Political calculations in Ogun State are intensifying as the 2027 gubernatorial election draws nearer, with a historic push for power shift taking centre stage. The Ogun West Senatorial District, which has not produced a governor in over four and a half decades, is rallying behind its most prominent son, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
A Long-Awaited Quest for Equity and Fairness
The campaign is rooted in a prolonged call for justice and a rebalancing of the state's political equation. Historically, the governorship position has been dominated by candidates from Ogun Central and Ogun East, leaving the Yewa-Awori people of Ogun West marginalised. Now, a broad coalition of stakeholders is throwing its weight behind the Ogun West Initiative, arguing that 2027 is the time for the district to finally take the reins of leadership.
At the heart of this movement is Senator Adeola, whose two-decade-long legislative career has made him the district's most viable flagbearer. His goodwill is not blind support; it is built on a foundation of tangible service delivery and quality representation. For Ogun West, his candidacy represents the most credible path to ending their prolonged political marginalisation.
The Yayi Blueprint: Infrastructure and Empowerment as a Testament
Senator Adeola's impact on Ogun West is visible and measurable, amounting to what many describe as an infrastructure revolution. His legislative tenure has been marked by the rapid execution of projects addressing fundamental needs.
In the education sector, he facilitated the construction of over 150 new classrooms across 25 locations. His most monumental achievement, however, was playing a pivotal role in transitioning the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, into a Federal University of Technology. This provides the region with its first premier degree-awarding institution, a key milestone for the 'Ogun West Lokan' agenda.
To tackle chronic power shortages, his interventions led to the installation of more than 200 electric transformers and the reactivation of critical infrastructure like the Ilaro-to-Ibeshe 33KV overhead lines. Strategic road projects, including the reconstruction of the abandoned Ilara-Ilashe road, have reconnected rural communities to economic hubs.
His empowerment schemes are equally impactful. The Oloja Yayi initiative has provided direct financial grants to over 5,500 market traders. In agriculture, over 50,000 farmers have received tractors, improved seedlings, and cash grants, bolstering the region's status as the state's food basket.
Healthcare access has also improved, with the completion of 32 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and specialised Intensive Care Units (ICUs) under his facilitation. This record of performance provides the moral and political capital fuelling his gubernatorial ambition.
From Lagos to Ilaro: A Strategic Homecoming
A remarkable aspect of Adeola's journey is his successful transition from representing Lagos West—Nigeria's largest senatorial district—to becoming the champion of Ogun West. Rather than being seen as an outsider, his move was embraced as a strategic homecoming.
He imported a tested blueprint of proactive representation and metropolitan governance experience from Nigeria's commercial nerve centre. By immersing himself in local traditional structures and aligning with grassroots youth movements, he reframed his narrative as one of repatriating success for the benefit of his kinsmen.
His ability to navigate the complex intra-party dynamics of the APC in Ogun State demonstrated political maturity. He successfully bridged his national influence with local needs, proving his mission is fundamentally about ending regional marginalisation, not just holding office.
As the pre-election manoeuvring reaches a fever pitch, Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) stands transformed from a candidate into the definitive vessel for Ogun West's historic struggle. In a race where experience is the ultimate currency, his two-decade track record offers the credibility the district believes it needs to lead Ogun State into a new era of inclusive governance.
