Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has 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 support and blessings of the royal fathers ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The presentation took place on Friday at the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode as part of the governor’s consultations following Adeola’s emergence as the APC flag bearer.
Addressing the traditional rulers, Abiodun said his endorsement of Adeola was guided by the principles of equity 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 50 years ago.
The governor stressed that he was not searching for a successor to secure a third term by proxy but for a capable leader who would sustain the developmental strides of his administration.
According to him, Adeola possesses the qualities needed to consolidate on his administration’s achievements and move the state forward.
Abiodun recalled the support and prayers he received from the traditional institution before the 2019 election and appealed to the monarchs to extend the same goodwill to the APC governorship candidate.
He also urged them to support Adegunwa-Balogun, describing her as an accomplished professional whose corporate experience would strengthen the incoming administration.
The governor highlighted projects executed in Ijebuland under his administration, 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 projects in Ogun Waterside.
He added that Ogun Waterside, which had experienced years of neglect, is now receiving significant government attention.
In his remarks, Adeola pledged to build on the achievements of the Abiodun administration while pursuing major economic initiatives to unlock the potential of Ogun Waterside.
The APC governorship candidate said his administration would work towards making Ogun an oil-producing state through commercial oil exploration, facilitate the establishment of a deep seaport, and revive the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG) project.
Adeola also promised to support the agitation for the creation of Ijebu State while ensuring equitable development across Ijebuland.
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 Adeola’s governorship ambition.
The monarch also pledged support for Governor Abiodun’s Ogun East Senatorial ambition, expressing confidence that continuity in leadership would promote more developmental projects across the district.
The event was attended by APC leaders and stakeholders from the three senatorial districts of the state and ended with royal blessings for Abiodun, Adeola and Adegunwa-Balogun ahead of the 2027 elections.