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Tag: Yayi

  • Yayi support group holds meeting in Ogun community

    Yayi support group holds meeting in Ogun community

    A group supporting the governorship ambition of Senator representing Ogun West district, Solomon Olamilekan aka Yayi, the Yayi Family has held a meeting in Ipatira Town, Ejila Awori, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    The meeting focused on unity, collective support, and appreciation of the efforts of Senator Olamilekan Solomon Yayi, a leading aspirant for the Governorship of Ogun State.

    At the meeting, the leader of the group, Arimiyau Agoro, highlighted several developmental projects executed by Senator Yayi in Ejila Awori and across Ogun West.

    Agoro stated that Yayi had provided five transformers to the people of Ejila Awori and facilitated the construction of about 3.5km of roads from Igbesa to Ejila Awori. He also revealed that Senator Yayi has promised the construction of a link bridge connecting Lagos through Captain Davies road to Totowu town.

    Agoro added that the visible achievements of Senator Yayi have strengthened the people’s confidence in his leadership. He added that these projects demonstrate Senator Yayi’s commitment to grassroots development.

    The representative of Senator Yayi at the meeting, Oyenekan Abiodun, popularly known as Visa Phone, from Atan Ward, expressed his satisfaction with the large turnout at the meeting, describing it as the first of its kind in Ejila Awori. He noted that the gathering was aimed at building unity among aspirants, including Adijat Sunmola Olashile of AgbaraII/Ejila Awori ward.

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    He stated that these achievements have enabled the people of Ejila Awori to enjoy the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He commended Alhaji Hon. Arimiyau Agoro Sunmola for successfully mobilizing the people for the Yayi Family meeting and urged all APC members to register for party membership, as registration has officially commenced, especially in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the Yayi Family in Ejila Awori, Mr. Odu Kabiru Oloruntoba, explained that the gathering was organized to showcase Senator Yayi’s achievements and to express the community’s readiness to reciprocate his goodwill. He stated that APC members in Ejila Awori have benefited from Senator Yayi’s promises and are enjoying democratic dividends. This, he said, was the reason for the celebration in Ipatira Town.

  • Yayi, thanksgiving and guber endorsements

    Yayi, thanksgiving and guber endorsements

    By Kunle Somorin

    The first Saturday of 2026 found the Cathedral Church of Christ in Ilaro, Ogun State awash in a sapphire sky that soon yielded a cleansing rain. Stained‑glass windows threw a kaleidoscope of colour across the pews, where Ogun’s political and cultural aristocracy sat shoulder‑to‑shoulder with ordinary parishioners. The heavy perfume of incense rose in tandem with a chorus of hymns, while the steady thrum of drums set a heartbeat for the gathering. The congregation swayed between reverence and celebration, aware that this was no ordinary thanksgiving.

    It was the twenty‑second annual thanksgiving of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola – a ritual he has turned into a political runway since his deliberate entry into public service. Yet this year the liturgy bore the weight of prophecy.

    The Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Revd, Michael Oluwarounbi, robed in white and gold, delivered a homily that turned Scripture into a manifesto for the present. “Solomon was a king who built a temple and ruled with wisdom,” he intoned, “and today we see in our own Solomon, Senator Adeola, a man called to build, to empower, and to lead. This thanksgiving is not merely gratitude – it is a signpost of destiny.” The words rippled through the nave, casting Adeola’s career in a holy light that no campaign billboard could muster. It was a divine endorsement – an imprimatur that politics alone cannot manufacture.

    The nave was a who’s‑who of Nigerian power. Senator Saliu Mustapha of Kwara Central; Deputy Majority Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim; Minister of State for Health, Dr Isiaq Salako; Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi; the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; former Deputy Governor, Segun Adesegun; ex‑Speaker,  Kunle Oluomo, together with commissioners, lawmakers and community leaders, filled the rows. Their presence was more than attendance; it was tacit approval. As one guest whispered from the courtyard, “This is more than a thanksgiving; it is Ogun’s politics rehearsed in liturgy.”

    Outside, the solemnity of the service spilled onto the streets of Ilaro and later at Asade Agunloye Pavilion, formerly called Empire Parade Ground. Drummers beat vibrant rhythms, dancers swirled in colourful attire, mostly the state colours of yellow and white, children laughed in the courtyard, and an abundance of food flowed among the guests. The thanksgiving became a carnival, a reminder that Nigerian politics is as much about visibility and presence as it is about power.

    When Senator Adeola rose to speak, his words blended heartfelt thanks with a forward‑looking manifesto. He began with concrete promises, praising both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun who, he said facilitated his seamless return to home, to Ilaro to continue his public service from his erstwhile base in Lagos: “Along the Sokoto‑Badagry Expressway, sixty‑six dams will rise. When that road is completed, President Tinubu will have forged a new Nigeria and a new economy. I am a living testimony to the President’s work.”

    He then recalled the president’s removal of fuel subsidies, a policy he claimed saved the nation over ₦10 trillion a year: “In two years the subsidy was scrapped, cutting a leech that drained our economy. As Chairman of Finance I saw the borrowed funds redirected to roads, dams, and futures.” The applause that followed was spontaneous; for many in the congregation the senator’s figures were not abstract statistics but tangible relief.

    The speech also carried the language of the supposed Thanksgiving brochure, where, on page 13, he outlined “My Vision for Ogun State.” On a whole page, he declared, “We see with clarity the vision and foresight of where Ogun State should be in the near future. Every step we take will shape a greater tomorrow, where our people enjoy shared prosperity, sustainable growth, and opportunities that match their aspirations. Our state will become the model of progress we have envisioned, and together, we will build a greater future for the Gateway State.” By echoing those words on the altar, Adeola stitched his political agenda to a sermon of destiny.

     Throughout the service he displayed an accountability profile not only aimed at the people of Ogun West Senatorial District, but in foreshadowing things to come State-wide, if elected governor next year. In a slide‑show of over 200 photographs he narrated, “We have taken steps to deliver tangible dividends of democracy across Ogun West, guided by our shared commitment to inclusive development, effective representation, and the welfare of the people… As we look ahead, I pray that the new year brings peace, good health, renewed hope, and greater opportunities to every home across Ogun West. Together, we will continue to build a future we can all be proud of.” The visual record of roads, health centres, schools, scholarships and empowerment projects that he has facilitated over the past two and a half years reinforced the claim that his gratitude was grounded in deeds.

    Adeola’s thanksgiving was indeed anchored in visible deeds. Artisans received sewing machines and toolkits; petty traders were granted micro‑loans to expand their stalls; youths benefitted from vocational‑training programmes. At cultural milestones such as Isaga Day and the Iganmode Festival, he reaffirmed his commitment to tourism and heritage, positioning Yewa’s identity as a national asset. A constituent summed the sentiment succinctly: “Yayi has given our children hope, our trader’s strength, our artisan’s dignity.”

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    Perhaps the most enduring legacy is the Yayi Scholarship Programme, which has financed hundreds of indigent students across universities, polytechnics and nursing colleges. One beneficiary, a medical student from Ilaro, testified, “Without Senator Adeola’s scholarship I would have dropped out. Today I’m in my final year, and I owe it all to him.” These scholarships sow loyalty, nurture talent, and embed Adeola’s name in the aspirations of a generation.

    Ogun politics has long been a tug‑of‑war among Egba, Ijebu and Yewa factions. For decades Yewa has felt sidelined while Egba and Ijebu sons dominated the governorship. Adeola’s cathedral ceremony was therefore more than a personal rite; it was a reclamation of Yewa’s place in the state’s power equation. The regal bearing of the Olu of Ilaro signalled ethnic solidarity, while Senator Afikuyomi’s Lagos connections highlighted metropolitan alliances and Minister Salako’s technocratic aura suggested Abuja’s approval. Together they formed a tableau of support that positioned Adeola at the crossroads of faith, geography and governance. After the service an elder reflected, “For years, Yewa has waited. Today, in this cathedral, we see that our time has come.”

    The bishop’s repeated invocation of Solomon was a calculated metaphor. Solomon was not merely a king; he was the builder of the Temple, a steward of wisdom and a symbol of enduring legacy. By equating Adeola with Solomon, the clergy offered a narrative that linked dams to monuments of permanence, roads to arteries of commerce and scholarships to foundations of enduring knowledge. “Wisdom builds. Wisdom leads. Wisdom endures. May our Solomon be guided to serve with wisdom,” the bishop intoned, a benediction that lingered long after the choral hymns faded.

    2026 stands as a hinge year for Ogun politics – a moment when scaffolding is tested, ambition meets arithmetic and citizens weigh promises against daily hardship. Adeola’s thanksgiving, replete with pageantry, empowerment projects and a quasi‑spiritual seal, is a micro‑cosm of that pivotal moment. Whether the electorate embraces his vision of dams as destiny, subsidy removal as salvation, empowerment as evidence and scholarships as legacy will decide if the door of Oke Mosan opens for him in 2027. In the echo of the cathedral’s arches, the bishop’s invocation of Solomon remains, a divine endorsement that politics alone cannot eclipse – yet only the people can ultimately affirm.

  • Against all odds, Yayi pushes on with cross-base support

    Against all odds, Yayi pushes on with cross-base support

    By Olanrewaju Fatunmbi

    Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (aka Yayi) maintains a strong lead among the prominent figures pushing for Ogun West to produce the next governor of Ogun State in the 2027 election. Like the time past, the odds against his lofty aspiration are quite enormous, but not strong enough to deter him. Breaking a 49‑year‑old jinx of marginalisation is no easy feat. But nothing can stop a man with the will, determination, and tenacity of purpose.

    Historically, the creation of Ogun State rested on a tripod: the Egba (Ogun Central), the Ijebu/Remo (Ogun East) and Yewa/Awori (Ogun West) people-all equal partners. However, over the decades, power has oscillated between Ogun East and Ogun Central, leaving the Yewa/Awori (Ogun West) people perpetually marginalised. As a symbol of the struggle for change in the status quo, it is not unexpected that opposition and resistance from vested interests would arise. This resistance is not just abstract; it is fueled by a deep sense of entitlement by the entrenched power brokers who believe in maintaining the status quo. They view an Ogun West governor as disrupting their historical control over resources and appointments. These opponents often subtly or overtly challenge the political maturity and competence of the Ogun West zone to lead the state, a tactic used to de-legitimize the zoning argument.

    Key figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who presumably have their own succession candidates or preferred zoning formulas are also actively working to stall or divert the push for Ogun West. These include internal rivals who sometimes question Adeola’s bonafide as a true, homegrown Ogun politician, even though he is a son of the soil.

    Again, in Nigerian politics, opposition often coalesces around a candidate perceived to be favoured by a powerful political godfather or the incumbent structure. Adeola has built enough support base to counter the efforts of any anointed rival from a different zone. Challenges like these are a reminder of the previous unsuccessful attempts by Ogun West candidates to secure the governorship, arguing that the zone lacks the necessary political unity or resources to win.

    Even as the odds stack up, Yayi keeps grinding, pulling support from every corner. From his Ogun West home base to Ogun Central, across Ogun East Senatorial District, his broad-base backing continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Much more phenomenal is his cross-base appeal rooted in his competence, high-level power connection and empowerment initiatives. Arguably, his legislative experience makes him the most qualified candidate in terms of federal exposure.

    Subtle in his ambition but resilient in determination, his counter-strategy against the forces of status quo focuses on action, unity, and people-oriented service delivery. While forging ahead with the ultimate goal of succeeding Governor Dapo Abiodun, he continues to visibly execute high-impact projects across all the three senatorial districts, proving that he is focused on governance, not just ambition.   As the most prominent champion of the Ogun West cause, his aspiration galvanizes a long-marginalized people, ensuring near-total support from his home base. He’s continuously working to ensure the unity of the Ogun West political class, regardless of party affiliation.

    Added to that is his sustained and respectful engagement with the Obas across the three zones. By getting their quiet endorsement or public blessing, he has subtly eroded the resistance from political elites, as traditional institutions hold significant sway over public opinion.

    Beyond that, Adeola’s legislative career far back in Lagos and now Ogun is marked by numerous empowerment programmes, projects, and constituency work. This track record creates a large beneficiary base that transcends ethnic or zoning lines. His sustained continuous grassroots contact and empowerment programmes ensures that even if the elite-level resistance remains, the sheer voting strength of the populace, motivated by his tangible projects and the equity message, can overcome the political hurdles.

    In Ogun Central, Senator Adeola’s political network includes powerful figures from Egba, suggesting he has built bridges outside of his immediate zone. Similarly, his legislative competence and professionalism as a seasoned Chartered Accountant (ICAN Fellow), appeal to the business and intellectual elite in Ogun East, who value fiscal responsibility and competence over pure regional politics.

    The combined advantage of his financial expertise, unblemished track record and governance experience, therefore, make him a formidable candidate despite the odds. It positions him as a fiscally responsible candidate capable of managing the state’s economy. Having served eight years as Senator for Lagos West, the largest senatorial district in Nigeria, he has had the rare privilege and unique experience of managing the complexities and economy of Nigeria’s foremost commercial hub, knowledge he can easily transfer to rapidly industrializing Ogun State. With the depth of his legislative experience in the House of Representatives and now the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Adeola possesses vast knowledge of federal budgeting, allocations, and how to lobby Abuja for critical state projects.

    Since governorship has historically rotated between Ogun Central (Egba) and Ogun East (Ijebu/Remo) for decades, it has become imperative for the state establishment to give voluntary support for a power shift arrangement based on the principles of fairness, equity and justice. Yayi represents the authentic face of the Ogun West Equity Movement. To this extent, conceding power to Yewa/Awori people would not just be a win for Yayi, but a re-engineering of the state’s 49-year-old political architecture-a monumental task requiring significant political sacrifices and compromises from the other two zones.The current status quo is unfair, unjust and inequitable. It can no longer be sustained. Any succession plan that does not take into account the yearning of the marginalized Yewa/Awori people to produce the next governor cannot stand. People are watching how the leadership of APC will navigate the unfolding complex power intrigues. It is high time the leadership of the party took a patriotic stand on the loud agitation of Ogun West to have its own fair share of power deal in the state. For sustainable peace and mutual trust, the Abiodun administration must not only be seen to be open and transparent in its succession plan, it must also ensure that there is a seamless power shift to Ogun West. Otherwise, APC may be heading for another rancorous and catastrophic transition process similar to those witnessed during the past administrations in the Gateway state. Those who refuse to learn from the lessons of history are bound to repeat history.  

    No doubt, what Yayi represents is a fundamental threat to the political arrangement that has governed Ogun State for decades. For 49 years, power has essentially been a two-way street between Ogun Central and Ogun East. Yayi’s ambition, backed by his legislative muscle and proven cross-base support, is forcing a radical restructuring of the power dynamics. The establishment is fighting back fiercely because his success doesn’t just change the Governor; it changes the entire political future of the state.

    Looking back to 1976 and the lopsided power-sharing arrangement that has denied the Yewa/Awori people their rightful place in the scheme of things, the odds against Senator Adeola are historic, but his resolve is even greater. This isn’t just about winning an election; it is about destiny and equity for an entire senatorial district. Adeola has spent years building bridges and establishing his legislative prowess. At this point, nothing short of breaking that 49-year jinx will satisfy his mission. He simply cannot be deterred.

    Based on his antecedents, Adeola’s biggest strength is his proven capacity to transcend regional politics. His track record as a seasoned legislator and a qualified financial expert appeals directly to the elite in Ogun East and the progressive elements in Ogun Central. He is not just the Ogun West candidate; he is the candidate of competence and political gravity, which is why his support base is truly cross-cutting. In Ogun West constituency, people don’t just see Yayi as a politician; they see him as an empowerment agent. Whether it’s the market women, the youth benefiting from his scholarships, or the artisans who received start-up tools-his impact is felt. That is the grassroots support that no amount of political maneuvering can buy or stop. He is leading the people’s movement.

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    It is evidently clear that the opposing forces representing the status quo—the powerful elements that have benefited from the 49-year marginalization, aren’t relenting. But Adeola is not alone in this struggle. The unity and passion of his home base is the engine driving the entire campaign to break the 49-year jinx. His candidacy has effectively served as the focal point for all elements-traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, political factions within Ogun West who believe in the principles of power rotation and zoning. His is seen as the consensus aspiration of the entire district. Unlike past politicians who merely paid lip service to the region, Yayi has demonstrably invested in his constituency since transitioning from Lagos politics. His track record as the sitting Senator for Ogun West since 2023 includes massive empowerment programmes. At different times, he has facilitated large-scale empowerment schemes, such as the Oloja Yayi empowerment scheme for over 5,500 traders, providing grants and agricultural empowerment for thousands of farmers in areas like Ilaro. His infrastructural projects include commissioning of schools, healthcare centers, and rural roads, proving that he can attract federal projects and development funds to the previously marginalized zone.

     In Ogun West, there are no political factions when it comes to Yayi’s governorship. His aspiration is the unifying force that has brought every community, every chief, and every youth group under one banner. He symbolizes the only vehicle people can trust to break the 49-year jinx. They view every vote for Yayi as a vote for the liberation and collective dignity of the Yewa/Awori people.

    Beyond Ogun West, Yayi’s victory is predicated on his ability to convince the political elite in Ogun Central and Ogun East that equity for Ogun West is not a zero-sum game. His team is actively building bridges by campaigning on competence, not just correction. The message is clear: ‘We seek justice for the West, but we guarantee prosperity for all of Ogun State.’  That strategic outreach is the key to ensuring an easy sail to the Government House. It is worth noting that Adeola has established long-standing friendship and professional relationship with key political and business figures from the Egba axis, demonstrating that he is a familiar and trusted face.The most critical bridge is through the royal fathers. He has cultivated the public blessing and non-partisan support of major traditional rulers across the three zones. Evidence of his private and public consultations with Obas in all the three districts abounds, showing respect for traditional authority and seeking their counsel and blessing. His goodwill cuts across party lines due to his tenure as a high-ranking legislator. He can leverage his strong personal ties with key leaders and elders from the Egba zone in both the ruling party and the opposition to secure tacit, non-public endorsements, or at least a pledge of non-interference based on personal loyalty and mutual respect built over decades.

  • Ogun Central stakeholders drum support for Adeola

    Ogun Central stakeholders drum support for Adeola

    A group in Ogun Central, MATA YAYI, has said that Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola has demonstrated over time that he meant well for Ogun State in general and its people, and appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and other political leaders to support him to join the 2027 governorship race in the state.

    The said Adeola’s track record of urban and rural development initiatives across Ogun three senatorial districts, despite being a Senator representing Ogun West, are attestation to greater things he would do to uplift the state if supported to serve the whole state.

    Its convener, Chief Adeyinka Taiwo, disclosed that Yayi has good intentions for the people of Ogun, and vowed to mobilise grassroots support for him if All Progressives Congress(APC) gives him its governorship ticket, adding it would also boost the APC’s standing and chance in Ogun.

    The appeal was made in Ifo Local Government, where community leaders, political leaders, and others called on Adeola to vie for the gubernatorial seat in 2027.

    In a communique issued and signed by Hon. Chief Adeyinka Taiwo, the Sobaloju of Agbado Kingdom, Ogun State, and convened by the Mata Yayi Group, highlighted the need for Adeola to contest the Ogun State governorship in 2027.

    Adeyinka posited that the justification for the endorsement is embedded in Yayi’s giant strides in achievements in infrastructure, politics of benefits, education empowerment programs, and others across the state.

    He said: “The people of Ifo local government, the men, women, young people, traditional leaders, and stakeholders, do solemnly and publicly call on our dear Ogun State son, Sen. Adeola Olamilekan YAYI, to show interest in contesting the Ogun State Governorship in 2027.”

    “Over the years, and through the statecraft of successive administrations in Ogun State, development and governance have been concentrated in the ethnic area of the particular governor. This governance behaviour has undermined the integral development of Ogun State as a state of interdependent groups with a shared vision. However, since his foray into Ogun State politics, Sen. Adeola Olamilekan YAYI has demonstrated competence, capacity, and passion for inclusive governance, which is visibly and evidently seen across the entire senatorial districts in Ogun State, even though he is currently serving as senator of Ogun West, one of the three senatorial districts in Ogun State.”

    “Our public call is not a mere call of rhetoric but a call with determination to deliver this mandate, hoping that he heeds our call. We have well over 30,000 registered voters with an addition of more than 10,000 newly registered, prepared and ready to vote in the 2027 election. We have also set up a committee saddled with the commitment of identifying those who have never voted and converting them to willing voters,” he posited.

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    “We hereby, with all respect and honor, appeal to our dear president, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; the national leadership of our dear party; our indefatigable leader of APC in Ogun State; our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; our political patriarch, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; all former governors of Ogun State in our dear party; and the entire government and political personalities and structure in our dear party, APC, to graciously back our public call for Sen. Adeola Olamilekan Yayi as Ogun State Governor in 2027.”

    In the same development, he also called on President Bola Tinubu to enhance security architecture in the country, to prevent saboteurs from dragging Nigerian democracy into the mud.

    He posited that Tinubu’s efforts are yielding results in the economy of the country, which is not giving the saboteurs joy, yet they tend to destroy his reelection bid.

    “We want to categorically appeal to our great leader, sage, and political father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to consider a reelection bid in 2027. Since May 29, 2023, Nigeria has won a new and positive aspiration and a new agenda, and it is no doubt now set on a path of renewed prosperity.

    “This has not come without its challenges, but our dear president, Bola Tinubu, working tirelessly to solve them, must be ready to sacrifice another four years for service to Nigeria,” the group stated in a communique to buttress their points in a comprehensive overview.

  • YAYI gets backing for governorship bid‎

    YAYI gets backing for governorship bid‎

    The presiding prophet of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Genesis Global, Prophet Israel Ogundipe, popularly called Prophet Genesis, has supported the lawmaker representing Ogun West Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, Senator Solomon Adeola, aka YAYI, to become the next governor of Ogun State.

    The cleric made this known in a statement released by his media team, as part of activities to mark the 2025 edition of his church’s annual harvest.

    He said he backed the Ilaro-born senator ‘’because we have a lot in common.’’

    According to him, he has discovered over time that like him, Senator Adeola has passion for people, hence his humanitarian programmes across the state.

    ”Senator YAYI has tried for the good people of Ogun State, not only those in Yewa land and Ogun West Senatorial District. It is obvious that he is passionate about human capital development and socio-economic growth. This is why he keeps doing what he is doing across Ogun State.

    ”He has been fixing roads, carrying out youths and women empowerment projects, providing classrooms for schools, building and equipping hospitals, and so on,’’ Prophet Genesis said.

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    He added: ‘’It is obvious that when this kind of man becomes governor, Ogun State will become more prosperous. The people will enjoy. The state will become the envy of others.

    ‎‎”I’m also supporting YAYI spiritually to become Ogun State governor by raising over 1,000 prayer champion communities.’’

    ‎‎The cleric, however, implored Senator Adeola to assist them in facilitating the fixing of Egbado Road in Ifo Local Government Area of the state.

    ‎‎He said his church’s annual harvest would start on December 19 with a Night of Prophetic and Praise, featuring guest ministers like Tobi Akuraku, Erneiola Olusoga, Minister Olamilekan, Dare Oxygen, Titilayo Euba, Glorious Twins and Ccioma.

    ‎‎He said the grand finale would hold on December 21 with a thanksgiving service and an outreach programme during which people would be given food items to celebrate Christmas.

    ‎

  • Ogun 2027: FCC chairman Oladele declares support for Yayi

    Ogun 2027: FCC chairman Oladele declares support for Yayi

    Ahead of the general elections in 2027, a former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes and Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Kayode Oladele, has declared his support for the gubernatorial ambition of Ogun West Senator, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola popularly called Yayi, saying the senator remains “the only aspirant truly standing” in the 2027 Ogun State governorship race.

    Speaking with reporters in Abuja, Oladele noted that his support for Yayi was a continuation of his unwavering commitment to credible leadership.

    He explained that his political choices over the years have been guided by loyalty, conviction and the need to support leaders with the capacity to deliver meaningful development.

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    “When Governor Abiodun contested for Governor in 2019, I gave him my unalloyed support and supported his reelection as well,” he said. “I supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and served on his Presidential Campaign Committee (PCC) as Southwest Secretary of his Committee on Grassroots Engagement and Orientation, and by the Grace of God, I still stand on his mandate for his re-election,” he stated.

    Oladele, said his commitment to the governorship aspiration of Senator Adeola is “unquestionable and rooted in the historic aspiration of Ogun West to produce the next governor. As far as Senator Yayi’s campaign for Ogun State Governorship is concerned, it’s total commitment, a task that all Ogun Westerners must accomplish by the grace of God.”

    He added: ”Those hiding behind a finger to criticize me  or attempting to downplay Senator Yayi’s influence are simply wasting their time. In every local government, every ward, and across the grassroots, the people have already made their position clear. Yayi (Adeola) remains the only aspirant truly standing; the one with the structure, reach, and acceptance needed to lead Ogun State.”

  • Ogun 2027: APC chieftain backs Yayi for guber race

    Ogun 2027: APC chieftain backs Yayi for guber race

    Osi of Egbaland, Chief Bode Mustapha, who is also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has thrown his weight behind the governorship ambition of the current Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (aka Yayi), saying the lawmaker, chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation embodies the Egba agenda, praises his fairness, inclusiveness, and developmental records.

    Chief Mustapha made the declaration while featuring on a radio Splash FM’s “Oju Abẹ” programme in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital hosted by Mr. Adetunji Ayomide (aka Quality), described Senator Yayi as “a performer, bridge-builder, and unifier across Ogun State.”

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    According to him, his decision was guided by fairness and performance rather than sentiment. He narrated the story of a woman who told him she would vote for Yayi because a road built by the senator had reached her street, improving her living conditions and reducing her car repair expenses. He also cited the installation of solar streetlights in several neighbourhoods, which, he said, had improved night-time security and comfort for residents.

    “Good deeds should not be destroyed by sentiment. We must be fair and judge by performance. Others can also perform, but what I have seen is different from what I heard. I will support the man who has touched every senatorial district in Ogun State. I have one vote, and I will give it to YAYI,” he declared.

  • Ogun 2027: With Yayi’s guber ambition, new dawn beckons

    Ogun 2027: With Yayi’s guber ambition, new dawn beckons

    • By Olanrewaju Fatunmbi

    OGUN is one of the states currently in spotlight politics due to its succession plan. The state is a major focus of political attention right now owing to the approaching end of the second tenure of the incumbent Governor, Prince  Dapo Abiodun, and the intense maneuvering, particularly within the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), over who will succeed him. With the array of contenders in the race, this succession battle is a dominant political issue in the state.

    And history beckons on the governor to navigate this complex issue with utmost sincerity and genuine sense of purpose, bearing in mind that no past leader in the state has succeeded in choosing a successor since the return to civil rule in 1999.

    Aremo Olusegun Osoba (1999–2003), could not successfully choose a successor, as he was unseated by Otunba Gbenga Daniel (aka OGD), of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2003.

    On completion of his tenure in 2011, Gbenga Daniel attempted to install his preferred candidate, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (aka GNI), who ran on a different party, Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) ticket, after the PDP crisis, but failed. His immediate successor, Ibikunle Amosun of the APC, also anointed his chosen one, Hon Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade, who eventually dumped the APC for  the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), to contest the 2019 governorship election, but failed with Dapo Abiodun of the APC winning the election.

    Abiodun is widely seen as facing the same historical jinx as he prepares for the end of his second term in 2027.

    For a seamless succession plan, several factors have to be considered in addressing this complex political challenge. The most contentious and significant of all is the Ogun West’s marginalization. A truly seamless succession will require a political solution that addresses the zone’s  aspiration to produce the next governor. Since the state’s creation in 1976, Ogun West is the only senatorial district that has not produced a civilian governor, a situation that has created a strong, long-standing, and justifiable sense of marginalization.

    Such a lopsided arrangement can no longer be sustained. The incumbent governor’s role is crucial, despite the historical jinx of past governors failing to choose their successor.

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    Governor Abiodun’s eventual choice of a preferred candidate; if he makes one, and his willingness to commit the state and party machinery to that person, will significantly influence a smooth power transition in 2027.

     A smooth transition requires the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to present a united front. Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (aka Yayi), who is the symbol of the Ogun West agitation, has already secured the consensus of the Yewa/Awori people, making it easy to form a united front against the opposition in the coming elections.

    Beyond Ogun West agitation, Senator Adeola is a growing phenomenon in Ogun State politics, phenomenal in terms of his capacity, popularity, grassroots connection, national relevance, good representation, philanthropy, human capital development, and youth and women empowerment. With overwhelming people’s power on his side, his candidacy would be an easy win for the APC. Governor Dapo has nothing to lose by supporting him, but everything to gain.

    Ogun State has had enough experience of a badly managed succession plan. Abiodun cannot afford to toe the same path of imposition. Conducting a credible and transparent primary is the only responsibility he owes the APC supporters. Every other thing can take care of itself because Adeola has the number, the goodwill, and governance experience, spanning over two decades, financial wherewithal and grassroots connection to make his candidacy an easy win. God forbid, should there be any unresolved schism over the governorship ticket, it will lead to defections and split votes, as seen in the 2019 election when Amosun’s anointed candidate ran on a different platform.

    There is a widely held belief among the yearning electorate in Ogun State that voting for Adeola will bring the Lagos State model of development to Ogun State. To date, development planning in Ogun State has been inconsistent, perfunctory, and sometimes contradictory, due to a lack of a sustainable succession pattern. Adeola’s experience in Lagos positions him to change this narrative. A common critique of development in Ogun State is a lack of a sustainable succession pattern leading to inconsistency in development policy as each new administration abandons its predecessor’s projects.

    Leveraging his political history in Lagos, Senator Yayi will provide a solution to this instability through two main pathways.  One, adopting the Lagos Model of Strategic Continuity.

    Lagos State, over the last two decades, has been characterized by a Master Plan or Development Plan that succeeding administrations have largely adhered to, ensuring that key projects are seen through, regardless of who is in office. This continuity is widely credited for Lagos’s sustained economic and infrastructural growth.

    Adeola is the one who can institute this culture of continuity in Ogun because he is a dependable ally and a successor who shares the vision of the incumbent administration. This shared political DNA will guarantee the non-abandonment of current developmental projects, ensuring continuity of vision and preventing the wasted resources associated with the usual policy summersaults.

    Secondly,  his background as a Chartered Accountant and his work in establishing robust fiscal frameworks, like the LIRS in Lagos and his role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations mean he has the technical knowledge to institutionalize long-term financial planning, making development plans legally and fiscally binding beyond a single four or eight-year tenure.

    Changing the narrative in Ogun State involves moving governance from an ad-hoc, leader-centric style to a sustainable, system-centric one. His proposed plan aims to stabilize development by focusing on financial independence by recalibrating the tax system and boost IGR through  the Lagos LIRS model, a robust, system-driven revenue source that provides a stable funding stream that new governors cannot easily divert or dismantle.

    Based on his current position as Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, he will leverage his legislative experience to attract federal projects and complementary state-funded ones.

    Additionally, his political platform is anchored on consolidation and sustainability of the current government’s initiatives, such as the Gateway International Airport and strategic road networks, inclusivity and unity. His focus on breaking the Yewa/Awori marginalization jinx is presented as a unifying factor. By addressing historical political injustice, he aims to create a political environment of broader consensus across the senatorial districts, which is essential for stabilizing long-term development plans.

    Adeola offers a rare mix of financial mastery to fund sustainable plans and political alignment/experience to ensure continuity, thereby addressing the critical problem of inconsistent development planning that has plagued the state.

    A plan is only as good as its implementation and its impact on the populace. The key to sustainable development lies in making it people-centered and ensuring it improves the welfare of the majority.

    Adeola’s strategy for translating a development plan into a sustainable and people-centered reality has been primarily demonstrated through his Transformative Agenda and his established track record of direct grassroots intervention.

    Adeola’s political philosophy is heavily predicated on visible, direct interventions that tangibly improve the lives of citizens, a model often referred to as responsive or welfarist governance.

    Apart from his intervention in critical areas of infrastructure, poverty alleviation, job creation, empowerment Programme, agricultural support, vocational training, and startup equipment,

     Adeola’s ultimate aim is to create a sustainable economic base that is independent of public sector wages.

    By investing in local human capacity the goal is to ensure sustainable industrial and economic growth plans.

    His people-centred policy initiatives directly addresses a basic need such as electricity), which significantly improves quality of life, security, and supports the growth of small businesses at the grassroots. |

    In the same manner, the facilitation of the construction of multiple Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) and establishment of Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in State Hospitals brings essential services closer to the people, especially in rural areas, directly impacting public welfare and reducing pressure on central facilities.

    And, of course, his Lagos experience in financial engineering is positioned as the guarantee for funding and sustaining these people-centered initiatives.

    Having been instrumental in bolstering Lagos’s Internal Generated Revenue (IGR), his plan for Ogun involves recalibrating the tax system for better efficiency, accountability, and increased revenue. This is crucial because people-centered projects require consistent funding that does not rely solely on volatile federal allocations.

    For sustainable industrialization and inclusive growth initiatives, Adeola consistently champions infrastructure development like road construction and the completion of the Gateway International Airport as a catalyst for economic growth. This growth is tied to the people-centered agenda by attracting investments and creating job opportunities for the newly empowered and skilled citizenry.

    By championing the cause for power-shift to the Ogun West Senatorial District, his candidacy is framed as an act of correcting historical political imbalance. This emphasis on unity and inclusive governance across the three senatorial zones is key to long-term sustainability, as it reduces political friction and ensures policies are implemented for all sections of the state.

    In essence, Adeola’s proposition is a two-pronged solution: implementing the systemic stability of Lagos’s long-term plan, and simultaneously ensuring that the resulting prosperity is equitably distributed through his grassroots empowerment and infrastructural projects.

  • Yayi’s media aide Odunaro installed as Osorun of Isaga-Orile Kingdom  

    Yayi’s media aide Odunaro installed as Osorun of Isaga-Orile Kingdom  

    The Chief of Staff and Media Adviser to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola otherwise known as Yayi, Kayode Odunaro, has been installed as the Osorun of Isaga-Orile Kingdom, in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    The Osorun title holder is one of the kingmakers in the ancient kingdom.

    Speaking with newsmen shortly after he was installed at the weekend by the Onisaga of Isaga-Orile Kingdom, Oba Joseph Oladele Olusoji Tella, Odunaro, explained that the chieftaincy title belongs to his lineage, adding that the position was last held by his uncle who died in 1988, having been installed in 1958.

    He stated further that the title would  bring him closer to his roots and participate more in activities of Isaga traditional council, particularly in the selection of a new traditional ruler in the town.

    Odunaro, who is also the Baa’royin of Imala Kingdom, said though he holds other traditional titles, the latest one is unique and it will demand high responsibility from him.

    While expressing appreciation to Oba Tella, Isaga-Orile Traditional Council and the Osorun Family, the erstwhile Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Olusegun Osoba, declared that he would bring the experience he had garnered as the spokesperson to three past administrations in Ogun, to bear on the new title.

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    “I am delighted that I have just been installed as the Osorun of Isaga-Orile Kingdom. This is a very important traditional title in the kingdom as Osorun is one of the kingmakers. 

    “The title belongs to our family; my late uncle was installed in 1958 and held the title till he passed in 1988. So, for decades, there was a vacancy in the position of Osorun. Therefore, I am highly elated that I am feeling the vacant position today after so many years of interregnum.

    “For me, it is a higher call to traditional responsibility and I will ensure that I bring experiences I garnered over the years as spokesperson of three administrations, both military and civilian in Ogun, to bear in this new title. Like I have done in public service, I will use this Osorun title to contribute to the growth and development of the Isaga-Orile Kingdom”, Odunaro submitted.

  • Group drums support for Adeola’s guber aspiration in Ogun

    Group drums support for Adeola’s guber aspiration in Ogun

    A Socio-Political group in Ogun State, the Visionaries, has stated its readiness to work and gather grassroots support for Senator Solomon Adeola’s 2027 gubernatorial aspiration.

    In his address shortly after the inauguration of the 26- member executive committee in Abeokuta, the state capital, the former convener of the Visionaries, now the Director General of the group, Hon. Leye Odunjo uged the officers of the group to be dedicated and committed to the mission and vision of the group for greater growth and development of the state in all spheres.

    He said that the group was focusing on the emergence of Senator Adeola populalrly called Yayi as Ogun guber candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) and the welfare of the people.

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    Odunjo said: “Just a few days ago the official unveiling of the Visionaries was done at the Iwe Iroyin Press Center, there we have our members from all parts of the State who were convinced with the mission and vision of the Organization which are fairness, justice and equity. I must make it clear that many members of this group have occupied various political positions in the past.

    “We have contributed and are still contributing to the development of the State and Nigeria in general. We still have the passion and wherewithal to serve the State and our motherland in various capacities, but while we agreed that the fulcrum of every service is having impacts in the life of the people, we will continue to make our impacts known.

    “The Visionaries as the name implies has men, women, young, old, men and women of visions. Technocrats, politicians even Students. Apart from supporting our State politically, we also make our contribution to social development of the people. That’s why we are called a socio-political association.

    “The Visionaries was formed in response to issues in the society. It came from observing various challenges in our State and Country. We wanted to reach out to everybody, including politicians, technocrats, and contribute to improve good governance.

    “When we see good aspirants, we support such individuals to achieve their aim. We aim to assist hardworking individuals with good vision in transforming the State. That’s why one of our missions is to ensure that Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi emerges as the Ogun Governor comes 2027.”