Sen. Solomon Adeola Yayi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 Ogun governorship election, has reaffirmed his origin as an Ogun State native. Adeola, who chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriation, made this statement while speaking with journalists in Lagos about his governorship ambition. He emphasized that both his parents are from Ogun State, and he is not from Ekiti as some have claimed. Adeola described those making such claims as "jesters."
Adeola further clarified that his father was buried in Lagos, not Ekiti. He mentioned that his late father was laid to rest in a house he built at Ogunsola Street in Alaguntan, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos. The senator attributed the claims about his origin and his father's burial place to mere political gimmicks, which he believes will not succeed. He assured that his governorship ambition is driven by a passion to serve and develop Ogun State, not personal enrichment.
According to Adeola, his journey to securing the Ogun governorship ticket has not been smooth. He recalled that his first attempt to contest from Lagos was met with resistance, forcing him to return to Lagos West where he won a senatorial seat. His second attempt to succeed former Gov. Ibikunle Amosun also faced stiff resistance, taking him back to the Senate. Adeola stated that it was on his third attempt that he secured the Ogun West ticket, won, and now has the governorship ticket.
With 24 years of experience in the legislature, including eight years in the Lagos State House of Assembly, four years in the House of Representatives, and 12 years in the Senate, Adeola believes he has acquired the requisite experience to govern Ogun State. He emphasized that what Ogun needs now is consolidation and continuity. Adeola noted that Gov. Dapo Abiodun has laid a solid foundation for economic development in the state and that his administration has done extremely well.
Adeola cited several ongoing and proposed projects in Ogun State, including a 7-billion-dollar deep seaport project, the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, a dairy farm in Ilaro with 5,000 cows, and a polymer manufacturing company. He mentioned that Ogun remains the most industrialized state in Nigeria under Abiodun, with its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) growing from less than N100 billion to about N300 billion annually. The state is also on the verge of becoming an oil-producing state with exploration activities at Tongeji Island and the OK Gas project.
The senator acknowledged public concerns about the state's road infrastructure but explained that over 65 percent of Ogun's roads are federal roads, making refund for state intervention difficult. He promised to prioritize strategic roads that would open up economic corridors and improve intra-state connectivity. Adeola's blueprint for governance is anchored on nine pillars encapsulated in his ITESIWAJU slogan, which includes infrastructure, tourism, education, security, health, and industrialization, among others.
Adeola noted that Ogun West has never produced a governor since the state's creation 50 years ago and believes it is only fair that Ogun people support his governorship bid. He promised continuity but not blindly, stating that he would continue areas that need it, improve upon some, and change others completely. Ladi Adebutu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is another major contender for the governorship seat.
Key points
- Adeola reaffirms his Ogun State origin and dismisses claims that he is from Ekiti.
- The senator outlines his vision for Ogun State's development, including infrastructure and economic projects.
- Adeola promises continuity of Gov. Dapo Abiodun's policies but with improvements and changes where necessary.
