2015 when he was seeking re-election at a parley with the political leaders from the zone. Analysts said it was in a bid to fulfil the promise that Amosun stuck out his neck to ensure Akinlade won the governorship election. He defied party supremacy, sponsored and openly campaigned for Akinlade against the APC flag bearer, Abiodun. The consequence is that Amosun was suspended by the APC. The NWC had also recommended him for expulsion from the party .

    The first time the West District came close to producing governor was in 2011, when two of their sons contested for the coveted seat on different platforms. The political rivalry between Obasanjo and former Governor Gbenga Daniel denied the zone the opportunity. The state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was polarised in the build up to the election. The Obasanjo group held a primary that produced General Adetunji Olurin (retd) as governorship candidate of the PDP, while the Daniel faction formed the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) to enable its candidate, Isiaka, vie for the governorship. Olurin and Isiaka hail from Yewa. The hope of their people was dashed as they lost to Amosun of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) then.

    In Ogun, there exists an unwritten agreement between the Egba and Ijebu on the zoning of governorship. Ogun Central and East Districts alternate power. The late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, who governed from 1979 to 1983 and Daniel from 2003 to 2011 are from Ogun East. Similarly, the Central District has produced two governors: Chief Olusegun Osoba (1991 to 1993 and 1999 to 2003) and  Amosun, who has been in power since 2011.

    The struggle by Yewa for the seat dated back to the Second Republic when the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), led by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was to pick its governorship candidate. An indigene of Yewa, the late Senator Jonathan Odebiyi, vied for the UPN ticket against Onabanjo. Odebiyi lost the shadow election to Onabanjo from the East. Instead, Odebiyi contested for the senatorial seat, which he won. Again, in 1991, an illustrious son of Yewa, Professor Afolabi Olabimtan, sought for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ticket. He lost the primary to Chief Osoba by a narrow margin.

    Analysts believe that the consistent failure of the Yewa/Awori people to agree on the choice of candidate has been the major impediment against their ambition to produce governor. They lamented that the greatest mistake of the zone in 2011 was repeated in 2019. They recalled that, in 2011, the zone produced two governorship candidates. Again in 2019, five candidates came out. They include Akinlade (APM), Isiaka (ADC), Oluseyi Olowookere (Alliance for Democracy),  John Agboola (AAP) and Adewale Omoniyi (ANRP). If they have used their bloc vote advantage for one of the candidates, it would have been a different story. A community leader in Yewa said at a time we realised that Isiaka would not win but we couldn’t ask him to step down for Akinlade.

    The Asiwaju of Yewaland, Professor Anthony Asiwaju said the endorsement of Isiaka as candidate was to avoid a repeat of the past. “We held meetings and we agreed GNI (Isiaka) should be our candidate; that was how he became our consensus candidate,” he said. While explaining his effort in realising an Ogun West governor, Asiwaju recalled that there was a cordial relationship between him and the state Governor Ibikunle Amosun, until he advised him to support the candidature of Isiaka.

    He said: “The going was good between me and the governor because he said he would support an Ogun West candidate for governor. In fact, a meeting was held in Ota and I decided not to say anything, but the governor insisted that I should talk along three others. But when what happened in APC happened and i heard that he (Amosun) would remain in the APC, I wrote to him. I told him that I didn’t think that things would go as expected with the APM development. It seems that was where I offended him”.

    The Coordinator of Ogun West Stakeholders Forum, Dr Kunle Salako said: “The struggle for an Ogun West governor had gone through its eighth circle, numbering 43 years since the creation of the state. But despite the huge investment materially and emotionally, the goal of the struggle remains unachievable. In terms of structure, grassroots penetration, clear identity, visibility, national spread and internal cohesion, we asked ourselves which of these political parties was best suited for this all important journey and we discovered and agreed that it is Gboyega Nasir Isiaka.”

    Before the general elections, there was internal bickering in Ogun West. The Yewa people who constitute the four local governments of Yewa South, Yewa North, Imeko-Afon and Ipokia could not agree among themselves.  They were vehemently opposed to Ilaro in producing the governor. The argument was that the few developments, which the zone has benefitted under the military and democratic dispensations, were mainly in Ilaro and should not be allowed to produce the governor in the interest of equity and fairness. Besides, the Awori people also complained against the dominant Yewa. The Aworis were not favourably disposed to the governor coming from Yewa. Of the five local governments in Ogun West, Awori has one. They premised their argument on the excuse that Yewa with four local governments that had benefitted immensely from all the developments accruable to the district should not produce governor.

    A politician from Ogun East confided in our correspondent that the office would continue to elude the zone for as long as they failed to speak with one voice. Other zones would continue to take advantage of their disunity to win governorship election in the state. He said their disunity, egocentric and lack of political compromise manifested more during the 2019 election.

    However, a political activist, Yomi Aderibigbe, advised the Egba and Ijebu people to realise that Ogun State is a tripod and that Yewa/Awori people have equal rights to aspire to any position including governorship seat. He said: “They should abide with the zoning formula which has become a permanent feature in Nigerian politics. The idea of treating a group of people inconsequential is unhealthy. If it persists, the people of Yewa/Awori will react violently.”

    But, a governorship aspirant on the platform of APC, Jimi Lawal, said power rotates between Ijebu and Egba in Ogun State. He said: “We have two provinces in Ogun: Ijebu province and Egba province. Egba has a sub division- Egbado or Yewa/Awori; Ijebu has a sub division- Remo. An Ijebu man had been a governor, so when the chance came back to Ijebu province again, they said let us go to Remo. Egba man had been a governor in the person of Chief Olusegun Osoba and when it went back to Egba province, which was supposed to be given to Yewa, Amosun got it. So, Governor Amosun could not have used the Egba/ Egbado tenure and come back to say Egba/Egbado again. It is not possible.”

    A community leader in Yewa, Chief Olasunkanmi Elegbede said, what played out in 2011 and 2019 was part of the grand conspiracy to stop Ogun West from ever producing governor. He said: “Obasanjo who fielded Olurin in 2011 is from Ogun Central and Daniel who sponsored Isiaka hails from Ogun East. The conspiracy paved the way for Amosun from Ogun Central to emerge as governor. Again Obasanjo drafted Isiaka in 2019 while Amosun sponsored Akinlade, the conspiracy made it possible for Dapo Abiodun from Ogunn East to win the governorship election.” He said both Ogun Central and East districts are in the habit of forming alliances to facilitate the emergence of one of their sons as the governor, at the expense of the Ogun West.

    Elegbede added: “The people of Yewa/Awori have learnt bitter lessons from their failed attempts to produce governor. The unsuccessful attempts would not stop us from fighting for our rights. Next time, we will speak with one voice. If all registered political parties pick their candidates from Ogun West, we will decide which party to cast our votes for. We will use our bloc vote to break the jinx. We have had enough of divide and rule tactics.”