Screenshot
Traditional rulers and retirees in Ogun State have thrown their weight behind the governorship ambition of All Progressives Congress candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly called Yayi.
The endorsement was announced on Monday during separate consultative meetings with the senator in Abeokuta, the state capital. The groups involved were the Ogun State Council of Baales and the Yayi Retirees Network, YAREN.
In a statement released on Tuesday, both groups said their decision was based on Adeola’s track record and their conviction that he is the best candidate to advance development in Ogun State.
The Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Baales, Chief Tunji Falola, who read the Baales’ communique, said the endorsement was due to Adeola’s “proven record of service, commitment to community development and vision for a greater Ogun State.”
“His record speaks for itself. Across Ogun West and the 20 local government areas, Senator Yayi has delivered projects including roads, schools, hospitals, markets, town halls, streetlights, water schemes, transformers, electricity projects and wide-ranging empowerment programmes,” Falola said.
He added that the Baales also appreciate the respect Adeola has shown traditional institutions, especially the Council of Baales.
Falola noted that as grassroots leaders, the Baales represent all segments of society and are ready to mobilize massive support for the APC candidate.
“As Baales, we don’t just follow any politician. We are backing Senator Adeola because of his good deeds and his support for us in the last four years. We are committed to ensuring he not only wins, but wins with votes that will surpass the highest tally of 450,000 previously recorded in Ogun,” he said.
He appealed to Adeola to place all Baales on a uniform salary and include them in his administration from May 29, 2027, especially at the local government level.
Speaking for the retirees, President of YAREN, Pastor Mrs. Mary Adeosun, said the group comprises Ogun indigenes who served in local, state and federal public service. She said YAREN currently has 1,865 members and is targeting 7,000.
“As educated people who have served the state, we came together to support Senator Adeola because of the projects he has executed across Ogun. Only someone who is blind will say they have not seen or benefited from them,” she said.
Adeosun added that the self-funded group, sustained by members’ pensions, believes Adeola is the right person to lead Ogun in 2027.
Responding, Adeola thanked the groups for their support. He said his relationship with traditional rulers predated the campaign.
“I will immediately provide a bus for the Baales and also pledge to provide one for each local government in due course. I will also address the issue of a uniform salary structure when elected,” he said.
He expressed surprise that the retirees endorsed him based on his record, even before meeting him.
“I cannot thank you enough for using your own resources to support me, not for any personal gain. This is the first time in my political career that mothers and fathers who are retirees are adopting and working for a candidate before even meeting the candidate. I will not take this for granted,” Adeola said.
He promised to consider the proposals submitted and to involve the retirees in his government to benefit from their experience.
Adeola was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Temitope Adeola; his running mate, Alhaja Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun; Ogun APC Chairman, Yemi Sanusi; Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako; former Deputy Governor, Alhaja Salmot Badru; and former Speakers, Mrs Titi Oseni and Suraju Adekumbi.
Other dignitaries present included former Ogun APC Chairman, Chief Derin Adebiyi; former Ogun PDP Chairman, Dr Sikirulai Ogundele; Senator Lekan Mustapha; Hon. Bode Mustapha; former APC governorship aspirant, Kayode Jelili Amusan; Hon. Bukky Braimoh; Hon. Segun Seriki; Chief Femi Majekodunmi; Chief Tunde Osinowo; and other APC leaders.
Advertisement
