By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has formally presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, and his running mate, Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, to the Ijebu Traditional Council. The presentation, held at the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode, marks a critical consultation ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with the governor seeking the vital support and blessings of the royal fathers.
Addressing the traditional rulers, Governor Abiodun emphasized that his choice of Senator Adeola was firmly guided by equity and competence. He stressed that the Ogun West Senatorial District justly deserves the governorship, having never produced a governor in the 50 years since the state's creation. Disclaiming any intention of seeking a "third term by proxy," Abiodun assured the monarchs that he sought a capable, independent leader equipped to sustain the state’s current developmental momentum.
“I was not looking for a third term, but for somebody who would comfortably step into my shoes and continue, promotes and excel to build on what we have achieved from day one in Ogun West Senatorial district because it is only fair and just that in the last fifty years of our state creation that we found a son of Ogun West to become a Governor of Ogun State. I have found all the qualities I have been looking for in Senator Solomon Adeola and I brought him today to Ijebuland Royal Fathers. ” PDA.
The same way Chief Osoba brought me in 2018, so that you can pray for him and support him as you have supported me in the last seven years going to eight, I want you to pray for him. Soliciting your support for his administration with assurance that he will not disappoint you. He will be a good son, Governor and the representation Ogun State deserves.
Also the governor seized the opportunity to present the incoming deputy Governor a daughter of Ijebuland, the charitable daughter of Chief Adegunwa a business mogul and philanthropist per excellent touching the lifes of everyone,
"When Senator Solomon Adeola YAYI said he wants his deputy to come from Ijebuland and must be a Muslim and mentioned AlhajKudirat Balogun Adegunwa,I responded " I Support wholehearted " she is a chartered accountant in charge of all her fathers. Company and proud daughter of Adegunwa, and I Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON the Executive Governor of Ogun State and by the grace of God based on my Credit, Merit in the past seven years, you believe I have more to offer, using the opportunity to re introduce myself to you as the Incoming senator of Ogun East Senatorial district.
Like we have amongst us few members of House of representatives, Hon. Rasaq Daddah, Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, Hon. Funmi Afuwape and other Ogun East Assembly Candidates. All together seeking your royal prayers
Reflecting on his administration's impact in Ijebuland, the governor highlighted fulfilled promises, including the reconstruction of the Ijebu-Ode-Epe Road, the federal takeover of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), and the ongoing infrastructural transformation of the long-neglected Ogun Waterside. He urged the traditional rulers to extend the same steadfast goodwill and prayers to the APC ticket that they had granted his own administration over the past seven years.
In his remarks, Senator Adeola pledged to consolidate Governor Abiodun's achievements by focusing on high-impact economic projects. He vowed to unlock the economic potential of Ogun Waterside by working to transition Ogun into an oil-producing state through commercial exploration. Furthermore, he committed to facilitating a deep seaport, reviving the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG) project, and supporting the historic agitation for the creation of Ijebu State.
Responding on behalf of the council, the Acting Chairman of the Ijebu Traditional Council and Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba, assured the governor of the royal fathers' full backing for Senator Adeola’s aspiration. In a reciprocal gesture of support, the monarch also pledged the traditional institution’s endorsement for Governor Abiodun’s upcoming Ogun East Senatorial bid, citing the benefits of leadership continuity.
The high-profile event, which drew top APC leaders and stakeholders from across the state's three senatorial districts, concluded with special royal blessings bestowed upon Governor Abiodun, Senator Adeola, and Mrs. Adegunwa-Balogun as they prepare for the 2027 polls.
