Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State — The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has paid a courtesy visit to the Awujale Interregnum Council, Chiefs and Otunbas of Ijebuland, seeking their support and cooperation ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The visit provided an opportunity for the Senator to pay homage to the traditional institution of Ijebuland and to present his vision for the continued development of Ogun State.

Addressing the gathering, Senator Adeola expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him and acknowledged the presence of the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Council, Olarogun Sunny Kuku, members of the traditional council, Chiefs, Otunbas and other political and community stakeholders.

Yayi recalled his close relationship with the late Awujale of Ijebuland, describing it as a deep father-and-son relationship built on mutual respect, affection and understanding. He said the relationship remained a significant part of his personal connection with Ijebuland and informed his decision to visit the traditional institution during this important period.

The Senator also highlighted some of the projects and interventions attributed to his representation across Ogun State, particularly those in Ogun East and Ijebu-Ode. His stated interventions across the state include road infrastructure, education, healthcare, electricity, water projects and empowerment initiatives. Reports on his three-year representation also listed 53 completed projects distributed across the three senatorial districts, including projects in Ogun East.

Speaking on his ambition to govern Ogun State, Senator Adeola solicited the support, prayers and cooperation of the traditional institution and the people of Ijebuland as he seeks to translate his legislative experience into state-wide governance.

He said his ambition was not merely about occupying office, but about building on existing development initiatives and creating a more integrated approach to governance across the three senatorial districts.

Central to his presentation was his proposed development agenda, “Itesiwaju Ipinle Ogun,” which focuses on continuity, economic development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, job creation, security and social welfare. His recently unveiled agenda also emphasises the continuation of viable projects and policies initiated by previous administrations rather than abandoning them because of political differences.

According to Senator Adeola, Ogun State possesses enormous economic and human potential, and sustained development would require cooperation among government, traditional institutions, the private sector and the people.

He further emphasised the importance of ensuring that development reaches all parts of the state, including Ogun East, Ogun Central and Ogun West, with attention to the peculiar needs of each senatorial district.

The Senator’s engagement with the traditional institution came at a time when political stakeholders across Ogun State are beginning preparations for the 2027 governorship election. The Ijebu Traditional Council had earlier been reported to have endorsed Senator Adeola and his running mate during a meeting at the Palace of the Awujale in July 2026.

The courtesy visit ended with Senator Adeola expressing his continued respect for the traditional institution of Ijebuland and his commitment to maintaining dialogue with traditional rulers and other stakeholders as he pursues his gubernatorial ambition.

He reiterated his message of “Itesiwaju Ipinle Ogun” — moving Ogun State forward, presenting continuity, development and inclusive governance as central themes of his proposed administration