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, urging the royal fathers to support the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The presentation took place at the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode as part of the governor’s consultations with key stakeholders following the emergence of Senator Adeola as the APC governorship candidate.
Addressing members of the council, Abiodun said his endorsement of Adeola was guided by the principles of equity and competence, arguing that Ogun West Senatorial District should have the opportunity to produce the state’s governor for the first time since Ogun State was created in 1976.
According to the governor, his focus was on identifying a competent successor who would sustain the developmental programmes initiated by his administration rather than seeking to extend his influence in office.
“I was not looking for a third term, but for somebody who would comfortably step into my shoes and continue to build on what we have achieved from day one.
“I was looking for that person from Ogun West because it is only fair and just. In the last 50 years since the creation of Ogun State, no son of Ogun West has had the opportunity to serve as governor. In Senator Solomon Adeola, I have found all the qualities I have been looking for,” Abiodun said.
The governor recalled receiving the support and prayers of the traditional institution before the 2019 governorship election and appealed for similar backing for the APC governorship candidate.
He also described the deputy governorship candidate, Mrs. Adegunwa-Balogun, as an accomplished professional whose experience would complement Adeola’s leadership if elected.
Abiodun highlighted projects executed by his administration in Ijebuland, including 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 initiatives in Ogun Waterside.
He said the projects reflected his administration’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people of the area.
In his remarks, Senator Adeola pledged to consolidate on the achievements of the Abiodun administration while pursuing strategic economic projects aimed at accelerating the state’s development.
He listed plans to promote commercial oil exploration, facilitate the establishment of a deep seaport, revive the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG) project and support the campaign for the creation of Ijebu State.
“I appreciate the support our traditional rulers have given Governor Abiodun over the past seven years, and I assure you that we will build on his achievements while advancing projects that will accelerate the development of Ogun State,” Adeola said.
Speaking 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 of the council’s support for Senator Adeola’s governorship aspiration.
He also pledged the support of the traditional institution for Governor Abiodun’s bid for the Ogun East Senatorial seat, expressing the hope that continuity in leadership would facilitate the completion of ongoing developmental projects across the district.
The event was attended by APC leaders and stakeholders from the three senatorial districts of the state and concluded with royal blessings for Governor Abiodun, Senator Adeola and Mrs. Adegunwa-Balogun ahead of the 2027 general election.
