Abiodun Introduces Adeola to Ijebu Kings, Says Fairness and Skill Influenced His Choice

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Friday introduced the APC governorship candidate, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, and his running mate, Mrs Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, to the Ijebu Traditional Council. He sought the support and blessings of the royal fathers ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The event took place at the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode. This was another important political meeting by the governor after Mr Adeola, the Senator from Ogun West Senatorial District, became the APC candidate.

While speaking to the traditional rulers, Governor Abiodun explained that he chose Mr Adeola as his preferred successor based on fairness and skill. He said Ogun West deserves the chance to have its first governor since Ogun State was created 50 years ago.

He stated, "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." He continued, "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."

Governor Abiodun remembered the prayers and support he got from the traditional institution when he sought their blessings before the 2019 election. He asked for the same goodwill for the APC governorship candidate.

"The same way you prayed for me in 2018 and have continued to support me over the past seven years, I ask that you extend the same prayers and support to him. I can confidently assure you that he will not disappoint the people of Ogun State," he said.

The governor also asked for support for the deputy governorship candidate, Mrs Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun. He described her as a successful professional whose experience would support Mr Adeola’s leadership.

Governor Abiodun highlighted his government’s work in Ijebuland. He said the promises he made to the traditional rulers before he became governor have either been fulfilled or are in progress.

He mentioned the rebuilding of the Ijebu-Ode-Epe Road, the Federal Government’s takeover of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), and the ongoing development of Ogun Waterside through important infrastructure and economic projects. He noted that Ogun Waterside, which had been neglected before now, is finally getting the attention it needs.

In his speech, Mr Adeola promised to build on the successes of Governor Abiodun's administration. He also said he would work on major economic projects to unlock Ogun Waterside's potential. He plans to make Ogun an oil-producing state through commercial oil exploration, set up a deep seaport, and revive the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG) project.

The APC governorship candidate also promised to support the push for the creation of Ijebu State. He wants to ensure that Ijebuland gets its fair share of development and attention from the government. "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," Mr Adeola said.

Speaking for the traditional rulers, the Acting Chairman of the Ijebu Traditional Council and Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba, assured Governor Abiodun that the kings would support Mr Adeola’s governorship ambition. He also promised the traditional institution’s support for Governor Abiodun’s Ogun East Senatorial bid, believing that continuity would ensure more development projects in the senatorial district.

The event, attended by APC leaders and stakeholders from all three senatorial districts of the state, ended with special royal blessings for Governor Abiodun, Mr Adeola, and Mrs Adegunwa-Balogun as they prepare for the 2027 elections.