Abiodun Presents Adeola, Running Mate to Ijebu Traditional Council, Seeks Royal Blessings for 2027 APC Ticket

IJEBU-ODE – Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Friday formally presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), and his running mate, Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, to the Ijebu Traditional Council, seeking the support and blessings of the royal fathers ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The presentation, held at the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode, formed part of the governor’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders following Senator Adeola’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate.

Addressing members of the council, Governor Abiodun said his endorsement of Senator Adeola was guided by the principles of equity, fairness, and competence, noting that Ogun West Senatorial District deserves the opportunity to produce the state’s governor for the first time since the creation of Ogun State five decades ago.

According to the governor, his decision was not about seeking a third term by proxy but about ensuring that the state remains on the path of continuity, stability, and sustainable development.

“I was not looking for a third term, but for someone who would seamlessly continue the work we have started and build on the achievements of this administration. I deliberately searched in Ogun West because it is only fair that the district, which has never produced a governor, should have the opportunity,” Abiodun said.

He described Senator Adeola as a tested public servant with the experience, capacity, and leadership qualities required to sustain Ogun State’s developmental trajectory.

The governor recalled the prayers and support he received from the traditional institution before the 2019 governorship election and appealed to the royal fathers to extend the same goodwill and blessings to the APC governorship candidate.

Governor Abiodun also canvassed support for the deputy governorship candidate, Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, describing her as an accomplished professional whose wealth of corporate experience would complement Senator Adeola’s leadership.

Highlighting the achievements of his administration in Ijebuland, the governor cited the reconstruction of the Ijebu-Ode-Epe Road, the Federal Government’s takeover of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), and ongoing infrastructure and economic development projects in Ogun Waterside as evidence of his commitment to the area.

He added that Ogun Waterside, which had suffered years of neglect, is now receiving significant government attention through strategic investments designed to unlock its economic potential.

In his remarks, Senator Adeola pledged to consolidate on the achievements of the Abiodun administration and pursue transformative projects that would accelerate Ogun State’s economic growth.

The APC governorship candidate said his administration would work towards unlocking the economic potential of Ogun Waterside through commercial oil exploration, facilitate the establishment of a deep seaport, revive the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG) project, and support the agitation for the creation of Ijebu State.

He assured the traditional rulers that his administration would build on the developmental foundation laid by Governor Abiodun while ensuring equitable distribution of projects and opportunities across the state.

“I appreciate the immense support our traditional rulers have given Governor Abiodun over the past seven years. I assure you that we will consolidate on his achievements and implement programmes that will further accelerate the development of Ogun State,” Adeola said.

Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, the Acting Chairman of the Ijebu Traditional Council and the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba, pledged the support of the traditional institution for Senator Adeola’s governorship aspiration.

The monarch also assured Governor Abiodun of the council’s support for his Ogun East Senatorial ambition, expressing confidence that continuity in leadership would guarantee the completion of ongoing projects and the initiation of new developmental programmes across the senatorial district.

The event was attended by APC leaders, party stakeholders, political office holders, and traditional rulers from across Ogun State, with special prayers and royal blessings offered for Governor Abiodun, Senator Adeola, and Mrs. Adegunwa-Balogun ahead of the 2027 general elections.