Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Friday 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, seeking the blessings and support of the royal fathers ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The presentation, which took place at the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode, formed part of ongoing consultations by the governor following the emergence of Senator Adeola as the APC standard-bearer for the election.
Addressing members of the council, Governor Abiodun said the decision to support 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.
According to the governor, his search was not for a successor who would merely continue his administration in name, but for a capable leader with the experience, vision and capacity to sustain and expand the developmental gains recorded over the past seven years.
He expressed confidence that Senator Adeola possesses the qualities required to consolidate on existing achievements and maintain the state’s development trajectory.
Governor Abiodun recalled the support and prayers he received from the traditional institution before the 2019 election and appealed to the royal fathers to extend the same goodwill to the APC governorship candidate and his running mate.
He also described Mrs. Adegunwa-Balogun as a highly accomplished professional whose experience in the corporate sector would complement Senator Adeola’s leadership and contribute positively to governance in the state.
Highlighting projects executed by his administration across Ijebuland, the governor said several commitments made to the traditional rulers before assuming office had either been fulfilled or were currently being implemented.
He cited the reconstruction of the Ijebu-Ode–Epe Road, the Federal Government’s takeover of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), and ongoing infrastructure and economic development projects in Ogun Waterside as evidence of his administration’s commitment to the growth of the region.
Governor Abiodun noted that Ogun Waterside, which had experienced years of neglect, is now witnessing increased government attention through strategic investments aimed at unlocking its economic potential.
Speaking at the event, Senator Adeola pledged to build on the achievements of the current administration while pursuing transformative projects capable of accelerating economic growth and expanding opportunities across the state.
The APC governorship candidate said his administration would focus on initiatives aimed at positioning Ogun State as an oil-producing state through commercial oil exploration, facilitating the establishment of a deep seaport and reviving the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG) project.
He also pledged support for the agitation for the creation of Ijebu State and assured the people of Ijebuland of fair representation and equitable development under his administration.
Adeola expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers for their support for Governor Abiodun over the years and promised to sustain the developmental strides already recorded across the state.
On behalf of the traditional rulers, the Acting Chairman of the Ijebu Traditional Council and Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba, assured the governor that the royal fathers would support Senator Adeola’s governorship aspiration.
The monarch also pledged the support of the traditional institution for Governor Abiodun’s Ogun East Senatorial ambition, expressing confidence that continuity in leadership would facilitate the completion of ongoing projects and attract additional development to the senatorial district.
The event was attended by APC leaders, traditional rulers and political stakeholders from across the three senatorial districts of the state, including APC Chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi, former Deputy Governor Prince Segun Adesegun, Senator Lekan Mustapha and Senator Gbenga Kaka.
The meeting concluded with special prayers and royal blessings offered for Governor Abiodun, Senator Adeola and Mrs. Adegunwa-Balogun as preparations intensify for the 2027 governorship election.
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