Renowned security expert, Chief Owolabi Ajayi, has expressed his support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, in his bid for the Ogun State governorship in 2027. Ajayi cited Adeola's legislative experience, knowledge of public finance, and record of representation as key factors in his endorsement. Adeola has served in various capacities in the National Assembly, including the Lagos State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the Senate.
Ajayi, who is the Chairman of Mainforce International, described Adeola's legislative experience as a major part of his credentials. He noted that Adeola's service at different levels of the legislature has given him broad exposure to lawmaking, budgeting, oversight, and public administration. Adeola's progression from the Lagos State House of Assembly to the House of Representatives and Senate has equipped him with the skills and knowledge required to govern Ogun State effectively.
Adeola's legislative experience includes chairing the House Committee on Public Accounts and serving as chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. He currently chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Ajayi also commended Adeola's professional background as a chartered accountant, saying his experience in budgeting, financial oversight, and legislative affairs would be relevant to the administration of Ogun State.
The endorsement comes amid controversy over Adeola's indigene status and eligibility to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election. Some of Adeola's opponents have questioned his claim to Ogun ancestry, while Adeola has challenged those making the allegations to provide evidence to substantiate them. Ajayi argued that Adeola's previous representation of Lagos constituencies should be viewed within the context of his political career and should not be used to question his connection to Ogun State.
Ajayi pointed to Adeola's current representation of Ogun West, as well as his engagement with the senatorial district, as part of the senator's political connection to the state. He also commended Adeola's constituency interventions in infrastructure, education, empowerment, and community development. According to Ajayi, Adeola's years in the National Assembly have exposed him to the policy, budgetary, and developmental issues that would be central to governing Ogun State.
Ajayi urged Ogun residents and other stakeholders to examine the issues on their merits, stressing that his support for Adeola was based on his assessment of the senator's experience, legislative record, and capacity for public service. He described Ogun as an important industrial and economic centre, adding that effective management of public finance, infrastructure, and investment would be critical to the state's continued development.
Adeola's campaign platform has identified infrastructure, healthcare, education, employment, agriculture, and security among its stated priorities. Ajayi's endorsement adds to the public backing for Adeola, who has secured the APC's nomination for the 2027 governorship election. The 2027 governorship debate is expected to extend beyond questions of political origin to include the candidates' experience, records, capacity, and understanding of the state's developmental priorities.
Key points
- Chief Owolabi Ajayi endorses Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola for the Ogun State governorship in 2027.
