By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
In what could prove to be a strategic game-changer in the 2027 Ogun State governorship race, the Ogun State Council of Baales and state retirees under the banner of the Yayi Retirees Network (YAREN) have separately endorsed the candidacy of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola ( popularly known as ‘YAYI’) and his running mate, Alhaja Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The endorsements were announced during two distinct strategic consultative meetings held at the H3 Event Centre in Abeokuta. Both groups stated that their support was the result of a thorough assessment of Senator Adeola’s track record and character, expressing confidence in his ability to drive significant development across Ogun State.
Reading the communique issued by the traditional leaders, Chief Tunji Falola, Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Baales, highlighted the beneficial relationship the Baales have shared with the APC candidate over the past four years. He stated that the endorsement was rooted in Senator Adeola’s “proven record of service, demonstrated commitment to community development, and vision for a greater Ogun State.”
“His record of service speaks for itself,” the communique noted. “Across Ogun West and indeed the 20 local government areas of the state, Senator Yayi has delivered life-changing projects including roads, schools, hospitals, markets, town halls, streetlights, water schemes, transformers, electricity projects, and extensive empowerment programmes. We also appreciate the respect and support he has consistently extended to traditional institutions, particularly the Council of Baales.”
Chief Falola emphasized that Baales represent every cross-section of society and serve as the closest leaders to grassroots communities. He assured that the council is poised to deliver unprecedented votes for Senator Adeola, describing him as a philanthropist who has consistently relieved hardship through his massive empowerment initiatives.
“As Baales, we do not blindly follow politicians. We support Senator Adeola because of his good deeds in the community and his warm gestures toward us over the last four years,” Falola remarked. “We are committed to ensuring he wins with massive votes that will surpass the state’s previous record high of 450,000.”
He further appealed to the Senator to establish a uniform salary structure for all Baales upon taking office and to integrate them into his administration from May 29, 2027 particularly at the local government level to avoid a scenario of being “used and dumped.”
Similarly, Pastor (Mrs.) Mary Adeosun, President of YAREN, explained that her organization comprises Ogun State retirees from local, state, and federal government services. Current membership stands at over 1,865, with a target to reach 7,000 retirees across the state.
“As an enlightened segment of society that has dedicated years to public service, we decided to unite in support of Senator Adeola because of the tangible projects he has delivered across Ogun State,” she said. “Only a blind person could claim not to have seen or benefited from these initiatives.”
She added that YAREN is entirely self-funded through members' pensions and shares a vision of transforming Ogun State into a national benchmark. She expressed firm conviction that Senator Adeola is the ideal leader to assume the governorship on May 29, 2027.
The developments were formally disclosed in a statement on Tuesday in a issued by his Media Adviser, High Chief Kayode Odunaro.
Senator Adeola in his response expressed deep gratitude to both the Baales and YAREN for their overwhelming support and endorsements. He stressed that his relationship with the traditional leaders was not built for electioneering, but out of genuine respect for their vital role in grassroots development.
“I will immediately procure a new operational bus for the Baales, with a commitment to provide one per local government area in due course,” Senator Adeola announced. “I will also ensure that the issue of a uniform salary structure is prioritized and addressed once elected governor.”
Addressing YAREN, Senator Adeola admitted he was humbled by their voluntary support, noting that they had mobilized for him based on his performance without even meeting him personally beforehand.
“I cannot thank you enough for utilizing your personal resources to support me out of conviction rather than pecuniary interests,” Adeola stated. “This is a unprecedented in my political career seeing retirees, who are my fathers and mothers, organize and campaign on my behalf before a formal meeting. I will not take your trust for granted. I will review the proposal you submitted and ensure your wealth of experience is tapped within our administration when elected.
The consultative meetings were well-attended by prominent APC leaders and stakeholders, including: Mrs. Temitope Adeola, wife of the governorship candidate, Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, deputy governorship candidate, Chief Yemi Sanusi, Ogun State APC Chairman, Dr. Kunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Services, Alhaja Salmot Badru, former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Rt. Hon. Titi Oseni & Rt. Hon. Suraju Adekumbi, former Speakers of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Chief Derin Adebiyi, former APC State Chairman, Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, former Ogun PDP Chairman (now APC member), Senator Lekan Mustapha, Hon. Bode Mustapha, the Osi of Egbaland, Hon. Kayode Amusan, former APC governorship aspirant, Hon. Bukky Braimoh, Hon. Segun Seriki, Chief Femi Majekodunmi, and Chief Tunde Osinowo, alongside other party leaders and supporters.
